Many of our raw components, think whole organs, bones, or fish, can be added to your pet's meal for more than just some calories. Most offer surprising nutritional benefits.
We will highlight a few options here to give you a starting place to the world of functional toppers or bowl additions, with extra healthy benefits.
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First off on our journey through the freezer, whole steamed green lip mussels. These mollusks offer more than just being a novel protein for your dog's dish.
• Green-lipped mussels are packed full of naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fish oils. Omega-3 fatty acids help the body deal with inflammation. These mussels have an extra high concentration of an omega-3 fatty acid powerhouse called eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA for short.
EPA has been shown to be a game changer in its abilities to combat inflammation while being easy for the body to absorb and utilize. In addition to EPA whole mussels are high in naturally occurring another omega 3 fatty acid called DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) which is important for brain health.
• Green-lipped mussels like other shellfish also contain glycosaminoglycans compounds like chondroitin sulfates. Chondrotins help rebuild and support healthy joint cartilage, joint fluid, and connective tissues. Combined with the fatty acids, chondroitin from green-lipped mussels is an incredible addition to pets diets that are struggling with joint issues, or inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
• In addition to its benefits for joints, mussels are a lean protein source that is easily digestible. It is also an incredibly sustainable seafood product farmed in New Zealand that does not hurt the environment like other fisheries may.
It's a win win win for your pets bowl.
Second on our list is poultry necks. Necks can look pretty intimidating at first glance but can be one of your pets' best freezer friends.
• Poultry neck pieces like those of chicken, ducks, and turkeys are the raw world's version of toothbrushes. In their raw form poultry bones are rubbery in texture and do not splinter like cooked bird bones. This rubbery texture makes them gentler on pets' tooth enamel unlike denser, tougher chews while still hard enough to 'brush' off buildup. Because there are multiple species you can find a size that suits your dog or cat (yes cats can be fed necks too!) perfectly.
• Poultry necks can be fed as a snack, as part of the overall meal, or as meal substitutions. Like other bone chews, be cautious on not overdoing it which can lead to constipation from the extra bone content. You’ll also want to choose either type of neck that is either really large for your pet or much smaller to avoid any potential choking risk. Always observe your pet while they enjoy bones or other chews. Necks can be fed defrosted or frozen.
We offer necks in individually frozen packages which are great for quick snack grabs and smaller pets, or bulk buys for multi-mouth households looking to save some money.
Finally on our journey of weird freezer toppers the stinkiest of them all, tripe. Try not to judge it on its smell alone (hard we know). Raw tripe is the ground up stomach chambers of cattle. Unlike the bleached stuff you get in the freezer in human grocery stores this tripe is untouched and chock-full of benefits.
• Packed full of probiotics, those good bacteria, and dense with nutrients, tripe is powerhouse. Tripe is made up of a balanced ratio of omega 3, 6s, and 9s, a ratio of calcium to phosphorus 1:1, the ideal for most dogs, and a great source of digestible protein. This makes it a great addition to most dog, or cat (if they'll eat it) bowls to cut cost, add whole food nutrients, or mix it up.
• Tripe is particularly beneficial for senior pets or those recovering from illness. Its smell alone can peak the interest of the pickiest of pups. Tripe's calorie density can help prevent weight loss. It can also support dogs that are having GI upset because of its probiotic content and ability to be easily digested.
•In a pinch tripe can be fed as a full meal because it is almost nutritionally complete. And if raw tripe seems like a step too far into the weird topper world, it does come in freeze dried options which tend to be a little less smelly and easier to handle.
Larger packages of organs, necks, or bones save money. Let them semi-defrost, break apart the pieces, refreeze in single layers or in between layers of parchment for grab to go bowl additionals or snacks.
Like treats topping kibble, raw or other main foods with components is no big deal in moderation. In fact it can fill in any nutrional gaps created from eating the same foods.
Trust us. Its easier and less smelly to cut ground tripe in its packaging. Let it semi-defrost then use a serrated blade, like a bread knife, to cut through the chubs. Cut the rounds to the size that works for you. Remove the plastic and re-freeze.
With this knowledge go forth to the freezer. Grab your components with confidence. Top those bowls. If you are bold, mix it up, rotate through these options or add them all to the same bowl!
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