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If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely heard the term "complementary dog food" thrown around, but what exactly does it mean?
What is complementary dog food?
Complementary dog food refers to food that is not a complete meal on its own. Instead, it needs to be combined with another food to create a balanced diet for your dog. While it doesn't provide all the necessary nutrients for your dog, it can be an excellent addition to their meals, providing extra flavour, texture, and variety.
Forthglade’s complementary dog food options are designed to enhance your dog's eating experience, giving them the nutrition they need alongside their regular meals.
What’s the Difference Between Complementary and Complete Dog Food?
The main difference between complementary and complete dog food comes down to the balance of nutrients.
- Complete Dog Food: This type of food is nutritionally balanced and formulated to be a dog's sole source of nourishment. It contains all the proteins, fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy. For an example of complete meals, check out our complete dog food range.
- Complementary Dog Food: Complementary food does not meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs. It is typically used in addition to a complete meal, offering variety and extra nutrients. Some dogs are picky eaters or have sensitivities, and they may benefit from complementary foods that appeal to their individual tastes and needs.
Many owners turn to complementary dog food for their fussy eaters or dogs that enjoy a variety of textures in their meals.
How to Feed Your Dog Complementary Food
Feeding your dog complementary food can be a fun and easy way to offer variety in their diet. Here are some practical tips on how to incorporate complementary foods into your dog’s meals:
1. Mix It with Complete Food:
Complementary dog food is typically used to supplement a complete meal. A good rule of thumb is to add a small portion of complementary food to your dog's regular complete food. This could be as simple as mixing wet complementary food with dry kibble or adding a complementary topper to enhance the meal.
2. Add Variety and Flavour:
Complementary food often comes in different textures and flavours, which can be great for dogs who enjoy variety. Some dogs might prefer the moisture of wet food, while others love the crunch of dry kibble. By offering both, you can keep mealtime exciting.
3. Follow Portion Guidelines:
While complementary foods are not complete meals, it’s still important to follow proper portion guidelines. Too much complementary food can lead to an imbalance in your dog’s diet. Be sure to consult your dog’s feeding guide to maintain a healthy balance between complete and complementary food.
Consider Your Dog’s Preferences:
If your dog is a picky eater, complementary foods can be a useful way to encourage them to eat their meals. Experiment with different textures and flavours, such as chicken, lamb, or beef, to find what your dog loves most.
At Forthglade, we offer a variety of complementary foods that you can mix and match with your dog's regular diet to create the perfect mealtime experience.
Try Our Complementary Wet Food.
We've got a range full of great single protein source complementary food. Try our 'Just' Range!
Looking For A Mixer For Complementary Food?
Our Cold Pressed Dog food is great to try dual feeding with a complementary wet food.
Should I Feed My Dog Complementary Or Complete?
Still not sure? Read this blog and find out how to use our feeding guide.
Takeaway
Complementary dog food can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, offering extra flavours, texture, and nutrients when mixed with a complete meal. Whether you’re trying to cater to a picky eater or simply want to add variety to their meals, complementary food provides flexibility and nourishment. At Forthglade, we offer a range of both complete dog food and complementary dog food to suit your dog’s needs.
For more information on creating the best diet for your dog, check out our What Is Complete Dog Food? article.
Shop Our Complementary Dog Food Range today and give your dog the variety they’ll love!
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