Over the years, I've tried MANY - and there are a few supplements that I simply will NOT do without when it comes to my dogs' diet. I feed my dogs a dry dog food, but one which is protein-focused, grain-free, and low carb. This type of dry kibble is based on the RAW feeding philosophy. Because I am a proponent of the nutritional benefits of RAW feeding, I choose my supplements accordingly. Most true RAW diets highly recommend the inclusion of GREEN TRIPE - tripe is the stomach lining of an animal, and "green" is natural and UNBLEACHED, containing partially digested plant matter. True RAW green tripe is an item you would need to get from a butcher. However, you can also do what I do - and get a canned version from one of two GREAT sources: TRIPETT, and SOLID GOLD Green Beef Tripe. I have had great success with both - even with the sensitive stomach over here!! And tripe provides MAJOR health benefits. It contains digestive enzymes, fatty acids, and amino acids not found in dog food. Nutrients from the grasses and grains are available to your dog because they have already been partially processed by the cow's digestive acids. The regular consumption of green tripe also helps to maintain cleaner teeth, due to these same acids. Something important to note: Tripett is JUST green beef tripe, and is meant only as a SUPPLEMENT to a balanced diet. Solid Gold green beef tripe contains other ingredients, and is considered to be nutritionally complete. AND OH BOY do the dogs LOVE this stuff!!!! One of the beagles - Lulu - gets SO excited when I serve it that her teeth chatter like crazy as I dish it out. Let me warn you though - it does have a bit of a stink to it - which only seems to increase the eating pleasure for the dogs :)
~Happy Hounding :)
