Welcome! This diet is designed to be easy, effective and affordable for you and your dog. It can be raw or modified raw. The diets recommended in many books can be confusing and expensive and difficult to implement in the average person's lifestyle. This plan is for people who are just beginning to incorporate natural feeding or for those who find other recipes too complicated or expensive. This diet uses grocery store foods and organic foods. This diet is not "rocket science": however it will deliver far more nutritious and usable food elements than any processed commercial product. Raw is preferred in doing this program, but if the dog or cat refuses to eat certain things raw, then try that item cooked in the diet. The protein in this kind of diet is high quality and easily digested, therefore far less will be undigested to trigger allergies. This diet is low in grains (not well used by a dog or cat anyway) and is formulated to duplicate what they would obtain in nature as much as possible, considering the availability of ingredients and time constraints of our daily life. This diet can also be a modified raw diet, or part raw and part cooked if needed. Carnivores (dogs and cats ARE carnivores by nature) need protein, fat, plant carbohydrates and very little grain (their dietary needs are different from people). They need fruits and vegetables and "greens" just like we do. Studies show that dogs do not convert complex carbohydrates to energy for daily needs. They use fat for 80% of their direct energy needs. When a dog is too fat, reduce the carbohydrates first and don't deprive the dog of protein and fats and vegetables. Scrutinize senior foods to be sure you are not loading carbohydrates and drastically cutting the essential proteins and fats. Carbohydrates make them fat and elevate sugar levels, just like in us. Watch out for "Lite" foods for this reason. Labels with "meat" as a first ingredient do not insure the food is low in grains. Labels can be deceptive. For puppies and pregnant bitches, you may add extra bone meal or a calcium supplement, such as DogZymes Bone Builder or organic natural bone meal. The puppy, the athlete, the couch potato dog, the working dog, or the old timer all usually do much better when fed a diet with a good variety of natural meat, vegetables and even some fruit. This is the best way to assure you are getting REAL antioxidants and highly digestible proteins and fats that can protect the health of the animal, just as in humans. Even if you feed raw foods, use the probiotic DogZymes Digestive Enhancer, as it protects the gut from possible pathogens that could be present. This is the easiest way to protect the digestive tract for the lifetime of the dog. If you are changing diets or the animal is stressed, use a double dose of DogZymes Digestive Enhancer. This keeps the digestive tract and bowel stable and the transition smooth. This is one of the most important additions you make every day. Just because a product is labeled as a "probiotic" does not mean it is equal in analysis and numbers to DogZymes brands. There is a vast difference in brands. Highest analysis and quality yields highest results and digestive protection. Portions: This diet is very flexible. Start with about the same volume of food the dog or cat has already been consuming. Watch the dog's condition for a week and if you see undesired weight gain, cut the portions until you reach maintenance level. We recommend 2 to 3 feedings daily if possible. If you make a mistake one day don't panic, just straighten things out the next day. The dog usually makes its own metabolic adjustments and will be just fine. Things will happen and we all survive.
This diet recommends a 50%-10%-40% meat-carbohydrate-vegetable mixture for all dogs or cats. For dogs needing extra protein and energy for hunting, working, racing, etc, we alter the ratio to 60-30-20. Although this change is not absolutely necessary, the higher protein and fat provide support for these added nutritional demands. When stress and demands stop, go back to 50-10-40 ratio recommendations. You can safely omit grains entirely if it is determined that your dog's tolerance to grains is in question. We can substitute other carbohydrates that work better. An important part of using this diet is to rotate the foods during the week. Providing a broader nutritional base is important to more closely duplicate a natural diet and meet the body's needs. Add Bone Builder 122 when feeding meat without bones in it. You do not need the extra bone meal if the dog or cat is consuming bones in the meal. Use 2-3 Tablespoons of bone meal or 1 teaspoon of Bone Builder per pound of boneless meat. When feeding a pregnant bitch or fast growing puppies, a little more may be needed for growth demands and size increases. During these times, add extra bone meal to the food at 1 teaspoon per cup of food mix, or use whatever special brand of calcium supplement you like, but follow the directions. If you are trembling at the thought of putting raw food in your pet's mouth, start with meat cooked rare and work yourway up to raw and be confident in that you are doing what is best for your animals. One of the most important reasons to feed DogZymes Digestive Enhancer in every meal is to keep beneficial bacteria levels high in case a bad bacterium gets into the food. When good bacteria levels are correct, bad bacteria are kept in check. Isn't Mother Nature amazing? For those who are apprehensive in starting this feeding program, our consultation service can take the jitters out of getting started or to discuss special needs. We do not charge any fees for light consultations. Take a deep breath and relax. If you can prepare food for yourself and your family, you can do this.
MEAT & PROTEINS Raw or rare beef - Ground Beef or chunks Venison - Raw or cooked Poultry - Raw necks & backs bones (These are safe bones) Poultry wings, legs, thighs - raw or cooked and de-boned Lamb - Raw or cooked de-boned except for raw joint bones Bison/Buffalo - Raw or cooked Cottage cheese or yogurt - Natural type or organic, not low/no no fat brand Fish - Mackerel, salmon, sardines, tuna, smelt (should be de-boned) Eggs - Cooked or raw, with or without shells Organ Meat - Liver, kidney, heart, raw tripe, or gizzards. Feed up to 3 times per week or 10% of a meal, maximum
GRAIN & CARBOHYDRATES Brown rice - (cooked well done) Oatmeal - Old-fashioned 5 min cooked or soaked until soft Pasta - noodles, occasionally if dog is wheat tolerant White - Potato high starch use only occasionally Sweet Potato - Low glycemic a good choice for dogs Ancient grains - Cooked Cream of wheat - Only for wheat tolerant dogs White rice - Occasionally Bulgar wheat - (if no grain or wheat intolerance)
VEGETABLES/FRUIT: If you feed raw veggies and fruit, pulp, mash or grind them in a chopper or processor. Once the dogs are used to them, you can try feeding chunks, but it is more difficult for the dog to break down because of the skins on the vegetable chunks. Even frozen vegetables with skins like broccoli stems, peas, green bean chunks and broccoli florets digest better if you chop them a bit in a food processor. The goal is raw for nutritional benefits but using cooked occasionally is fine. Feed raw vegetables at least once daily. Cooked veggies don't need grinding but are easier to blend if ground/mashed. Raw is preferable because valuable enzymes, vitamins and minerals are not damaged by heat. Sometimes it is necessary to cook vegetables to get the dog used to them in the diet. Raw is always better and most canines do fine with ground or chunked raw vegetables and fruit as long as the chunks are small. Fruits: Apples, pears, cantaloupe, oranges, apricots, peaches, bananas, pineapple, cherries, watermelon, papaya, mango, and most other fruits are commonly used. No Grapes or Raisins. Be informed that fruits are also a source of carbohydrates. Vegetables: asparagus, carrots, zucchini, collard greens, broccoli, winter squash, summer squash, cauliflower, kale, various frozen, thawed greens such as chopped collards, mustard greens, beet greens, turnip greens, (spinach should be fed only occasionally) sweet corn (occasionally), legumes such as soybeans, peas and green beans should be used sparingly and their use is not intended to replace meat protein) tomatoes (don't overdo), cabbage, parsley, sweet potatoes, non-salted garlic powder on occasion, in moderation, not fresh cloves. No ONIONS. Herbs: This is something to discuss with knowledgeable people unless you have a fundamental background in herbs. Call Natures Farmacy with any questions. PREPARATION TIPS Rice should always be soft cooked but not like glue! An effective time saver is to bake the rice in the oven. Put water, rice, seasoning, veggies or meat (for flavor only- not to replace meat in meal) in a baking pan, cover and bake at 375 degrees. Experiment with your oven and pan to see how long it takes your size pan to cook thoroughly. Raw oatmeal may be ground or softened with hot water, cooked, or softened with cool water. "Test drive" cooking other grains, as they don't all need the same cooking time. You can portion into freezer bags for later use to save time. Buy foods on sale when possible. Please note that grains are not a necessary part of this program. We include them for fiber and starch only if needed. Frozen vegetables are better, especially when you have included DogZymes Digestive Enhancer or Liquid Dispersible to the diet. Frozen vegetables and fruit need to be thoroughly rinsed just as does fresh produce. Put in a colander, thaw, and wash before chopping or processing. Add herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, etc. Organically grown is always best if you can get it, but in reality organic is not readily available everywhere AND can be expensive. Otherwise, FROZEN vegetables are FINE. Actually frozen produce is picked riper and processed immediately, therefore more nutrients are retained. Frozen produce also gives you a greater variety in winter. Any field-ripened, home grown vegetables are superior to the commercial supermarket version. Fresh commercial produce is picked under-ripe and has not developed its maximum nutrient value and does suffer nutrient losses while being transported and held for display. The concept of this diet program is to make it fit your lifestyle (User Friendly) so that you can develop a custom homemade plan that is simple and fits your routine. Feel free to call Nature's Farmacy for help. Our dieticians are always willing to guide you through until you have reached your comfort zone. There are many other diet ideas available that are much more complicated and need to be specifically followed. This diet is easily followed and is based on sound nutritional principles and practices, and provides a well rounded diet that fits the needs of many animals, even those with special needs. For treats, use vegetables, cheese or meats rather than dog biscuits containing grains if your dog has a grain intolerance or is overweight. Give your dogs nutrition not fillers. Because this diet utilizes nutrient supplements, you can save some steps and eliminate most of your concerns. If you continue this diet long-term, as most do, it is simple and reassuring to have blood work done periodically to monitor your dog's nutritional status if you have any concerns or if the animal has a health problem. Talk to your vet about doing this. This is something many people do routinely anyway. Use red meat for at least 50% of the protein during a week. If your dog can't tolerate any of the different meat/proteins listed, eliminate the problem food. For example, if chicken causes your dog(s) problems, eliminate the chicken and substitute another meat. This diet can be used the same as prescription dog food products by eliminating what the dog can't tolerate or lowering protein or fat. Avoid sugar, excess salt, preservatives, propylene glycol, MSG, and other unidentifiable items. If your dog has a yeast problem, eliminate the grain and resume it only if it doesn't allow the condition to return. When feeding bones, raw is best as bones are made brittle by cooking and can splinter. It is our opinion that poultry wing, leg and thighbones are not safe, no matter raw or cooked. Consider safety when you feed any bones to your dogs. Large knuckle bones work great. If they get dirty, boil 30 minutes or wash and put in the microwave for 30-40 seconds to kill germs. Refrigerate between uses. They benefit greatly from raw bones and they are a good source of nutrition. Nothing is better for healthy teeth. If you have questions about anything you want to feed, call us. ESSENTIAL BASIC SUPPLEMENTS FOR BALANCED DIET:
1. Vitamin Supplement: DogZymes Ultimate, which will be utilized if and when needed. This has a guaranteed analysis and adding this maintains essential balance to the diet. All vitamins, trace and macro mineral, plus all essential amino acids for canine and feline for optimum health.
2. Probiotic (Beneficial bacteria and digestive enzymes): DogZymes Digestive Enhancer (regular or Liquid Dispersible). This is "Nature's Way" of protecting the GI tract from bad bacterial growth (negative pathogens) and maximize nutrition, assist immune system, reduce allergy causing undigested proteins and reduce the potential for bloat and gas. This supplement is of extreme importance!!
3. Calcium sources: DogZymes KA Calcium use 1/8 teaspoon per cup of boneless meat.
4. Vitamin C: DogZymes Cran-Tri-C (Ester C, Ascorbate and Ascorbic acid) in concentrated organic 90% cranberry powder base. One eighth teaspoon contains 721 mg of C total, with cranberry as a whole food base to provide "whole food" synergy to correctly utilize the three forms of "C" in the cells. There is much difference of opinion in established "recommended" doses of C usage for dogs or cats. Use what you or your vet has determined to be functional and safe. Up to 5000mg per animal per day is considered safe by most nutritionists. The NRC recognizes that 300mg per dog per day is minimal. Due to the concentration, this is a very economical source of Vitamin C.
5. Selenium: 200 mcg per 150 lb dog; 100 mcg per 75-to100 lb dog; 50 mcg (25 to 50 lb dog) 25 mcg (5 to 20 lb dog) is the general recommendation from veterinarians and nutritionists. Ask about our specific Selenium Vitamin E supplement or Ultimate.
6. Joint and Bone support: DogZymes CCM Plus is the best source for Glucosamine and Chondroitin for dogs and cats. It is superior to any other similar supplement as it provides the unique enzymes in the product to break down the molecules of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, rendering them over 90% available instead of the usual 25% in most other products. Unless these enzymes are present, the body has difficulty absorbing the beneficial ingredients. This product also contains unique all natural anti-inflammatory elements that reduce and prevent discomfort and damage. CCM Plus enhances the connective tissue reconstruction for healthy joints and provides protection from wear and tear caused by strenuous exercise and longevity. CCM plus provides for the supply of natural lubrication of joints adding stability and strength also decreasing pain association.
7. Other additives: DogZymes Mega Omega (whole organic ground Flax seed concentrate). This is absolutely the most economical Omega 3 product on the market. Plus, it is the correct balance of Omega 3, and 6 and 9, so there is no guessing and/or overdoses of Omega 3, as is happening with overuse of fish oils, flax oil, cod liver oil. At Natures Farmacy, we do not recommend using any fish oils. Do not add extra Omega 3, 6, or 9 unless you know the current values in your diet. Call us with questions. Overdoses of Omega 3 are common and will unbalance the important 3-6-9 ratios. Kelp, Brewers Yeast and Garlic, or other specific nutrient sources should be used following the recommendations of nutritionist and canine dieticians. If you are considering any other supplements, call and we will assist you in balancing your program needs. We do have the ability to work with you and prepare custom supplements to meet your animals' needs. Remember that there is no one canine complete formula that can possibly meet all needs and feeding programs. Optional Fruit and Vegetable Capsules: These capsules are a human product, but have been great to use for dogs and cats also. If your pet is reluctant to eat raw fruit and vegetables, initially grind these foodstuffs (not necessary to puree) in a food processor and mix into the meat. Or you may consider these capsules made from concentrated fruit and vegetable juices, which are primarily from organic produce. These encapsuled foods are wonderfully convenient if you travel with a dog that eats raw. For example, when we are showing or traveling, we just bring the fruit and vegetable capsules and add to fresh meat with DOGZYMES Digestive Enhancer. This provides our Great Danes with the nutrition of raw fruit and vegetables in an easy form to carry. These capsules make it possible to greatly boost the intake of a broad range of vitamins not available in diets in sufficient amounts, especially in manufactured food products. Antioxidants and nutrients known to help prevent diseases including cancer and reducing cell damage (the root of all chronic disease) are severely lacking in our foods today, even raw. Finding nutritionally complete fruit and vegetables today is nearly impossible. Fresh produce 5 days out of the field lose about 75% of their nutrient value, and we all know what the pesticides do to us. These capsules provides the diet 17 fruits and vegetables in concentrated capsule form, juiced already, (see study info) WITHOUT sugars, carbs, acid, gluten and calories, which are removed with the water in drying. There are 12, 455 scientifically identified individual vitamins in fruits and vegetables. They all work together. The average vitamin supplement for humans or animals contains maybe 16 or so MAN MADE vitamins. You and our dogs are missing about 12,425 of the rest of them. Three or four fruit and veggies a day doesn't do it, even if raw, BUT, ONLY 4 Fruit and Vegetable capsules daily equals the nutrients in 17 servings of raw produce daily at a fraction of the cost. And it is so simple - all the benefits without the effort even if your dog or your family refuses to eat their veggies. The fact that cancer is now the #1 killer of dogs tells us we need to pay attention to what human research is proving every day: DISEASES ARE PREVENTABLE and AGING CAN BE SLOWED by including raw fruit and vegetables daily. This is now being considered in regards to our canine family and their health as well. We have many studies you can request by emailing or calling.
To discuss this diet or for other information, and for consultations:
Toll Free 1-866-948-3939 or email sales@naturesfarmacyWEST.com
Nature's Farmacy West 
202 West Avenue J
Lancaster, CA 93534
 Authored by Jeanette Pickett, Canine Dietician, Nature's Farmacy Inc. Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. Reprints with permission only.