In recent years we have seen a growth in the availability of quality unprocessed raw foods being sold for dogs, and plant-based supplements are an important part of these regimes as dogs’ benefit from the essential nutrients they contain.  One of the most common questions we are asked at Dorwest is ‘What herbal supplement can I feed my dog who is on a raw diet to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need?’.

A well-balanced diet is fundamental to your dog’s health. Whether you feed raw or your dog is on dry food, getting all the nutrients that your dog needs can be tricky and often owners don’t know why or how supplements fit into their dog’s diet. On the other hand, many owners believe that commercial ‘complete’ foods contain all the relevant herbs and other nutrients, so there is no need for extra supplementation.  Unfortunately, this is far from ideal as processed foods are subjected to heat treatment during the manufacturing process that destroys many of the vital nutrients, and the quantities included in the feed are usually too small to have any real benefit. 

How do I know if my dog is getting all that they need nutritionally?

Every dog is different, and every dog will have different needs but there are some signs to look out for that could indicate that your dog is missing something from their diet or just need a little extra!.

Coprophagia (also known as poo eating) is a common one, although this may be down to behaviour or they simply like the taste (eww!). Dogs understand what their body is lacking, and whether it’s due to digestive intolerances or just because their nutritional needs change throughout their life, this may trigger poo eating in their attempt to obtain more nutrients.

General health is also reflected in the coat as well as vitality. If you’re noticing a dull coat or any bald patches, it could be that their diet is not feeding their needs. Much like ourselves, we can see the effects of an unbalanced diet in our skin and hair so for our dog’s an everyday herbal supplement, along with a good grooming regime, will promote a healthy coat particularly in breeds with a hard or rough coat. Click here to see our top tips for washing your dog.

Another popular one is eating Clivers. Does your dog ever stop on a walk to eat away at the hedges like grazing cows? Well, that’s because dogs love Clivers, more commonly known as Sticky Weed (that stuff you jokingly throw at each other and it sticks to your clothes), but why are they so transfixed on this herb?

It is thought to be excellent for cleansing the blood and strengthening the liver, and overall to help the body achieve good health for the change of season into summer. Clivers also contains iridoid glycosides which are anti-inflammatory and anthraquinones which are diuretic, and its ability to maintain and mildly increase the flow of urine is known as its main medical use.  So, it is possible that when your dog is eating Clivers, he or she is giving themselves a bit of a spring clean and they naturally know that it’s beneficial for them at this time of year!

Also, did you know that dogs find it hard to break down vegetables?

Even a super green dinner packed full of vegetables might not give your dog all the goodness on the inside, as dogs find it hard to break down cellulose in vegetables, so these nutritious plants need to be given pulsed, or more easily in an appropriate supplement for better absorption. Dogs also have a much shorter digestive tract than us humans, so therefore have a smaller time period in which to absorb the nutrients from food. Herbal supplements are especially made for dogs to guarantees all is fully absorbed, providing a diet-super boost.

Everyday herbal health supplement for any diet.

Poo eating, Clivers munching and coat quality show the value that herbs have and how naturally, dogs know what their body needs. Which is why we have formulated a unique combination of 8 herbs developed by a Dorset Gamekeeper and Kennel man.

Our Keeper’s Mix contains 8 different herbs, all of which have different properties and differing amounts of minerals, vitamins and trace elements that occur naturally in plants. Each herb in the mix contains ingredients that benefit a different major organ in the body. It contains Clivers as well as natural anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, fibres and complex bioactive compounds from other herbs. So, what are you waiting for? Keeper’s Mix is the everyday herbal health supplement that will benefit all dogs and any diets, making it a real contribution to your dog’s nutritional needs.

And now, 10% of profits of the sales of Keeper’s Mix will go towards the Dorwest Foundation which will donate to established Animal Welfare Charities. In buying this product you are giving your dog a good foundation and helping other dogs with theirs.