Diet: The Most Important Aspect of Caring for Your Puppy
You've done the research to find just the right Westie for your family, made the investment to get a great bloodline and have done all the preparation for the commitment ahead to train your new baby to become the best friend you imagine. Don't make any compromises on the diet! The nutrition that you feed your dog will have a great impact on his health and longevity.
Critical Philosophy
Feeding your dog just what it needs for optimum health is the key to avoiding health issues such as allergies, cancers and many health issues that plague more and more puppies now.
Recommended Educational Resources
I highly recommend watching this video... not that I endorse his food (pricey and freeze dried), but his explanation of what a dog needs (and doesn't need, like preservatives and by products) for optimal health is thorough and easy to follow.
Must-Watch Resources
- DOGFOODEXPOSE.COM
- Dr. Becker Discusses Raw Diet - A great 3-part video on YouTube
The Essential 4 Components
The point is that every dog needs 4 things in their diet to have their best life:
| Component | Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Real, Raw Meat | 70% | Raw contains enzymes necessary for health |
| Organ Meat | 25% | Essential nutrients from organs |
| Omegas + Probiotics/Prebiotics | 5% | Salmon oils, coconut oils, gut health |
Why Raw?
Raw meat contains enzymes necessary for health that are destroyed during cooking.
Ways to Achieve a Raw Diet (Even on a Budget)
There are several ways to achieve providing your puppy with the nutrients it needs, even on a budget.
Option 1: Raw Food Delivery Companies
There are several companies that are highly rated that provide complete meals and deliver to your door at reasonable prices. I have an extensive list if you want it or you could just contact a few of my favorites:
- WeFeedRaw.com (Charleston SC)
- DarwinsPet.com
Option 2: Local Butcher
Check with your local butcher for the "saw dust" meat cleaned off of their daily blade cuts. This looks like hamburger and is often given for free.
Option 3: Hamburger Meat Supplement
Hamburger meat, the size of an egg given daily with their usual diet can provide at least a portion of fresh meat. (You can make these up ahead of time into meatballs and freeze for daily giving.)
Option 4: Homemade Preparation
The Farmer's Dog or YouTube have recipes if you have the time and want to prepare your dog's meals yourself. Just be sure to include all of the necessary ingredients above so there are no voids in his nutrition.
Tips for Healthy Treats
Raw Eggs
Raw eggs are an excellent healthy treat for your dog. (There is a lot of info on Google about all of the benefits of eggs for complete nutrition. Check it out.)
Plain or Vanilla Yogurt
A great treat daily to provide healthy gut probiotics. I give about a tablespoon a day.
CRITICAL WARNING
BE SURE TO AVOID ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS; THESE ARE DEADLY TO DOGS!
Coconut Oil
1 teaspoon a day drizzled over food or alone.
Dinotive LICK-O-CHOPS
Dogs LOVE this drizzle of Omegas and it's healthy!
Key Suppliers & Resources
Why Raw Diet Matters
The nutrition philosophy behind raw feeding is simple: dogs evolved to eat whole, fresh foods in their natural state. Processed foods often contain preservatives, by-products, and excessive carbohydrates that can lead to:
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Digestive issues
- Skin and coat problems
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Reduced longevity
By feeding a species-appropriate raw diet with the proper nutrient ratios, you're giving your Westie the best chance at a long, healthy, vibrant life.