We all know that the more fresh food we eat as humans, the healthier we are. This is the same for our dogs! More and more people are choosing to introduce fresh, plant-based meals into their dog’s diet because of the huge health benefits. This blog post will outline some of the reasons why feeding fresh is best.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Dogs have complicated nutritional needs so make sure that you follow recipes approved by UK registered vets (even if developed by a canine nutritionist).
Why your dog’s diet is important
Like us, dog’s need certain vitamins and minerals to live a long and healthy life. Their digestive and cellular systems benefit from fresh, non-processed dog food. This doesn’t mean you have to feed fresh every meal, even introducing a few fresh meals a week may dramatically improve their health! As the famous saying goes; “you are what you eat”.
#1 Fresh Food is Healthy Food
It sounds obvious, but it is true. How do you feel when you eat a home-cooked meal with veggies? You feel amazing, right? This is the same for our dogs. Ensuring that your dog gets nutrients straight from the source could help with the following:
- Poos are better (this is certainly true for Fleet since she started to eat 50% home-cooked food)
- More energy
- Better sleep
- Stay fuller for longer
- Lose weight
#2 Your Dog Will Love it
A dog’s sense of smell is known to be about 40 times better than ours. When you cook fresh, homemade food for your dog, they can smell all the quality ingredients and essential amino acids which their bodies crave. We haven’t had a customer yet who says that their dog doesn’t like Fleetful dog food.
If your dog is used to low-quality kibble or tins of food, they may feel weird at first eating fresh. Be persistent, they will surprise you! Once they have eaten fresh a few times they will be addicted!
#3 Less Waste
Cooking in large batches is a great way to minimise waste. You could try using reusable BPA free and freezer safe stackable tubs to portion out food.
Did you know that using a Fleetful dog food kit will save 20 tins from landfill? We source our organic ingredients without single-use plastics so you can feel safe in the knowledge that you are keeping waste to a minimum.
#4 You know the source of your dog’s food
Knowing exactly what your dog is eating can be beneficial.
- You may want to source your vegetables locally or organically.
- You may want to make sure that you know exactly what is happening to your dog’s food from start to finish.
- If you grow your own food in the garden, you could add some veggies to your dog’s diet. Alongside the marvellous sustainable feeling of growing your own veg, you can also ensure that it isn’t picked early for transportation. Picking early can mean less time for nutrients (and taste!) to develop.
There has been little research into the impact of preservatives and additives on dogs. If we applied research in humans, it would probably be safe to assume that the fewer additives and preservatives they eat, the better.
#5 Best Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamins and minerals for all beings. It is important to be reminded that dogs need a complex balance of vitamins and minerals - some of which are difficult (and some impossible) to source in plants. Fleetful dog food kits, once cooked and the recipe is followed, provide dogs with a 100% balanced meal. We include a natural supplement in the dog food kit that must never be heated to ensure that your dog receives everything they need nutrition-wise. We advise against feeding your dog regularly with recipes not approved by a vet.
So there we go! Lots of things to consider! Feeding fresh has a lot of benefits. Our Fleetful Dog Food Kits are vet formulated to be 100% complete once the recipe is followed. You can feel safe in the knowledge that your home cooking truly is the best for your dog.
Let us know below what you think and your experience of feeding fresh, plant-based foods!