By Protein
Raw Dog Food with Vegetables and Fruits Edmonton
Apr 7, 2025
Should raw dog food include vegetables and fruit? Here is a balanced look at both sides of the debate and which Hound and Bone blends include plant ingredients.
Whether to include vegetables and fruit in a raw dog food diet is one of the more debated topics in the raw feeding community. Here is a balanced overview of the different perspectives and what is available in Edmonton.
The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) approach to raw feeding includes plant-based ingredients alongside the meat, bone, and organ base. Proponents argue that vegetables and fruits add fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that complement the animal protein component of the diet. For more on the BARF framework, see our post on what is a BARF diet for dogs.
Common additions in BARF-style formulas include leafy greens, carrots, pumpkin, apples, and berries. Pumpkin in particular is widely used for its fibre content.
Prey model raw feeding takes the position that dogs do not require plant matter and that a diet of meat, bone, and organ is complete without vegetable additions. The argument is that wild canines do not consume plant matter in significant quantities and that dogs digest carbohydrates less efficiently than proteins and fats.
Neither position is definitively settled, and experienced raw feeders exist on both sides of the discussion. See our post on BARF vs prey model raw feeding for a full comparison.
Hound and Bone carries both meat-only formulas and meat-and-vegetable blends, so owners can choose based on their own preference and their dog's needs. The vegetable-inclusive blends include ingredients like carrots, pumpkin, cooked potatoes, oats, eggs, flax meal, and kelp.
If you prefer a meat-only diet for your dog, the Beef Bison Blend Tube, Chicken Blend Tube, Turkey Blend Tube, Pork Blend Tube, Salmon Blend Tube, and Bison Blend Tube are all meat-only options. If you want to include vegetables, the Beef Bison Veggie Blend, Chicken Veggie Blend, Turkey Veggie Blend, and Advanced Beef Bison Turkey Veggie Tube are available. Browse all blends to compare.
All products are available for delivery across Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Beaumont, Leduc, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain. Free delivery on orders over $120. You can also mix veggie and meat-only tubes in a single bundle to compare both styles for your dog.
This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet. Individual results may vary.