Have you ever wondered if your dog is getting all the nutrients they need? Me too! Especially when we transitioned away from a processed kibble diet to a homemade, 100% human-grade, dog food diet. We soon realized that supplemental dog vitamins and nutrients would be key to his recovery and continued health. It's also been a game-changer for our puppy who has benefited from eating well for her entire life.
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After 18+ months of researching, exploring, and navigating the world of supplements for our dog I decided to share what has worked and leave out all of what hasn't so you can skip the hours of deep diving on Google and spend that time with your dog as you should be!
Dog Greens- Organic & Wild Harvested Vitamin & Mineral Supplement
Humans don’t get all of the vitamins and nutrients they need from a one-stop-shop kind of a diet and neither do our dogs! Whether your dog is eating a diet that consists of kibble or you are dishing up a homemade dog food recipe like this one, your pup needs vitamins!
We really like and use the brand Dog Greens! It is a plant-based vitamin and mineral powder that we just shake over the dog’s food at each serving. They love the flavor and I love knowing that all of their nutritional needs have been met at every meal!
Your pup deserves to have a healthy heart, immune system, and a luxurious coat at any age! This is how you get there...
The Native Pet Omega Oil
A targeted formula that promotes healthy skin and coat with added mobility & heart-health benefits.
Addresses irritation, reduces itching and scratching, helps alleviate joint pain. A fish oil blend that optimizes for omega 3s & EPA/DHA. Made using only 5 all-natural ingredients. Super delicious and nutritious, use it as a food topper.
Use coupon code "thismessisours20" at checkout for 20% off!
Good hydration is essential for dogs with kidney disease! Here is how we keep our dog healthy, happy & hydrated.
Advanced MILK Rx Supplement
This product was a lifesaver for us when Hooch was first diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease. I needed to increase his protein and vitamin intake while also making sure he was getting as much liquid into his body as possible.
The more hydrated he was, the easier it would be for his kidneys to do their job. If you are nursing a puppy or looking to hydrate a dog suffering from kidney disease this Advanced MILK Rx Supplement is the way to go.
The Native Pet : Bone Broth Topper
All-natural, nutrient-dense bone broth for cats and dogs.
It is rich in type II collagen and high in protein. A great supplement and meal topper for immune support, heart health, and a quick protein boost.
Use coupon code "thismessisours20" at checkout for 20% off!
Slow Water Feeder Dog Bowl
Dogs with canine kidney disease can't conserve water by making concentrated urine. The result is that they pee larger amounts more frequently, and to maintain fluid balance, dogs with kidney disease drink more water. Monitoring their water intake is very important to prevent dehydration.
We noticed with our Hooch that he started gulping so much water that he was literally gagging and spitting it back up. It would happen multiple times a day and began to become a real problem as he hoarded more and more water.
This slow feeder is what we use in our home and it regulates how much water he can get at a time which means less gulping air and less accidents.
Shit happens! It's how you deal with it that matters.
The Native Pet: Pumpkin Powder
Natural digestive aid for dogs and cats suffering from diarrhea and constipation.
Air-dried, delicious, all-natural fiber supplement made with only 3 ingredients.
Pour it over dry kibble, mix it into food or add water to create a delicious puree. Awesome alternative to a traditional can of pumpkin.
Use coupon code "thismessisours20" at checkout for 20% off!
The Native Pet: Probiotic
A powdered mix of probiotics and organic prebiotics that help promote good gut bacteria.
• Addresses acute and chronic diarrhea
• Creates a thriving environment for healthy flora
• Super tasty and protein-packed
• 6 Billion CFU
• Shelf-stable for up to 2 years
Use coupon code "thismessisours20" at checkout for 20% off!
Anal Gland Support with Pumpkin, Probiotics & Fiber Beef Liver Powder
Since we are sort of on the subject of butt's anyways, can we take a minute and discuss how disgusting anal glands are?! Ok, let's not actually discuss it, and let's say when you see your pup (or cat) performing the butt scoot boogie across your floor, or they have a foul, slightly fishy unpleasant aroma, you are probably dealing with anal glands.
Our Rebel had an ongoing issue with stinky glands until we started regularly adding this powder to her diet. It has the added bonus of containing beef liver and since she is a growing young dog she needs organ meat in her diet, unlike our older dog with kidney disease who needs to avoid phosphorus.
Anal Gland Support with Pumpkin, Probiotics & Fiber Peanut Butter Soft Chews Dog Supplement
If you are avoiding organ meat, as in dogs with kidney disease, you could opt for Glandex peanut butter treats. These chews are a unique fiber blend; these chews promote firmer stools to help the anal glands empty naturally and contain probiotics and digestive enzymes to support a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Made from the highest quality all-natural ingredients, these soft chews have a delicious and real peanut butter flavor your dog will love.
Glandex Hygienic Rear Wipes
If your dog deals with the occasional anal gland issue you may also want to keep a tub of these on hand. They do a really great job of curbing any odor that may be lingering. Albeit you really have to love your dog to use this product altogether.
Supplements are important, but quality of food and clean filtered water are everything for a dog living with kidney disease.
It's a fact, feeding your pup a diet of 100% human grade dog food is easy, cost effective, and WAY better for them than a traditional doggie diet of processed kibble!
When dealing with kidney disease the end goal of everything your dog consumes should be to make it easy for the kidney's to do their job. The cleaner the food & water the easier it will be for your dog's already taxed kidneys to do their jobs.
When it comes to water...
Filtered or distilled water only || The kidney’s main function is to filter out the toxins in our bodies and since tap water can be loaded with chemicals and contaminants it is best to only give your dog clean, filtered water to drink. If you have a dog living with kidney disease like we do, you may also want to eventually invest in a slow water feeder as dogs with kidney disease can get quite thirsty and will actually start drinking water too fast which causes its own unique set of problems.
When facing a major lifestyle and diet change like this one you are going to need a few great recipes in your back pocket.
Homemade Dog Food recipe
This easy homemade dog food recipe combines lean ground beef, wholesome brown rice, fresh vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and tender herbs for a healthy, vibrant alternative to traditional dog food that has given our 11 year old dog a new lease on life!
DIY Homemade Dog Food with Turkey & veggies
This 100% human grade homemade dog food recipe that utilizes some of the best fall produce for your dog like sweet potatoes, cranberries, rosemary, and sage! Our dogs love it so much I decided to share it here too so you and your pup can celebrate the best the season has to offer.
Homemade Dog Food Seasoning
It's no secret that fresh herbs & spices are beneficial to a person's health & diet. But, did you know that your dog's diet could benefit from the addition of them also!?
In the summer months I add fresh, vibrant herbs from the garden like basil, oregano, and thyme to the dog's food.
But, when fresh herbs are sparse, I turn to my spice cabinet, where I keep a little jar of spices labeled 'Homemade Dog Food Seasoning Blend.' This easy-to-make custom spice blend combines dried parsley, basil, dill, rosemary, & oregano for a seasoning blend your dog is sure to love!
Christie says
Hello
I have a 7 month old puppy (9 Lbs)
And she was recently diagnosed with renal dysplasia, do you have at home made recipes that you can share ?
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Christie!
We are so sorry to hear about your puppy! Our now 14 yearn old Hooch went into kidney failure a few years ago & thats when we came up with the easy homemade dog food recipe (it can be found on the website). We can thankfully say that he is free of kidney disease & still running around the house like he's a puppy again.
This is the recipe that I would recommend trying - but I ALWAYS recommend talking to your vet before trying a new diet & to see if it would help her out!
Janice says
I would like to make your recipes for my
Maltese 9 lbs. How do you store the food.
Can you freeze it, will freezing the food
make it lose all the good things we've put into it ?
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Janice! We store the food in large refrigerator-safe containers. We have not tried freezing our dogs food (we go through one batch every few days), so I am not too sure on how that would thaw. I think freezing it would be okay, & would keep all of the good things in there too!
Please let us know how freezing the food works!!!
Michelle says
Hello, just wondering if cook lamb diet for kidneys should I drain the grease from the lamb?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! I would drain the grease, yes.