Primal Diet for Dogs

Dogs were domesticated fairly recently, and some pet owners believe that the pet-food industry has gone too far in changing most dry dog food to grain-based formulas, which are primarily carbohydrates rather than protein. Wolves eat raw meat and bones, and a primal diet for a domestic dog follows a similar format. It is thought to be a healthier and more natural diet for a dog, and supporters believe it will improve the dog's overall health.

  1. Meat

    • Commercial pet food is usually made up mainly of grains, which is less expensive to produce. It has been blamed in part for teeth problems and food allergy problems by some vets and owners. Primal diets for dogs include several different types of meat, since dogs eat a variety of meats in the wild. Dogs prefer cheaper, more nutrient-rich cuts of meat such as the organs and marrow rather than the cuts that humans usually love. When feeding your dog a primal diet, feed it raw meat on the bone. Owners who adhere to the primal diet suggest organic, grass-fed meats, especially since you will be feeding your dog the inexpensive parts of the animal.

    Bones

    • Bones are a controversial part of this diet, especially after the FDA issued a statement on April 20, 2010, suggesting that feeding any bone to your dog is more dangerous than it is worth. However, the primal diet for dogs says that feeding raw bones with the meat that is given at meals will improve your dog's teeth and overall health. They are promoted as being more malleable than cooked bones, so they are less likely to splinter and harm the dog. This should be discussed with your veterinarian before you decide to pursue it.

    Fish Oil

    • As a supplement to raw meat and vegetables, oily fish or fish-oil supplements can be given to your dog to improve its coat quality. Popular types of fish to feed a dog on a primal diet include sardines, mackerel and herring, but any raw oily fish will work nicely.

    Vegetables

    • Though dogs are carnivores, it is still recommended that you include raw vegetables in a primal diet. Carrots are often a favorite treat and can improve teeth quality if your dog chews them often. Other raw vegetables and fruits such as spinach, broccoli, apples and blueberries can be ground up and fed to the dog as well. This adds valuable nutrients to the primal diet that are not acquired easily through meat. It is best to use organic fruits and vegetables.

    Transition

    • There are two different methods on how to properly transition your dog to a primal diet, and it will probably come down to your particular dog to determine which method is best. The first method is switching fully and directly from processed food to a raw primal diet. This has a small potential to upset your dog's stomach and cause some complications, such as diarrhea and gas, for a few days. This is especially likely if your dog is sensitive to any switches in diet. The other method is a gradual transition, which rarely causes any complications. You can do this by adding some raw food to the dog's regular meal for a few days and then fully switching one meal a day to a raw meal.