The awesome benefits of sardines include:

• Rich Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA.
   
• Protein: Sardines are a good source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle development and overall growth in dogs.
  
  
• Calcium and Phosphorus: Sardines contain calcium and phosphorus, important minerals for strong bones and teeth.
  
  
• Joint Health: Omega-3s in sardines can help reduce joint inflammation and alleviate symptoms of arthritis or joint pain in older dogs.
  
  
• Heart Health: Omega-3 fatty acids also promote cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease, regulating blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.
  
  
• Improved Immune Function: The nutrients in sardines, including vitamins and minerals, can boost a dog’s immune system, helping them fight off illnesses more effectively.
  
  
• Palatability: Most dogs find sardines highly palatable, which can encourage picky eaters to enjoy their meals. My dogs go crazy for them! 
  
  
• Brain Health: DHA, found in sardines, supports cognitive function and can benefit puppies’ brain development and the mental acuity of senior dogs.

Some benefits of feeding eggs to your dog include:

• Nutrient-Rich: Eggs are a good source of essential nutrients for dogs, including high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. They contain vitamins such as B12 and riboflavin, as well as essential minerals like selenium and phosphorus.
  
  
• Healthy Fats: Eggs contain healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to a shiny coat and support overall skin health. Omega-3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for dogs with joint issues or skin conditions.
  
  
• Amino Acids: Eggs provide all the essential amino acids, making them an excellent source of complete protein for dogs. Protein is crucial for muscle development and repair, and it supports a dog’s overall growth and energy.
  
  
• Improved Coat Condition: The combination of protein and healthy fats in eggs can help improve the appearance and texture of your dog’s coat. It can make their fur shinier and potentially reduce shedding.
  
  

Eggshell membrane contains compounds like collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, which are beneficial for joint health, supporting cartilage repair and reducing inflammation.

Some benefits of feeding garlic to your dog include:

• Immune System Support: Garlic's immune-boosting properties, thanks to compounds like allicin, help fend off infections and maintain overall health by exhibiting antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal effects, while also aiding detoxification.
  
  
• Digestive Support: Garlic aids digestion by combating harmful pathogens in the gut, maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, all of which contribute to improved digestive function and overall well-being.
  
  
• Heart Health Promotion: Studies suggest that garlic can regulate blood pressure, improve circulation, and combat oxidative stress, supporting heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease in dogs.
  
  
• Parasite Repellent: Garlic has a reputation as a natural parasite repellent, particularly against fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Certain compounds found in garlic, such as sulfur compounds, act as natural deterrents to pests due to the presence of certain compounds, particularly sulfur compounds like allicin. While garlic alone may not provide complete protection against parasites, incorporating it into your dog’s diet may help reduce the likelihood of infestation when used alongside other natural preventive measures.  When using garlic as a flea and tick repellent, feed each day for two weeks, then twice a week for maintenance.
  
  
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is associated with a myriad of health issues in dogs, including arthritis, allergies, and digestive disorders.  Garlic contains diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that limits the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines which may help alleviate discomfort and inflammation. By incorporating garlic into your dog’s diet, you may help mitigate inflammation and improve overall comfort and mobility. Garlic is a great addition to dog’s diets that suffer or are predisposed to arthritis.
  
  
• Helps To Fight Cancer:  According to this study,  garlic’s bioactive substances have substantial anticarcinogenic effects via a number of pathways, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and stimulation of the angiogenic cascade. While ongoing research continues to explore garlic’s role in cancer prevention and treatment, incorporating it into a dog’s diet may hold promise in reducing cancer risk when part of a balanced meal.
  
  
• Detoxifying Properties of Garlic: Garlic possesses the remarkable ability to aid in detoxifying heavy metals from the body. Research indicates that at elevated doses, the sulfur compounds present in garlic offer protection against organ damage induced by heavy metal toxicity. Specifically, allicin, a compound found in garlic, plays a pivotal role in reducing lead levels in both the bloodstream and vital organs.

This probiotic powerhouse is a fantastic choice for your furry friend. It’s loaded with beneficial bacteria and provides essential nutrients. I buy frozen goat’s milk, thaw it in the fridge, and then pour it into ice trays. I can easily add a cube or two to my dog’s bowl with meals.

• Up to 20 lbs – 2 oz
• 20 to 50 lbs – 4 oz
• Over 50 lbs – 6 oz

Plain, unsweetened yogurt with live active cultures is a rich source of probiotics, and most dogs find it delicious. A spoonful or two mixed into their regular meals can make a significant difference in their digestive health. 

Think of kefir as the cousin of yogurt, but even more packed with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a fermented dairy product that dogs usually love. Just a small portion can provide a hefty dose of beneficial bacteria. Research has indicated that kefir may combat harmful bacteria like salmonella and E-coli.

Additionally, it has demonstrated efficacy in addressing various health issues, including gastritis, pancreatitis, peptic abdominal conditions, skin psoriasis, rheumatism, joint diseases, gout, osteoporosis, anemia, and leaky gut syndrome.

Dosage guide:

• For small dogs or cats: 1-2 teaspoons per day
• Medium-sized dogs: 1 to 2 tablespoons per day
• Large dogs: 2 to 3 tablespoons per day
  *Or Give ¼ cup per 25 lbs of your dog’s body weight every 2-3 days.

Fermented vegetables can be a source of probiotics for dogs because the fermentation process naturally produces and multiplies beneficial bacteria. These live cultures can help populate the dog’s gut with friendly microbes, promoting a balanced and healthy microbiome.

Fermented foods are also full of prebiotics that feed the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut. And they contain postbiotics that are created during the fermentation process. A note of caution: avoid fermented foods if your dog currently has a yeast problem.

Options include:

• Some pet food companies offer specially formulated fermented vegetable products for dogs, which can be found in pet stores or online.
  
  
• Human-Grade Fermented Vegetables: You can purchase fermented vegetables made for human consumption, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickles, as long as they contain minimal salt and no harmful additives like onions. Make sure to check the labels for any ingredients that might be harmful to dogs. To ensure the fermented foods you choose contain probiotics, look for the words “naturally fermented” on the label, and when you open the jar, look for telltale bubbles in the liquid, which signal that live organisms are inside the jar.
  
  
• You could make your fermented veggies ( see below)

Add to food daily according to your dog’s weight:

• Up to 15 lbs – 1 tsp
• 16 – 30 lbs – 2 tsp
• 30 – 60 lbs – 3 tsp

• Joint Health: Bone broth is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial for joint health and can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and joint pain in dogs.
  
  
• Digestive Health: The gelatin in bone broth helps support a healthy digestive system by soothing and healing the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and aiding in nutrient absorption.
    
• Hydration: Bone broth is a hydrating and nutritious alternative to plain water, especially appealing to dogs who may be reluctant to drink enough water.
  
  
• Nutrient-Rich: Bone broth is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, providing a nutrient-dense boost to your dog's overall health and well-being.
  

Most dogs are living in a state of dehydration. Dogs are designed to eat a high moisture diet of around 70%, but dry kibble contains only 10-12%. Eating only dry kibble leads to a chronic state of dehydration. Chronic dehydration then leads to continuous organ stress, leading to kidney, endocrine, and other chronic disease states. It also manifests as dry, flaky skin and unhealthy hair coats. Therefore, if you are feeding a dry diet, it’s essential to incorporate some form of hydration and bone broth is a great choice. 

• Bone broth can be either purchased from an independent pet store or prepared at home. (Please ensure that store-bought bone broth does not contain onions).
  
  
• Dose: Aim for roughly 2 tablespoons of bone broth for every 10 pounds of your dog’s weight, and it’s worth noting that you can’t overdo it when it comes to bone broth—it’s a fantastic addition to their diet.

• The liver is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamin A, iron, copper, and B vitamins. It plays a vital role in supporting vision, immune function, and overall metabolic processes.
  
  
• Kidneys are rich in essential minerals like selenium and provide high-quality protein, contributing to muscle development and repair.
  
  
• The heart, another nutrient-dense organ, contains CoQ10, taurine, and essential amino acids. Taurine is particularly important for cardiac health and overall well-being.

You can freeze them slightly to make them easier to slice or chop, or grind them raw.Sometimes you can find a specialty dog food supplier who offers pre-mixed organ grinds which makes it easier. Another option is to use freeze-dried organ and glandular powders.

If your dog is not used to eating organ meats then start with a very small amount and gradually increase to the full 20% of their diet over 2 weeks.  

Including a variety of organ meats in your dog’s diet ensures a diverse range of nutrients, promoting optimal vitality and supporting specific bodily functions.

Bones in a dog’s diet are important for dental health and essential minerals. Benefits include:

• Mental Stimulation: Gnawing on bones provides dogs with mental stimulation and helps alleviate boredom, which can prevent destructive behavior and promote overall well-being.
  
  
• Nutritional Value: Bones are a natural source of essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and minerals, which are important for maintaining strong bones and overall health.
  
  
• Exercise: Engaging in bone-chewing activities can provide dogs with physical exercise promoting muscle development.
  
  
• Natural Behavior: Chewing bones satisfies dogs' natural instinct to chew and gnaw, providing them with enjoyment and satisfaction.

You can grind bones and add them to food after cooking the food or you can feed raw meaty bones 2 or 3 times per week. (Never cook the bones)

Cooked bones are dangerous as they are difficult for dogs to digest and can cause intestinal obstructions or severe intestinal inflammation that can lead to hemorrhagic diarrhea. Raw bones or bone meal are ideal.

An alternative way to supply bones to the diet is using a bone meal supplement. Feed adult dogs 2 tsp bone meal powder per pound of food. For puppies, give 4 teaspoons per pound of home-prepared food with 10% or less fat content, 5 tsp per lb for 11-15% fat content or 6 tsp per lb for 15-20% fat. I like this product from fourleafrover.com https://fourleafrover.com/products/better-bones