About supplements.

Why supplement your pet's diet?

Many people question the need for supplements since a natural, raw diet is supposed to be providing all the nutrients that are lost in the processing of commercial foods. While this is true, we also have to account for the following:

We are only able to approximate a wild diet, so supplements fill in the typical "gaps."
Important nutrients such as omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) are concentrated in organs like the eyes and brain, parts of the animal that are not typically available for us to feed. Fish body oil or flaxseed oil supplementation provides the omega-3s needed for healthy skin, coats and proper brain, joint and cellular function.
Adequate levels of Vitamin E help insure that the omega-3s are completely metabolized.

Supplements to consider for dogs

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Start administering after your pet's transition to a raw diet is complete and continue using on a daily basis. Flaxseed oil or fish body oil (not cod liver oil) provide the necessary EFAs. Be sure to keep refrigerated after opening. While either supplement is fine, we recommend fish body oil, especially if your dog has severe skin conditions or allergies of any kind. If your dog shows signs of itchiness from flaxseed oil, you can always switch to fish body oil. NOTE: Cats MUST have fish oil. If you use a capsule form of EFAs, some dogs will eat them if they are simply mixed into the food, others will accept them as a treat. Or you can poke a hole in the capsule with a pin and squeeze the liquid onto food. Suggested dosage:

Fish Body Oil (NOT cod liver oil) capsules – 500 mg to 1000 mg per every 10 pet lbs.
OR
Liquid Salmon Oil — ½ teaspoon for dogs up to 25 lbs., 1 teaspoon for dogs 25-50 lbs.
OR
Flaxseed Oil – 1 tablespoon per every 25 pet lbs.

Note: If your dog is scheduled for surgery, eliminate the essential fatty acid supplements (flaxseed oil or fish body oil) at least 10 days before the surgery. The omega-3 EFAs in these oils do reduce blood coagulation, and thus increase bleeding.

A high quality vitamin/mineral supplement. Start administering after the first transition week and continue using on a daily basis. Be sure the product contains trace minerals, not just vitamins.

Optional supplements.

Digestive enzymes are beneficial when administered daily for the first 4 to 6 weeks, but can continue to play a role in a dog's everyday diet if required. Digestive enzymes are important during the diet transition stage because the dog’s system needs time to begin producing the enzymes required for digesting raw foods. Some brands are made specifically for animals and these are best to use. However, any human mixture that contains at least amylase, protease, lipase and cellulase is fine. If using an animal-specific formula, feed according to the directions on the container. If using a human formula, use one capsule once a day. (Twist capsule open and pour/mix into food).
Probiotics should be used daily for at least 4-6 weeks, but are good to use on a permanent daily basis. Probiotics are essentially “good bacteria” that balance and neutralize “bad bacteria”. By doing so, they promote effective digestion and a healthy digestive tract. Even in kibble-fed dogs, the regular use of probiotics can help reduce/eliminate coat and skin problems, gas and bloating, and bad breath. There are several animal-specific probiotics, but you can also use human acidophilus *Plus* mixtures – any mix containing all or some of the following: L. Acidophilus, L. Bulgaricus, B. Bifidum and B. Longum. The best brands are in the cooler section. Store in your refrigerator at home. If using an animal-specific formula, feed according to the directions on the container. If using a human formula, use one capsule once a day (twist capsule open and pour/mix into food).
Vitamin E (any mixed tocopherol blend) – 200 iu per 50 lbs. of dog. Begin using 2 weeks after the diet transition is complete and use on a permanent basis, 2 or 3 times a week. Vitamin E insures that the Omega-3 EFAs are completely metabolized. Since we are supplementing with EFAs, we should also supplement with Vitamin E.

Supplements to consider for cats

Cats have different vitamin and mineral needs than dogs or humans. They require very high levels of B vitamins and have special needs for Vitamins A and D. Unlike dogs, cats cannot convert beta-carotene to Vitamin A and require a preformed version from an animal source. And unlike humans, cats cannot synthesize Vitamin D, but usually meet their needs if eating a carnivorous diet. It’s also important to remember vitamins and minerals work synergistically and caution needs to be observed with adding high levels of supplements.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are found in select plants, grasses and seeds and the animals that forage on them, such as grass-fed meats. While Bravo tries to acquire grass-fed meats whenever possible, to assure your cat receives appropriate levels of Omega-3, Bravo recommends you also include an alternative source of EFAs, such as fish oil, in your pet’s diet. Fish body oil (salmon, sardine or anchovy oil) is one of the most bioavailable for our felines. Many other Omega-3s, such as flaxseed oil, cannot not be converted or used by cats.

Vitamin E is needed to ensure metabolism of the Omega-3s. Plus, it helps prevent oxidation. Capsules in liquid or dry form are available.

Digestive enzymes and probiotics aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients and can be helpful in transitioning to raw foods. Because they can also be useful for skin and coat problems, bad breath, vomiting and diarrhea, digestive enzymes and probiotics may be beneficial for long term use, especially for animals with a history of digestion issues. Animal specific formulas are preferred.

A low-potency vitamin/mineral supplement helps fill in the gaps, especially with trace minerals. Fresh foods can be deficient in vitamins and minerals because the soil the source animals graze on or that the vegetables are grown in are depleted. At the same time, cats suffering from digestive issues may need additional supplements to boost levels. Feline specific supplements are balanced for a cat’s metabolic needs and are often more palatable.

Optional supplements.

Because cats need high levels of Vitamin B, including a B-50 Complex will help insure your cat’s optimum levels.
Even though Taurine is at its highest levels in raw meats, it is recommended to add up to 500mg per day to prevent any deficiencies.
A good glandular supplement (capsule preferred) that contains thymus, spleen, kidney, and pancreas can be beneficial based on the concept that ingesting the glandulars of a certain gland strengthens the corresponding gland.
Psyllium husk powder can be added as a form of fiber, where in the wild a cat’s natural form of fiber would be fur and feathers. The psyllium powder MUST be added to water (1 part pysllium powder to 24 parts water) prior to mixing with food, otherwise it will lead to constipation.