Although supplementation for raw-fed dogs may sometimes be necessary, there is no need to purchase synthetic supplements simply to meet the NRC and AAFCO guidelines. Choosing to supplement should be based on clinical signs of disease, inability to source enough whole foods, or clinical health markers indicating the need for an increase in a specific nutrient. Whole-food supplementation is always preferable to synthetic supplements.

A primary benefit of making your dog’s raw diet is that it is customizable. Every dog is different. You are feeding the dog in front of you only. Supplementing with purpose or pulse dosing is recommended. 

When you provide a variety of proteins, including the essential components of a fresh diet (protein, calcium, organ meats, Omega-3s, and fiber), your dog’s diet will be balanced over time. If you cannot feed 4-6 proteins monthly, consider adding these other whole foods into your dog’s daily routine. 

Oysters are low in calories and high in healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, and protein. They are a great source of Vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids. 

Their high zinc level is often the primary reason for feeding oysters. Dogs fed meat from conventional factory farms may need additional zinc . However, organically pasture-raised animals  have much higher zinc levels and other minerals. Feeding your dog higher-quality meats may negate the need for zinc supplementation. 

Another benefit is that oysters contain antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative damage and contribute to overall well-being. They are a natural source of the amino acid taurine, essential for heart health and maintaining good vision in dogs.

2-3 oysters for large and giant breed dogs

Raw oysters may carry the risk of bacterial contamination, so it is safer to serve oysters gently cooked to minimize this risk. Canned oysters stored in spring water with no oils or spices are easy to source and safe to feed.

Remove the shells to prevent choking hazards or dental issues if you provide whole oysters.  As with all new foods, monitor your dog for adverse reactions when feeding oysters. Some dogs may be allergic to shellfish or seafood. 

Kelp, a type of seaweed often integrated as a dietary supplement for dogs, boasts a spectrum of potential health benefits. It furnishes various nutrients, making it a valuable addition to a canine diet. One primary rationale for including it in your dogs is its role as an exceptional source of iodine —an elemental component crucial for thyroid function. Maintaining adequate iodine levels is pivotal in regulating metabolism and ensuring overall well-being.

Rich in various minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, kelp bolsters bone health and overall nutritional fortification. Moreover, it offers vital vitamins, including vitamin K, pivotal for blood clotting, and several B vitamins for energy metabolism and overall vitality.

The nutritional benefits of kelp extend further to encompass Omega-3 fatty acids, promoting skin health while curbing inflammation, natural antioxidants fortifying cellular defense mechanisms and bolstering the immune system, dietary fiber supporting optimal digestion in dogs, and the presence of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, both favorable for joint health.

However, each species of kelp embodies a distinct nutrient profile. Notably, the iodine content can markedly differ across kelp species. Prominent kelp species that contain high levels of iodine include  Laminaria digitata, Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus, and Macrocystis.

Excessive iodine intake can lead to thyroid and other health problems, so it is essential to use kelp or kelp-based supplements in moderation. The recommended dosage for kelp, unless otherwise instructed on the label:

1/4 teaspoon for large and giant breed dogs 

Green-Lipped Mussels for Omega-3, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin

Green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) are a favored canine dietary supplement renowned for their abundant reservoir of Omega-3 fatty acids , glucosamine, chondroitin, and an array of vitamins, including E, C, and various B vitamins. These mussels also pack a mineral punch with zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.

The combination of Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin in green-lipped mussels makes them appealing for bolstering joint health and reducing inflammation in dogs suffering from arthritis or joint concerns.

These mussels can be incorporated into a dog's diet, whether raw, air-dried, or as a powdered meal enhancer. Backed by evidence, green-lipped mussel supplements have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing dogs' joint mobility, preserving cartilage, and fortifying cardiovascular health. Moreover, they serve as an optimal seafood component for an ancestral diet regimen.

A comprehensive study concluded that a safe daily dose for pain and inflammation management in dogs with arthritis is:

Tripe, the stomach lining of ruminant animals like cattle, sheep, buffalo, goats, and deer, undergoes different treatments that result in distinct forms: bleached tripe, commonly found in grocery stores, and green tripe in its natural, unaltered state.

Bleached tripe, marketed for human consumption, undergoes a washing or bleaching process, stripping it of its natural attributes—color, aroma, and much of its nutritional value.

Conversely, green tripe retains its natural state, characterized by a greenish-brown hue due to undigested plant matter and digestive fluids in the stomach lining. Because of its nutritional benefits, green tripe is a valuable addition to your dog's diet.

Rich in natural enzymes and probiotics , green tripe supports digestive health and fosters a balanced gut microbiome . These enzymes facilitate food breakdown, aiding nutrient absorption and enhancing overall health in dogs.

Because green tripe is highly palatable to dogs, it often entices even those picky eaters to consume their meals, proving beneficial for those hesitant to eat.

When selecting green tripe, opting for high-quality sources, such as organic or grass-fed animals, ensures purity devoid of additives or contaminants. Notably, grass-fed tripe exudes a vivid green hue compared to the brownish tint of grain-fed counterparts.

While green tripe offers numerous benefits, gradual introduction into a dog's diet is wise, as some dogs may exhibit sensitivities or allergies. Monitoring for adverse reactions allows for proper adjustment.

The advantages of incorporating green tripe into a dog's diet include:

Living digestive enzymes promote gut health and nutrient assimilation.

Unique amino acids support muscle recovery, cartilage production, and wound healing and bolster the immune system.

Maintains the ideal phosphorus-calcium ratio crucial for bone, teeth, muscle, heart, kidney, and nervous system health.

Offers a balanced blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Contains chlorophyll, aiding blood and lymph detoxification and exhibiting potential in cancer prevention.

Your dog's size and tolerance determine the appropriate dosage of green tripe, as its richness might induce diarrhea in excessive quantities. Gradual introduction, starting with small portions, allows observation for any digestive disruptions.

Because Vitamin E  is required for cell function and fat metabolism in dogs, it must be included in adequate levels in your dog’s diet. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that occurs naturally in many foods but may require supplementation in raw-fed dogs to help absorb other fats.

Vitamin E is most commonly found in nuts and seeds. However, grass-fed beef liver is the best source for your dog's vitamin E. Grass-fed meats have four times the amount of vitamin E as grain-fed or grain-finished meats. This is due to the increased quantities of vitamin E in the grass, which results in higher tissue levels of vitamin E. The color of grass-fed meat is red and vivid (associated with oxymyoglobin), whereas grain-fed meat is brown.

If your dog is fed commercial meat that is not officially labeled and recognized as grass-fed, it may need a vitamin E supplement. Instead of a ‘medicinal’ supplement, a healthier way to achieve the proper amount of vitamin E would be to incorporate sardines, sunflower seeds, eggs, or leafy green vegetables into your dog’s diet.

The daily recommended dosage is 400 IU for small dogs and 800 IU for large dogs of Vitamin E. However, reviewing your dog's clinical health markers with your veterinarian is essential before implementing a medicinal supplement.

An antioxidant  is a compound that counteracts the impact of free radicals and oxidized atoms within the body, effectively limiting or preventing cellular damage. These beneficial compounds are abundantly available in fresh raw vegetables and fruits. Specifically, colorful fruits and vegetables like blueberries, goji berries, carrots, and dark leafy greens boast exceptionally high concentrations of antioxidants.

For dogs averse to fruits and vegetables, alternative sources of antioxidants can be found in mushrooms, pine bark extract, milk thistle, and phytoestrogens like soybeans. Additionally, various spices such as rosemary, thyme, marjoram, oregano, sage, basil, pepper, clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg are abundant in antioxidants and can be incorporated into your dog's meals.

Whole foods containing vitamins C, E, and A, quercetin, coenzyme Q10, and decaffeinated green tea also provide valuable antioxidants. Minerals like selenium, manganese, and zinc possess antioxidant properties. Introducing a diverse range of foods into your dog's diet ensures a supply of various antioxidants, each with distinct reactions within the body. This variety contributes significantly to your dog's overall health and well-being.

Supplementation may be necessary in some cases.

Whole-food supplementation is preferable to synthetic store-bought supplements.

Unless your dog displays clinical signs of disease, you won’t know they are deficient without a blood test or fur analysis.

Evaluating Complementary Therapies for Canine Osteoarthritis Part I: Green-lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus) 

Iodine Status and Thyroid Function in a Group of Seaweed Consumers in Norway 

Anti-inflammatory response of dietary vitamin E and its effects on pain and joint structures during early stages of surgically induced osteoarthritis in dogs 

Their high zinc level is often the primary reason for feeding oysters. Dogs fed meat from conventional factory farms may need <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/zinc-for-raw-feeders">additional zinc</a> . However, <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/grassfed-versus-grainfed-muscle-meat">organically pasture-raised animals</a>  have much higher zinc levels and other minerals. Feeding your dog higher-quality meats may negate the need for zinc supplementation. 

Kelp, a type of seaweed often integrated as a dietary supplement for dogs, boasts a spectrum of potential health benefits. It furnishes various nutrients, making it a valuable addition to a canine diet. One primary rationale for including it in your dogs is its role as an exceptional <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/iodine-for-raw-feeders">source of iodine</a> —an elemental component crucial for thyroid function. Maintaining adequate iodine levels is pivotal in regulating metabolism and ensuring overall well-being.

Green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) are a favored canine dietary supplement renowned for their abundant reservoir of <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/balancing-omega3-and-omega6">Omega-3 fatty acids</a> , glucosamine, chondroitin, and an array of vitamins, including E, C, and various B vitamins. These mussels also pack a mineral punch with zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.

Rich in natural enzymes and <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/prebiotics-and-probiotics-boost-your-dogs-health">probiotics</a> , green tripe supports digestive health and fosters a balanced <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/learning-about-the-gut-microbiome">gut microbiome</a> . These enzymes facilitate food breakdown, aiding nutrient absorption and enhancing overall health in dogs.

Because <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/vitamin-e-for-raw-feeders">Vitamin E</a>  is required for cell function and fat metabolism in dogs, it must be included in adequate levels in your dog’s diet. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that occurs naturally in many foods but may require supplementation in raw-fed dogs to help absorb other fats.

An <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/free-radicals-and-natural-antioxidants">antioxidant</a>  is a compound that counteracts the impact of free radicals and oxidized atoms within the body, effectively limiting or preventing cellular damage. These beneficial compounds are abundantly available in fresh raw vegetables and fruits. Specifically, colorful fruits and vegetables like blueberries, goji berries, carrots, and dark leafy greens boast exceptionally high concentrations of antioxidants.

<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722199/">Evaluating Complementary Therapies for Canine Osteoarthritis Part I: Green-lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus)</a> 

<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7697291/">Iodine Status and Thyroid Function in a Group of Seaweed Consumers in Norway</a> 

<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3700444/">Anti-inflammatory response of dietary vitamin E and its effects on pain and joint structures during early stages of surgically induced osteoarthritis in dogs</a> 

<a href="https://ivcjournal.com/raw-green-tripe/">The benefits of raw </a>green tripe<a href="https://ivcjournal.com/raw-green-tripe/"> for dogs and cats | IVC Journal</a> 

Optional Supplements for Raw-Fed Dogs

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