Choosing the right food for your canine companion is paramount to their overall health and well-being. Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health Dehydrated Whole Food Base Pre-Mix Dog Food offers a unique approach to pet nutrition, focusing on high-quality, human-grade ingredients and a customizable meal preparation process. This guide will delve into the specifics of this product, helping you understand its benefits and how to best incorporate it into your dog’s diet.
Understanding Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health
Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health is not a standalone meal but a base pre-mix that requires minimal preparation. The primary advantage of this product lies in its commitment to using only human-consumption ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, coloring agents, and flavors. The pre-mix is a carefully crafted blend of 6 certified organic grains, 9 vegetables, and 13 herbs, acting as a comprehensive whole-food multivitamin and mineral supplement essential for optimal canine health.
The product is available in a 5 lb bag, yielding approximately 33 one-pound servings, and a 10 lb bag, providing 66 one-pound servings. This allows for flexibility based on the size of your dog and your feeding needs. The country of origin for this product is the USA, and it is manufactured by Dr. Harvey’s, a company dedicated to providing natural and holistic pet products.
Key Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
The ingredient list for Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health is extensive and emphasizes natural, wholesome components:
- Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Triticale, Organic Spelt, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Kamut: These organic grains provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and dietary fiber.
- Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Potatoes, Celery, Green Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Peas: A diverse range of vegetables offers essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to overall health and digestion.
- Crushed Eggshell: A natural source of calcium, crucial for bone health.
- Parsley, Alfalfa, Dried Kelp, Yeast, Lecithin, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Ground Fenugreek, Dried Ground Fennel, Dried Ground Ginger, Dried Ground Peppermint: These herbs and supplements provide a broad spectrum of nutrients, support digestion, and offer various health benefits.
- Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Taurine, Selenium Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Nicotinic Acid, Manganese Proteinate, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid: This comprehensive list of proteinate minerals and vitamins ensures that your dog receives a balanced profile of micronutrients vital for various bodily functions, from immune support to energy metabolism.
The commitment to “human-grade” ingredients means that the quality and safety standards are exceptionally high, providing peace of mind for pet owners concerned about the source and purity of their dog’s food.
Preparing Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health
Preparing a meal with Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health is designed to be simple and efficient, taking approximately 8 minutes. The process involves:
- Measure the Base: Use the enclosed scoop to measure 3 red scoops of the Canine Health pre-mix into a bowl.
- Add Hot Water: Pour approximately 8 ounces of pure hot water into the bowl with the mix and stir.
- Allow to Cool: Let the mixture stand for about eight minutes until it is cool enough to serve.
- Incorporate Fresh Protein: Add approximately 6 ounces of your chosen fresh protein. Options include chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or eggs. The meat can be served raw or cooked according to your preference.
- Add Healthy Oils: For added benefits, include 1 tablespoon of a healthy oil such as flaxseed oil, wheat germ oil, or borage oil.
This simple five-step process results in a complete and balanced meal when combined with fresh protein and oils.
Important Feeding Considerations
- Protein and Oil Rotation: To ensure a wide range of nutrients and prevent dietary boredom, it is essential to rotate protein and oil sources weekly. This variety is a key component of feeding Canine Health successfully.
- Storage: Prepared Canine Health can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For convenience, especially during travel or when leaving your dog with a sitter, the prepared food can also be frozen in individual servings.
- Transitioning: Most dogs adapt to Canine Health without issues. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach or is accustomed to a different diet, you can gradually transition them over a week by mixing Canine Health with their current food. Many dogs, however, take to it immediately and show significant improvement.
- Avoid Mixing with Kibble or Canned Food: To fully realize the benefits of this diet, it is recommended not to mix Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health with conventional kibble or canned dog foods, as this can interfere with optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
Feeding Guide and Dosages
Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health is suitable for adult dogs aged 18 months to 7 years. The feeding guide provides specific recommendations based on age, weight, and the amount of finished food produced:
Standard Feeding (Adult Dogs 1.5 – 7 years):
- Scoops of Canine Health: 3
- Protein Amount: 6 oz
- Hot Water: 8 oz
Older Adult Dogs (Over 7 years):
- Scoops of Canine Health: 4
- Protein Amount: 4 oz
- Hot Water: 4 oz
Puppies (Less than 1.5 years):
- Scoops of Canine Health: 3
- Protein Amount: 8* oz
- Hot Water: 6 oz
*For puppies under 18 months, an additional supplement of 1 tablespoon of Cottage Cheese per 10 lbs of body weight and 1 teaspoon of plain organic yogurt per 5 lbs of body weight is recommended.
Feeding By Weight:
- 5 – 20 lbs: 1/2 lb Finished Food
- 20 – 60 lbs: 1 lb Finished Food
- 60 – 100 lbs: 1.5 – 2 lbs Finished Food
Dr. Harvey’s Philosophy
Dr. Harvey’s is founded on a philosophy of providing the finest all-natural products for animals. The company is deeply committed to educating pet guardians about the advantages of holistic approaches to animal health. Their core desire is to ensure the happiness and health of both pets and their owners. Furthermore, Dr. Harvey’s actively supports animal rescue organizations, contributing to the welfare and adoption of animals in need.
By choosing Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health, you are opting for a transparent, high-quality, and holistic approach to feeding your dog, contributing to their long-term vitality and well-being.
