I feed raw, not kibble, but here is a list of some of the supplements I use. Most of the info is from the BARFWorld website or my personal notes from research:
COD LIVER OIL
-excellent source of ACTIVATED omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, Vitamins A and D.
-improves the health of the skin and the body's ability to deal with inflammation.
-aids the liver, strengthens bones, and the nervous system
-calcium is better assimilated in the presence of Vitamin D.
DOSE - feed 3-4 days per week
10 lb - 1/4tsp
25 lb - 1/2tsp
50 lb - 1 tsp
75 lb - 1 1/2 tsp
100 lb - 2 tsp
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WILD ATLANTIC SALMON OIL
-ACTIVATED source of omega-3 essential fatty acids.
-important for the regulation of blood pressure, reproductive health, muscle contractions, blood clotting, inflammation.
DOSE - 1/2 tsp per every 20 lb per day.
OR
GROUND ORGANIC FLAX SEED
-INACTIVATED source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, but much cheaper than salmon oil.
DOSE - 2-3 TBSP per day.
Omega-3 EFAs are commonly lacking in commercially prepared pet foods.
Activated EFA's are much easier for the dog's body to use immediately because they do not require conversion by enzymes, like the inactivated EFA's do, to be used by the dog's body.
**Omega-6 EFAs can be supplemented by Evening Primrose Oil (activated) or vegetable oils (inactivated). Omega-6 EFAs are found in sufficient amounts in raw meat and eggs and therefore do not need to be added to a balanced diet. Excess of omega-6 EFAs can cause health problems. When excess omega-6 is paired with a lack of omega-3 skin, reproductive and growth problems can occur.
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
-source of 19 of the 22 essential minerals
-fights body toxins
-aids in digestion of bones (I've read this but don't know if it's an old wives tale or not).
DOSE - 1/2 tsp per day.
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VITAMIN E CAPSULES
DOSE - every day
10 lb - 50 IU
25 lb - 100 IU
50 lb - 200 IU
75 lb - 400 IU
100 lb - 600 IU
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BARFPLUS SUPPLEMENT (or 1/2 kelp + 1/2 alfalfa)
(product info straight from BARFWorld)
This supplement can be added to kibble as well.
Contains:
-ORGANIC ICELANDIC KELP
Kelp has a high fiber content and is important for the proper function of the thyroid gland. It is used for anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic properties and also for its ability to cleanse the digestive tract.
-ORGANIC ALFALFA GRASS, BARLEY GRASS, WHEAT GRASS, TRITICALE GREENS AND FLAX MEAL
These vibrant green plants contain natural enzymes, high in antioxidants and a mixture of broad-spectrum nutrients and phytochemicals.
-VEGETABLE CONCENTRATES
Contain important Phyto chemicals that are substances found in fruits and vegetables which appear to play a role in protecting the body against diseases affecting the immune system.
-SOURCES OF INDOLE-3-CARBINOL
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kale, Garlic, Mustard Greens
-CAROTENOID VEGETABLES SUPPLIES BETA CAROTENE
Banana Pepper, Carrot, Yellow Squash, Yam
-LEAFY GREENS AS A SOURCE OF CHOLORPHYLL
Parsley, Spinach, Amaranth, Watercress
-MULTI FRUIT FIBER
Apple fiber, Citrus fruit Pectin, Prune fiber, Beet fiber, Black currant fiber.
Fiber is an intestinal detoxifier, helping to maintain bacterial balance, while removing heavy metals and other toxins from the body. The cellulose is partially digested by microflora in the gut and is an important source of short chain fatty acids that nourish the intestinal walls.
NON DAIRY MULTI STRAIN PROBIOTIC BLEND - (2.5 billion organisms)
Beneficial colon bacteria help to restore a proper digestive environment, assisting in nutrient assimilation and immune function.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus caucasicus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifideum.
-FULL SPECTRUM ENZYMES
There are two major enzyme systems - metabolic enzymes and digestive enzymes. Metabolic enzymes are required for body function and digestive enzymes digest different food groups. When digestive enzymes are taken through an exogenous source, the body can preserve this 'life energy" for metabolic purpose thereby increasing life expectancy and also preventing disease.
-STARCH DIGESTING ENZYMES
Alpha amylase, Beta amylase, Glucoamylase, Lactase, Maltase, Saccharase
-FAT DIGESTING ENZYMES - Esterase, Lipase, Lipoprotease
-FIBER DIGESTING ENZYMES - Cellulase, Hemicellulase, Pectinase
Protein digesting enzymes - Bromelain, Acid protease, Neutral peptidase, Papain
DOSE - every day
10 - 25 lb - 1/2 tsp
50 lb - 1 tsp
75 lb - 2 tsp
100 lb - 1 TBSP
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CRUSHED EGGSHELLS
-natural source of calcium
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For more info check out
http://www.barfworld.com/html/barf_diet/barfdiet.shtml and look at the supplements link.
With a well balanced diet involving lots of variety supplements are not required. My guys are young and still growing and developing so I choose to supplement (it gives me peace of mind!)
Hope this helps!
Tam
