Adding Crunch!

 The Crunch: adding crunch to our dogs meals 

This week, let's dive into a topic that often comes up among our customers —THE CRUNCH! We all love to give our dogs that satisfying crunch, so let's explore some different ideas. 

Some fresh options to consider are adding a duck or chicken wing (or two) depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, turkey wings or necks might be more suitable, but today, let's focus on wings. 

Why Add Raw Wings?

1. 
   Dental Health : Chewing raw wings helps clean your dog’s teeth naturally, removing plaque and tartar build-up. It also exercises their jaw muscles and satisfies their natural chewing instinct.
2. 
   High-Quality Protein : Duck and chicken wings are excellent sources of lean protein, supporting muscle development, repair, and overall health.
3. 
   Nutritional Value : Raw bones contain essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, crucial for strong bones and teeth. The meat and skin provide healthy fats for energy and a shiny coat.
4. 
   Mental Stimulation : Gnawing on bones engages your dog’s brain, reducing boredom and promoting mental stimulation.

How to Start?

• 
  Choose the Right Wings : Select wings appropriate for your dog’s size. For smaller dogs, consider smaller joints (e.g., chicken wing tips), and for larger dogs, whole wings or even duck wings may be more suitable.
• 
  Start Slow : Introduce gradually by giving your dog a small piece of raw chicken or duck wing (e.g., a single section of a chicken wing) to let their stomach adjust. Stick to either chicken or duck initially to monitor for any signs of allergies or sensitivities. You can serve raw wings alongside your dog’s usual meal or as a treat to help them acclimate.

Preparation Tips

• 
  Serve Raw : Never cook the wings; raw bones are soft and digestible, while cooked bones can splinter and cause injuries.
• 
  Room Temperature : Let the wings thaw to room temperature if frozen. Do not serve frozen or overly cold wings.
• 
  Remove Skin (Optional) : If your dog is new to raw feeding or has a sensitive stomach, removing some of the fatty skin may help prevent digestive upset.

Supervise Feeding

• 
  Monitor Closely : Always supervise your dog while they eat raw bones to ensure they chew properly and don’t swallow large pieces whole.
• 
  Encourage Chewing : Hold one end of the wing to encourage slower eating, especially for dogs who might gulp.

Observe Reactions

• 
  Check Stools : Firm, crumbly stools are a good sign that your dog is digesting the raw bones well. If not, consider adding more fibre to their diet.

Frequency

• 
  Start with Occasional Feedings : Offer raw wings 1-2 times a week at first. Gradually increase the frequency if your dog tolerates them well.
• 
  Part of a Balanced Diet : Remember, raw wings are a treat or supplement and should not replace a complete and balanced diet.

 Superfood Mighty Mixer is made from rolled oats mixed with fruits, vegetables, and superfoods, including beef liver, carrots, blueberries, and spinach.  Gently baked to preserve the natural goodness, it's the perfect topper or mixer to complement a raw meat diet.