One of the biggest struggles I’ve run into with people wanting to switch to raw is not knowing where to begin or how to make sure the nutrients their dog needs are balanced. Daily balance is super important for puppies while adult dogs can typically have balance over a week. Thanks to Dr. Harvey’s feeding raw is simple!
Dr. Harvey’s & My Honest Opinion
Over the last year I’ve been feeding Dr. Harvey’s exclusively to one of my dogs, 3-5 days a week to one, and 4-7 days a week with the third. This is because my smallest dog is obsessed with it so she gets it daily. My Aussie gets it 3-5 days as he get’s the meat cooked, not raw as he isn’t always fond of raw but much prefers the meat to be cooked. My third dog, gets Dr. Harvey’s with raw meat as well as DIY raw.
I love doing DIY raw but honestly it’s a lot of work and there are days where I just have enough time to prep and balance meals fully so Dr. Harvey’s is my go to because I just need to weigh the meat and that is basically it.
I’ll be rating this with the help of my dogs, on a few factors from affordability, drool factor, easy to prep, and quality. My dogs clearly are in charge of the drool factor while I’ll weigh in for the other three options.
Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance
I use the raw vibrance base mix (I have used Canine Health as well and love that too) for my dogs and they love it. I love the ingredients in it too! I’ll discuss a few on the ingredients and the benefits they have for our dogs as well.
Raw Goat Milk Powder – full of probiotics and vital nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, electrolytes
Spirulina – protein, beta carotene, vitamins B-1,2 and 3, iron, trace minerals, GLA, and phytonutrients like phycocyanin, polysaccharides, and sulfolipids for the immune system
Green Beans – fiber, iron, calcium, vitamins B6, A, C, and K, prebiotic
Pumpkin – fiber and beta-carotene, vitamin A; great for diarrhea and constipation
Green Lipped Mussel Powder – omega-3 fatty acids ( EPA, DHA), glucosamine, chondroitin, zinc, and magnesium; natural anti-inflammatory
Shiitake Mushrooms – fiber, copper, and vitamin B5. Boosts immune system
As you can see above the ingredients, as well as many others that are in the mix are there for a reason whether it be for the much needed vitamins and minerals. They each benefit your dog in a positive way.
Each scoop of the Dr. Harvey’s Raw Vibrance provides a powerful nutrient punch that is undeniable. Raw Vibrance combined with a high quality protein source and oils creates the balanced raw diet making it easy for even beginners.
Dr. Harvey’s Health & Shine
The Health & Shine supplements from Dr. Harvey’s are the fish oils and advertised as a skin and coat supplement. I honestly believe they surpass just the surface of my dogs but let me know what you think.
There are three different options you can pick from and they are:
- Wild Caught Salmon and Krill Oil Pump
- Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil Pump
- All Natural Fish Oil Capsules
All three options are sustainable sourced and are high in omega 3 fatty acids. These products are also made in the USA with no preservatives, toxins, colors, or artificial flavors.
Affordability
Is this product affordable is probably a question you have when you clicked on this post or once you started reading. My honest opinion is, yes.
With quality does come a cost but since switching away from kibble and to a raw diet, such as Dr. Harvey’s I’ve had less vet visits and my dogs are getting a clean bill of health. Our vet has seen our dogs prior to starting and then after 6 months and our vet was happy to see the results for my three dogs was how they are overall healthier dogs per the results.
I rate affordability at 4 PAWS as my dogs aren’t big dogs. My German Shepherd is my biggest dog. I do believe it’s still affordable for most dog owners feeding a larger dog such as a Great Dane or Saint Bernard but of course, your dog will need more protein which will raise the cost but isn’t your dogs health worth it?
Drool Factor
My dogs might not care too much about their food like where it is made or if it’s organic but they should. So that’s where I help out.
My dogs just care about taste and how the food makes them feel. My dogs aren’t the pickiest of eaters but they will refuse to eat food if they don’t like how it tastes or if it doesn’t make them feel well. Since beginning raw, they all look forward to meal time.
As soon as I grab the bowls and hit the water heater, my Aussie will just begin drooling because he absolutely LOVES this food. My mutt doesn’t really drool ever but I have seen her have a few drops of drool while waiting to eat the food. My German Shepherd drools once the food is near or in front of her.
In the opinion of my dogs, they’d totally rate it 5 PAWS for the drool factor.
Easy to Prep
Another way I’ll be rating this food is how easy it is to prep. I’ll admit that I’m busy. I’m a mother to two children, one being a toddler still. I also have my three dogs, a bunch of chicken and quail and my own small business.
Time is important but my dog’s health is also so valuable to me that I know I need what is best for them but also something easy for me to prep. So with that said, I totally rate this 5 PAWS for ease of prep.
It’s as simple as measuring out the right amount of scoops, some warm water, a protein source, and a fat source. With the fish oil pump, it’s super easy to add in that fat source.
Quality
This final category is based off the quality of the food and it is also rated 5 PAWS!
Since starting to use Raw Vibrance around a year ago, I’ve really grown to love the quality. It’s something that is important to me.
The food has a highly bioavailable blend of dehydrated vegetables, fruits, and healthy superfoods, Raw Vibrance contains no dyes, fillers, preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy. In each scoop, you can see the blend of wholesome and nutritious ingredients.
With the fish oil, it doesn’t have that fishy smell like I’ve noticed in any other fish oil supplements I’ve tried previously. It also is clear with the proper viscosity.
Curious on a comparison between raw, cooked, and kibble? Check out this comparison post.
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Hi there!
Thanks for the great article.
It’s really important to know healthy options for our best friends.