The 10% Rule: A Gentle Guide to Introducing Fresh Foods to Your Dog's Diet
Hello, and thank you for visiting my site and reading my blog!
I’m excited to share this journey with you. This is my first business and my very first blog, so here we go!
A Quick Note of Caution
Any food changes I discuss should be approved by your veterinarian. Certain foods can interact with medical issues or medications your dog may have or be taking.
Since my business focuses on healthy treats, I want to share things I’ve learned over the years while caring for my pups, who have faced everything from mild to life-threatening medical issues. For my first blog, I thought I’d start with a foundational topic: getting started with food changes for your dog.
The Challenge of Misinformation
There is so much information online about what we can and can’t feed our dogs. It can be overwhelming and sometimes contradictory. (Though I can’t say I’m surprised; many of us consult “Dr. Google” for our own health issues!) So, what foods are truly toxic to our dogs?
The European Pet Food Industry Federation (fediaf.org) provides some of the most accurate, science-based information on food toxicity for pets. Compared to other organizations like AAFCO, they list far fewer foods as toxic. For example, Italy has some of the strictest standards regarding dog food quality and handling—a great resource if you’re looking to dive deeper into this topic.
A Two-Step Approach to Food Changes
Making changes to your dog’s diet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I recommend breaking the process into two steps:
Introduce Longevity Foods as Treats and Toppers.
Evaluate and Improve Your Dog’s Daily Diet (if necessary and you’re willing).
Slow and steady is the best approach. Not only is it easier for you, but gradual changes are also better for your dog’s digestive system. Plus, you’ll discover what foods your dog likes and dislikes along the way.
Step 1: The 10% Rule
Veterinarians I’ve consulted with or read about often recommend that up to 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake can be “freebies” in the form of fresh foods. If your dog is overweight, you can replace 10% of their kibble with fresh food instead of adding it on top.
Start with one fresh food for both meals each day to monitor your dog’s reaction. I typically stick to this single food for about four days before introducing a second one. Gradually build up until fresh foods make up 10% of their diet. Begin with small amounts and adjust as needed.
Here’s an example of what I feed my pups (67 and 70 lbs each):
Morning:
Half a “green” banana (split between them)—less sugar than ripe bananas.
A quarter of an organic apple (split between them).
A heaping teaspoon of canned pumpkin (I buy BPA-free canned pumpkin from Whole Foods).
In summer I also include 2 organic strawberries.
Smashed organic blueberries (to ensure they get the benefits instead of passing through whole).
Evening:
Steamed organic broccoli and cauliflower (peeled stems of broccoli are easiest to digest).
Baked or microwaved sweet potato (skin removed for easier digestion).
Lightly baked organic kale chips with a touch of MCT coconut oil.
Frozen organic green beans from Sam’s Club as treats or toppers.
Some sort of cooked protein, chicken, raw sardines (packed in water), venison, bison, cod, etc.
The list of safe, healthy foods you can incorporate goes on, but always remember the 10% rule and build up slowly.
Step 2: Evaluating Your Dog’s Kibble
While you’re introducing fresh foods, you can begin assessing your dog’s kibble to determine if improvements are needed. I’ll cover this in more detail in my next blog, but for now, focus on the small, positive changes you’re already making.
Final Thoughts
Every small step you take toward improving your dog’s diet can lead to better health outcomes. Remember, more isn’t always better. A little bit of fresh veggies and fruit goes a long way. Take it slow, and feel great about the positive changes you’re making for your furry friend!
Thank you for reading my first blog! I’d love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions you might have. See you next time!