GINA'S TRANSITION FROM CANNED & DRY FOOD TO REAL MEAT Over the past weeks, I've been transitioning my feline friend, Gina, from a canned and dry food diet to a more nutritious fare that includes freeze dried and raw meat, as well as vegetables and greens. She has been staying with us for four days each week, Thursday thru Sunday. (She's at the Only Natural Pet offices Monday thru Wednesday). She is a wonderful cat - loved by all who know her - quite easy-going and social. She was unhappy staying by herself at the warehouse on weekends, thus our arrangement. I want only the best food for her, so decided to transition her from the canned/dry food diet she had been eating to one of real meat and greens. Here is how I helped Gina make the transition to real food: WEEK 1: In a jar, I crumbled 1 Only Natural Pet Freeze Dried Chicken Patty Added 1/4 cup full-fat chicken broth (made from the whole chicken) This food re-hydrates quickly and easily, and since Gina only eats about 1 tablespoon at each meal, this made enough for several servings. I stirred it into a nice smooth texture. At serving time, I mixed this above Chicken patty mixture half and half with the canned Pinnacle food she had been eating. At first she was very hesitant, but my husband encouraged her by putting some on his finger, letting her smell it, and then putting some on her lips. These first four days, I fed her twice a day, with at least 4-5 hours between meals to be sure she was actually hungry. She rarely finished all the food in her dish. I would refrigerate what she left after 20 minutes. IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no dry food in my house! (I don't think she was a big fan of dry food to begin with, but I took that out of the equation from the beginning.)
WEEK 2: New improved mixture of: 2 Only Natural Pet Freeze Dried Chicken Patty 1 Dr. Harvey's Power Patty 1/2 cup full fat chicken broth 1 tsp raw egg yolk 1/16 tsp Dr. Harvey's Multi-Vitamin (greens) sprinkle of Halo Vitamin C 2 tsp broth from Sojos Europa Grain Free (which I always have available for my dogs) For the first and second day, I continued adding a small amount of canned. On days 3 and 4, I left the canned food out of her meals, and she really seemed to enjoy the blend by itself. She started acting hungry more often, and was leaving less food in her dish each time. WEEK 3: 2 Only Natural Pet Freeze Dried Chicken Patty 1 1/2 Dr. Harvey's Power Patty 1/2 cup full fat chicken broth + 1/4 cup water 1 whole raw egg yolk 1/4 tsp Dr. Harvey's Multi-Vitamin (greens) 1/8 tsp of Halo Vitamin C I'm now making variations, and have added 4-5 chunks of Real Food Toppers Freeze Dried Wild Salmon to the most recent batch. She's hungry more often, and finishes her food almost every meal (now 3 - 4 per day, 1 heaping tablespoonful each time). WEEK 4: 2 Only Natural Pet Freeze Dried Chicken Patties 1 1/2 Dr. Harvey's Power Patty 1/2 cup full fat chicken broth + 1/4 cup water 1 whole raw egg yolk 1/2 tsp Dr. Harvey's Multi-Vitamin (greens) 1/8 tsp of Halo Vitamin C 1 tsp Nature's Logic Sardine Oil I served this by itself on the first day of weekend 4, and for the next 3 days add 1 tsp raw meat blend to the above in her dish. She enjoys it all, and finishes almost every meal.
THIS MORNING, WEEK 5: Above mixture mixed 50/50 w raw meat. She ate it all and asked for more. Second smaller serving of 75% raw meat/25% above blend, and she finished that as well! I'm very happy with the way things are going!
WHOLE-FOOD MEALS ON A BUDGET One approach to feeding whole foods
For those who would like to make the switch on a budget, here are some great ideas:
Basic recipe:
To begin with, I recommend 40% legumes, 25 - 30% vegetables, 10 - 25% extra protein, 5-10% grain. Later you can adjust the proportions. Every meal can be different, and I'm going to experiment with feeding an "all raw grain" meal once or twice a week. If the dog is overweight or has allergies, omit the grain. Most dogs can handle and benefit from some friendly grains. WEEK 1
I choose lentils this week, and will be serving each dinner with finely chopped apples, carrots and spinach. You could chop all the fruits and vegetables ahead of time, or just keep them handy to toss into the blender or food processor right before serving. This weeks' grain is cooked brown rice. I buy enough apples, carrots and spinach for several days or the whole week. I cook enough rice and lentils (together in the same pot) for the whole week (or whatever time frame I choose). The extra protein this entire week is going to be ZiwiPeak Venison. I simply add one scoop (for a medium to large dog) to the basic mixture in the dog dish for each meal. Adding a high quality protein, even in small quantity, greatly enhances the nutritional value of the entire meal, and your dog enjoys it. Using eggs (raw or lightly cooked) in addition to meat several times a week is a great way to make a more protein-rich meal.
WEEK 2
This week, I will be using black eyed peas, blueberries (frozen) and parsley, and raw, soaked oats. Find the beans or peas in dry form at any grocery store. While lentils cook quickly, beans cook more rapidly when they've been soaked for a few hours. The extra protein this week will be raw stew meat.
Split peas is my legume this week, in combination with lettuce, apple and raw soaked rye flakes. The extra protein this week will be eggs in the morning meal and a spoonful of hamburger for the evening meal. Other protein sources: canned mackeral or sardines, yogurt, cottage cheese, leftover meat loaf.
That's the general idea...
Each week (or whatever time frame works), I switch the legume, the fruit/veg/green and the extra protein. You could even feed the same combination for one or two months, and then switch. Or you can simply rotate some of the ingredients as you go.
The important supplements I always include are:
Greens Digestive enzymes Essential Fatty Acids
Additional supplements that can be very helpful:
Vitamin C Probiotics
Giving raw meaty bones throughout the week will help clean teeth, and supply minerals and nutrients in a perfectly balanced form for our canine friends. "DAILY GREENS" SUPPLEMENT RECIPE Mix equal parts of the organic ingredients.
Nettle Leaf, Dandelion Leaf, Alfalfa Leaf, Spirulina A whole-food source of protein, vitamin C, B complex (including B12), vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin E, Vitamin K, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium & omega-3 fatty acids. Cats: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp per day (yes, this is possible!) Dogs: 1 tsp per 20 pounds of body weight each day
Start with very small amounts for those companions who are unaccustomed to eating fruits and vegetables. The beauty of whole-food supplements - your friend can absorb the nutrients needed by the body, and will not be overwhelmed or receive out of balance minerals or vitamins as can happen with synthetic vitamins.  BODACIOUS MEAL RECIPES FOR DOGS Ozzie is an 8 year old White Shepherd, weighing in at 110. This is an earlier shot of Oz with his pack leader and most beloved companion, Tasha. She was 14 in this photo. Tasha passed away at age 16. Oz is s 9 now, in great health, with occasional mild stiffness after a day of playing hard in the back yard. Now that I've started being more consistent with his supplements, he is much more solid, with very little stiffness. My focus with Oz is to provide high quality proteins in rotation, along with enzymes, cleansing greens and higher doses of Vitamin C for joint and immune support. These first recipes are very healing. While they may look complicated, this recipe demonstrates the wide variety of foods that are available and beneficial for your dog. A simplified version follows the long version of this recipe. My focus in selecting and using whole food nutrients and supplements is to provide all of the trace minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids, protein, fiber, and other nutrients in their most bioavailable form. All of these nutrients are needed for optimal health, longevity and well being. Once A Week Power Meal At least 1x per week I like to make a super deluxe breakfast for my friends. Everyone sits in anticipation when I make this meal. For a large dog: 1 raw egg 2 handfuls of ZiwiPeak Venison and Fish 1 Dr. Harveys Power Patty, crumbled 3 Tbs full fat chicken broth 3 Tbs Goat Milk Kefir leftover steamed carrots, beets and cauliflower, diced handful of clover sprouts 2 full scoops Green Dog Everyday 1 full scoop Dr. Harveys Multi 1 tsp Halo Vitamin C Powder Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes ONP Probiotic Blend 2 droppers of ONP LubriHerb Simpler Version 1 egg ZiwiPeak Dr. Harvey Multi Enzymes LubriHerb Vitamin C DELUXE SUPERNUTRITIOUS CHICKEN BROTH Somewhat labor intensive, but makes a large batchKeep in mind that any simple broths or soups made from simmering herbs, vegetables andor meat will be nutritious and excellent. The following are instructions for making a deluxe batch of chicken broth that is remineralizing and highly nutritious. Cook a whole chicken with bones and organ meats. Cover with water and simmer for 2 - 3 hours on the lowest heat. Let cool. Collect the meat, including organ meat into a large bowl, and pour the broth into jars. Once you have collected the meat, you can crack the bones, cover again with water and resimmer on low heat for 2 more hours to extract all the minerals and nutrients from inside the bones. Freeze some of the broth we use 1quart ball jars. Once frozen, they can be stored sideways. The broth can be used in recipes with the chicken meat, combined with many other ingredients, or served by itself. To make a large batch of complete meals, once the meat is cool, add 20 - 50 raw grated or finely chopped raw carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, zucchini and/or other vegetables. Store separate servings in freezer bags. After thawing, add essential fatty acids, a green supplement and enzymes just prior to serving. HEALING BROTH, BEETS and CARROTS Including raw beets andor carrots in your dogs weekly nutrition supports liver function. This is excellent for dogs who are ill, in recovery. or just not feeling well. 3/4 cup chicken broth 3/4 cup grated raw beets and/or carrots 1 tsp EFAs 1/4 tsp Digestive Enzymes 2 full scoops pwdered Greens 1 capsule Probiotics The beets can create bright red poop! Its ok! Serve as a power meal or mix with meat. I often include or substitute an egg for the broth. Very digestible. EFAs for skin and coat, and for brain and organ function. EFAs also carry toxins from the body. Enzymes support digestion, the pancreas and the immune system. Enzymes act as the messengers in the body, rushing the nutrients to wherever they are needed. All cellular healing requires the presence of enzymes. We are all given a finite number of enzymes to last through our entire lives. Since these vital elements become depleted over our lifetimes, I believe it is crucial to add enzymes to every meal, and even give between meals on an empty stomach. Greens provide trace minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and even essential fatty acids. All this while also gathering and removing toxins from the body. Greens are incredibly nourishing and healing.. Probiotics are a must for any animal who has been on antibiotics or who has a digestive imbalance or weakened immune system. Probiotics, in a balanced healthy animal, coat the entire intestinal tract to act as a barrier against unfriendly bacteria. Crucial for self healing. HONEST KITCHEN, RICE AND LENTILS 1 cup prepared Honest Kitchen Force or 1 cup chicken meat 1 cup LentilRice mixture see below 1 cup Sojos Europa Grain Free 1 tsp EFAs 1 tsp Digestive Enzymes 2 - 3 full scoops powdered Greens LENTILS, SEEDS, SPROUTS SARDINES 1 1/2 cup LentilRice Sardines 1 small can packed in water 1/4 cup raw Sunflower Seeds Handful Mung Bean or other sprouts 1 tsp EFA 3/4 tsp Digestive Enzymes 2 - 3 tsp powdered Greens BLACK EYED PEAS, ALMONDS AND SOJOS 1 cup Black Eyed Peas 1 - 2 eggs wcrushed shell raw or cooked 1 cup Sojos Europa GrainFree or minced vegetables of your choice 6 - 8 chopped raw Almonds 2 scoops Dr. Harveys Multi or Green Dog Naturals 1 tsp EFA 3/4 tsp Digestive Enzymes 2 - 3 tsp powdered Greens YOGURT of CHAMPIONS 3/4 cup plain yogurt 3/4 cup chopped minced vegetables 3/4 cup Broth 1 tsp Natures Logic Sardine Oil 1 tsp Only Natural Pet Super Daily Greens 1/2 tsp Halo XtraC 1/2 tsp Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes TRIPE THE KING OF ORGAN MEATS 3 Dr. Harvey Power Patties crumbled or 3/4 cup raw Bravo Tripe 1 cup broth 1 cup grated/minced cabbage, celery and carrots 2 tsp Dr. Harveys Multi or other powdered greens 1 tsp Ultra Oil 1/2 tsp Halo XTra C 3/4 tsp Digestive Enzymes RAW RABBIT 1 1/2 cup Bravo raw rabbit 3/4 cup pureed vegetables 2 tsp KelpAlfalfa 1 tsp Cod Liver Oil or other EFA 1/2 tsp Digestive enzymes RAW POULTRY DINNER 8 oz. raw ground turkey or chicken w liver or kidney 1 chicken or turkey neck fed separately or chopped and mixed in 1 - 2 eggs w crushed shell, raw 3/4 cup veggies or Sojos Grain Free BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE & BEAN SPROUTS 1/2 c blueberry kefir smoothie (kefir and blueberries blended) handful mung bean sprouts 1 full scoop Green Dog Daily 1 full scoop Dr. Harveys Mult 1/2 tsp Halo C XTra LENTILS, SEEDS, SPROUTS & SARDINES 1 1/2 cup Lentil/Rice *see recipe below Sardines 1/2 small can packed in water 1/4 cup raw Sunflower Seeds Handful Mung Bean or other sprouts 1 tsp EFA 3/4 tsp Digestive Enzymes 2 - 3 tsp powdered Greens BLACK EYED PEAS, ALMONDS AND POWER PATTIE 1 cup Black Eyed Peas 1 - 2 eggs wcrushed shell raw or cooked 1 cup Sojos Europa GrainFree or minced vegetables of your choice 6 - 8 chopped raw Almonds 1 Dr. Harveys Power Patty 2 scoops Dr. Harveys Multi or Green Dog Naturals 1 tsp EFA 3/4 tsp Digestive Enzymes YOGURT & EGGS 3/4 cup plain yogurt 1 - 2 eggs w crushed shell 3/4 cup chopped/minced vegetables 3/4 cup Broth 1 tsp Natures Logic Sardine Oil 1 tsp Only Natural Pet Super Daily Greens 1/2 tsp Halo XtraC 1/2 tsp Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes LENTILS AND RICE W/GARLIC I have used this combination (or some variation) on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. It can be considered a substitute for dry food. Below are instructions for making a generous pan of this delicious recipe, which should last 2-3 days for two dogs and two humans. Super-economical, and my dogs love this! Some felines actually enjoy lentils when they are mixed with eggs or meat. If your companion has been out of balance, experiencing allergies of any kind, or if you want your friend to trim down, omit grains and increase vegetables. Herbs: I use sage, rosemary, bay leaf – about 1 rounded teaspoon each of sage and rosemary, and about 3-4 bay leaves. Add a pinch of unrefined sea salt (it should have a grey color – not white – and can be found at most health food stores). 1 1/2 cups uncooked lentils, rinsed 1 1/2 cups uncooked brown rice Chop 2-3 large cloves of garlic, or have them ready to press. Start a full teakettle of water boiling. Put a large (6 quart) pan with 2 rounded tablespoons of coconut oil (I use Nutiva) on lowest heat. When the oil melts, add the herbs, garlic, uncooked rice and lentils. Stir constantly over lowest heat for about 5 minutes. This gives the rice and lentils a toasty, herbal flavor. So good! Now add 4-5 cups of boiling water. The grains will probably sizzle! Cover and let simmer on low heat for 45 – 50 minutes. You will need to add more boiling water at least one or two more times, as the rice and lentils will keep expanding. You will end up with a pretty full pan. Takes about one hour to cook from start to finish. When it’s time for the dogs to eat, I make a variety of different meal combinations, always adding the Enzymes, EFA’s, and Greens when the food is cool. For myself, I add a spoonful of yogurt to a bowlful! |
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