This article will change your dogs life, it changed Charlie’s life forever. Let me explain. Charlie started getting lumps and bumps under his skin. Being concerned we took him to the vet. I love my vet. She is trustworthy and is the same vet Charlie has had since he was a puppy. She assured us that this is normal and just happens to dogs as they get older. I am a person that believes that proper nutrition in humans can heal most ailments so of course I asked her if could have anything to do with his diet? She assured me it does not. I wasn’t convinced however I decided that she is the expert and to trust her.
We continued as is and the lumps and bumps kept coming. We spent thousands of dollars to have a couple of them removed and tested to ensure they aren’t cancerous. Good news, they weren’t cancerous but they kept growing. Since then I had learned how many preservatives and fillers are in kibble and really I thought about if I was to just feed my kids Cereal all the time trusting that it was enriched with all the vitamins they needed. Of course I wouldn’t do that so why would I do this to Charlie who is also my kid. Also according to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a diet that is nutritionally balanced, free from artificial preservatives and additives, and made with high-quality ingredients can help prevent and manage chronic diseases in dogs. So I created this meal plan and have put it into action. Guess what, the lumps have disappeared.
My goal is to give my dogson Charlie his best life. Is making him food all the time easier than just giving him kibble? Of course not but by following this meal plan I ended up eating healthier myself and I have lost 8 pounds because of it. My other kids are pretty much forced to be healthier now too. Don’t get me wrong we still have our pizza nights but when I know I need to prepare food for Charlie it helps me make better choices for the whole family. When reading this meal plan you might think to yourself tht it could be expensive. It’s really not. Remember, I spent thousands at the vet and this meal plan would have prevented that. I also think it will save me tons in future vet bills while Charlie lives his best life.
Here are the top 5 reasons to incorporate a natural ingredient meal plan for your best friend:
- Improved Digestion: Natural ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and quinoa can help regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements. The high fiber content in these foods can also reduce the risk of constipation and diarrhea. Additionally, probiotics in yogurt and fiber in fruits and vegetables can improve gut health and immune function.
- Stronger Muscles and Bones: High-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, beef, and salmon can provide essential amino acids that support muscle growth and maintenance. These proteins also contain vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D that promote bone health and density.
- Healthier Skin and Coat: Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and salmon skin can promote healthy skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and prevent skin allergies. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables can support overall skin and coat health.
- Weight Management: A natural meal plan like this can help maintain a healthy weight in dogs, as it typically contains fewer fillers and artificial ingredients than commercial dog food. The high fiber content in fruits and vegetables can also help dogs feel fuller for longer and prevent overeating.
- Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: A diet rich in natural ingredients and free from fillers and artificial additives can reduce the risk of chronic diseases in dogs. For example, studies have shown that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of cancer, while a diet low in carbohydrates can reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity.
This 7-day meal plan provides a balanced diet for fur your best friend, with a variety of proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates to support overall health and wellness. Each meal offers essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that can promote healthy digestion, strong muscles and bones, and a shiny coat.
Day 1:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and sweet potatoes
Lunch: Cooked chicken with green beans and carrots
Dinner: Ground turkey with peas and brown rice
Health Benefits:
Eggs are a great source of protein, while spinach and sweet potatoes provide vitamins and fiber.
Chicken is a lean protein that contains essential amino acids and nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium.
Green beans are a low-calorie source of vitamins and minerals, while carrots are a good source of beta-carotene and fiber.
Turkey is a great source of lean protein and essential nutrients like phosphorus and vitamin B12, while peas and brown rice provide fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Plain yogurt with blueberries and honey
Lunch: Cooked salmon with sweet potatoes and broccoli
Dinner: Ground beef with green beans and sweet potato mash
Health Benefits:
Yogurt contains probiotics that can improve digestive health, while blueberries are high in antioxidants.
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and improve heart health, and broccoli is packed with vitamins and fiber.
Beef is a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron, while green beans provide vitamins and minerals.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and can be mashed as a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with banana and peanut butter
Lunch: Cooked turkey with green beans and pumpkin
Dinner: Chicken with carrots and quinoa
Health Benefits:
Oatmeal is a good source of fiber and can improve digestion, while bananas are high in potassium and vitamin C.
Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats and protein, and can be used as a treat or to help hide medication.
Pumpkin is high in fiber and can help regulate digestion, while turkey is a lean source of protein.
Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene and fiber, while quinoa is a gluten-free source of protein and complex carbohydrates.
Day 4:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with kale and carrots
Lunch: Cooked chicken with peas and brown rice
Dinner: Salmon skin with sweet potatoes and green beans
Health Benefits:
Kale is packed with vitamins and minerals, while carrots provide beta-carotene and fiber.
Chicken is a lean protein that contains essential amino acids and nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium.
Salmon skin is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and can help support healthy skin and coat.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while green beans provide vitamins and minerals.
Day 5:
Breakfast: Plain yogurt with strawberries and honey
Lunch: Cooked beef with carrots and quinoa
Dinner: Ground turkey with green beans and pumpkin
Health Benefits:
Yogurt contains probiotics that can improve digestive health, while strawberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Beef is a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron, while carrots are a good source of beta-carotene and fiber.
Turkey is a great source of lean protein and essential nutrients like phosphorus and vitamin B12, while pumpkin is high in fiber and can help regulate digestion.
Day 6:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries and peanut butter
Lunch: Cooked salmon with broccoli and brown rice
Dinner: Chicken with green beans and quinoa
Health Benefits:
Oatmeal is a good source of fiber and can improve digestion, while blueberries are high in antioxidants.
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and improve heart health, and broccoli is packed with vitamins and fiber.
Chicken is a lean protein that contains essential amino acids and nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium, while quinoa is a gluten-free source of protein and complex carbohydrates.
Day 7:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and carrots
Lunch: Cooked turkey with green beans and quinoa
Dinner: Ground beef with peas and sweet potato mash
Health Benefits:
Eggs are a great source of protein, while spinach and carrots provide vitamins and fiber.
Turkey is a great source of lean protein and essential nutrients like phosphorus and vitamin B12, while green beans provide vitamins and minerals.
Beef is a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron, while peas and sweet potato mash provide fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Incorporating salmon skin into one of the dinners can provide a source of omega-3 fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat. It can be cooked in the oven or on a grill until crispy, and then served with a side of sweet potatoes and green beans.
Try this meal plan and then mix and match. I don’t stick to this exact menu every day but it is useful to refer back to and see the suggestions so I can always figure out a healthy meal to give my little buddy. I would love to hear your feedback, I know that Charlie is loving it and I know he is now healthier than he was before and that is what means the most. Let’s all give our dogs their best life.
