Should I be adding anything??

[Nikki & Charlie]

Charlie is 1 year 8 months, 50 lbs, and is eating Fromm - not the grain-free version. He gets 1 1/2 cups twice a day.

Is there anything I should be adding to his food? Maybe Coconut oil? Or another type of oil? He sometimes will get an egg or two with his meal, or chicken, some cheese, etc but I'm thinking of something consistent that will give him added nutrients.

Thoughts?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Which Fromm formula are you feeding? Assuming that he's getting the right amount of calories, he's getting enough nutrients, because all of the foods on our recommended list are nutritionally complete. However, extra Omega 3 fatty acids might be a good idea; I'd need to know which Fromm formula he's eating to see the Omega 6:3 ratio and content. A lot of us here supplement with fish oil or evening primrose oil capsules for the added Omega 3 content. That's really the only thing that any healthy dog who is getting a good diet would need. 

Coconut oil is of absolutely no benefit to dogs when given internally, and there is some evidence that it may actually contribute to inflammation. 

[Nikki & Charlie]

Hi Karen,

He's on the four star line, not grain-free. So one month he gets chicken a la veg, the next is duck & sweet potato, etc. This month I tried the grain-free surf & truf.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Some of the Four Star formulas are grain-free and some aren't; it sounds like he's getting both, which is fine.

Each of them has a different Omega 6:3 ratio and content, some better than others. It wouldn't hurt to give him an Omega 3 fish oil supplement, either the kind you squirt on the food, or a human softgel capsule; whatever is easier for you. That's really the only thing addition to his diet that he might need. 

Make sure you're checking the feeding guidelines on each new bag, because the calorie content varies from one to another and he may need more of some than others. 

[Nikki & Charlie]

Okay thanks so much