Everyone's talking about rotating proteins for dogs and balanced diets these days, and it can get confusing with so many different opinions out there. At Healthy Dogma, we believe that achieving a balanced diet is a journey, not a race. You don't have to stress about getting everything perfect every single day.
Instead of focusing on each meal, look back at your pet's diet over a few weeks. That's where you'll see the bigger picture of their nutritional needs.
A key part of that picture? Offering at least three different proteins! There are some really good reasons for this, and we're here to explain them. Keep reading to learn the benefits of rotating proteins for dogs and why it should be on your dog's menu plan.
Why Rotating Protein For Dogs Matters?
Who would want to eat the same thing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day? Not very exciting, right? Our pets feel the same way! Rotating proteins for dogs is key to keeping their food interesting and preventing boredom.
Variety helps keep your pet excited about their meals and less likely to turn up their noses at their food bowl. This is especially important for cats, who can be quite picky because they love what they love and are not big on change.
While many dogs are happy to eat whatever you put in front of them, some can get picky too. Rotating their proteins can help prevent that “I'm so over this food” look. Remember, it's all about keeping their meals healthy, exciting and enjoyable!
Mixing It Up! White Meat and Red Meat
It's important to include both white meats like chicken, duck, and turkey, and red meats like lamb, beef, and buffalo in your pet's diet. Ideally, you'll want to rotate them so they get a mix of each.
Different proteins have different nutrients, so offering a variety helps your pet get a wider range of healthy stuff. Take turkey, for example. It's packed with potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, niacin, and riboflavin. Also, most turkey mixes are lower in fat, making it a good choice for many pups.
Chicken liver and beef liver, even though they're both livers, have very different vitamins and minerals. Beef liver is packed with vitamin B12 and copper, while chicken liver is a great source of folate, iron, and selenium. This is just one example of how different proteins can provide different nutrients for your pet.
Grain-Fed vs. Grass-Fed
When it comes to feeding our pets, choosing foods closer to their natural diet is often best. Grass-fed beef, for example, is a great choice because it's closer to what animals were meant to eat. While it might have less total fat than grain-fed beef, it's full of omega-3s and CLA – healthy fats that can boost their well-being.
Whenever possible, opt for grass-fed or free-range protein sources to give your dog the best natural nutrition!
Not Rotating Proteins for Dogs Can Be Bad for Them
You know how we love trying new restaurants and flavors? Well, our dogs like that too! Giving them the same food all the time isn't good. They might get picky or even get sick. It's better to give them different foods. It's like a fun food trip for them! It makes them happy and gives them what they need to be healthy. Not to mention, it helps puppies develop good eating habits right from the start.
How Often Should You Rotate Proteins
There's no magic number when it comes to how often you change up your pet's protein sources. A good rule of thumb is to include at least one white meat and one red meat each week and make sure they get at least three different proteins in their diet over a 3-4 week period.
We get that not everyone can afford all the fancy protein options, that’s why we offer affordable PetMix options that make it easy to give your dog variety! You can choose our Original or Super Green PetMix formulas and add your own protein sources, or pick one of our pre-made mixes with all the good stuff. No matter which option you choose, you can be sure your dog is getting natural clean ingredients and great nutrition.
The key is to keep things interesting over time! Don't be afraid to experiment and try different proteins whenever you can. You can even try a new protein every few weeks or months. The goal is to offer a diverse and exciting menu for your pet.
A Gentle Transition to a New Favorite Meal
Changing your dog’s food to something new, like our healthy PetMix, should be done gradually over several days. This helps their tummy adjust and prevents any upset.
Gradually introduce PetMix by starting with a small amount mixed with their current food. Over about 7-10 days, slowly increase the amount of PetMix until it makes up the majority of their meal. Click here to see the preparation methods
Pay attention to how they’re eating, their energy levels, and their poop to make sure they’re doing well. Remember, it’s important to be patient and make changes to your dog’s diet slowly. This includes introducing new treats or supplements too. With a little time and care, your dog will easily adapt to their new healthy food!
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