In order to achieve optimal performance, the canine athlete has specific nutritional needs. The best foods for the canine athlete to achieve peak performance have the following qualities: raw, grain free, natural, high protein, high quality, real meat, and nutrient dense. Seems like a lot, but it is possible.
Studies such as these are why I believe in grain-free foods. This research shows that foods high in protein and containing real meat as a primary ingredient are the best option to fuel my canine athlete.
I would be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding how I feed my dogs in the comments below. If you need more information on Nature’s Variety visit their website here,call their Customer Service team at 1-888-519-7387, or email Nature’s Variety. They are super nice, and happy to answer any questions.
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I always appreciate a food that’s a single protein source. Much better for dogs with allergies or protein issues!
As we’re just wandering into the adventure that is “raw feeding”, Instinct has been our go-to brand! The boys L-O-V-E it!
Hi Kama, would you start a puppy off with the raw diet? I’ve been going back and forth about feeding it to Lady and Ruger and I believe I am ready, but was wondering about a puppy being fed the raw diet.
Thanks – Diane
Hey Diane,
I actually typically start my puppy off with the raw diet. I do not, however, believe in making my own raw food. Instead, I research commercial raw diets and decide on those that I feel are best. I put my puppy on raw shortly after bringing him home, then transition to whatever kibble I would like to feed regularly. I still rotate in raw and freeze dried once he is transitioned to my kibble, but I have found starting with raw makes the transition from the food he came on to what I want to feed quicker and “cleaner”. The Nature’s Variety raw also does WONDERS for an upset tummy, so I HIGHLY recommend it. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Interesting studies. I haven’t seen the second one before. Mr. N has been loving the Instinct and I like the convenience of quick thawing.
Nature’s Variety was the first raw we started our dogs on 5 years ago. It’s great that other people now have the chance to buy it at the bigger box stores!
Are you feeding raw everyday or several times a week alternating between dry kibble?
It depends on the dog and the situation. Polly Pocket was on raw for a long time, because it was an easy way to control her protein and fat content in her diet. She is now on freeze dried (pretty similar to raw, just less mess). My other dogs get raw as an entire meal about once a week. Of course, I also start my puppies on raw, and I bring raw back full-time for anyone experiencing an upset tummy issues. Raw full-time for my BIG crew would be a lot to sustain financially, so I follow more of a rotational diet with grain-free kibble as a main course. Let me know if that helps or if you have any other questions!