Whole food diets for dogs are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Dogs, like people, don’t eat the same foods, the same portions, nor the same recipes. And they shouldn’t. Every dog is different.
I am often asked for my recommendations on the best dog food. One of my recommendations for dogs who require a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet is Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm Superfood Pre-Mix for dogs.
I’ve been feeding my Cocker Spaniels Dr. Harvey’s pre-mixes and products for over 20 years. As a dog writer, pet product expert, and dedicated dog mom, I know how important the right dog food is for overall health and well-being. I am a proud brand ambassador.
I am certain that Dr. Harvey’s pre-mixes for dogs are one of the reasons my Cocker Spaniels have lived longer and were able to better fight off illness.
Over the past year, my late dog’s littermate, Ricky, has been eating a diet with Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm as the superfood pre-mix. Ricky is a 13-year-old Cocker Spaniel with some health issues. His mom agreed to be interviewed for this honest review of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm for dogs.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which Dogs Benefit From A Ketogenic Diet?
A ketogenic diet is high in fat, supplies adequate protein, and is low in carbohydrates. The combination of the three changes the way a dog’s body uses energy. In turn, fat gets converted in the dog’s liver, turning it into fatty acids and ketone bodies.
Dogs who may benefit from a ketogenic diet fed in conjunction with your veterinarian, holistic veterinarian, and/or veterinary nutritionist include those with:
- Weight issues (overweight, obese)
- Affected by cancer
- Diabetes
- Seizures
When your dog’s body burns fat and protein for energy instead of exchanging them for sugars (carbohydrates), the idea is to stop cancer cells in their tracks.
In their book The Forever Dog, Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib write, “Like a human’s diet, a dog’s diet can be positively manipulated to provide more calories from fat than from protein (a ketogenic diet), which is a powerful nutrition strategy for managing some forms of canine cancer.”
Paradigm Pre-Mix For Dogs Ingredients
Dr. Harvey’s pre-mixes are made in the United States with fresh, whole foods with names and words you can recognize and pronounce. Paradigm contains:
Broccoli, Green Beans, Bone Broth, Red and Green Bell Pepper, Cabbage, Pumpkin, Crushed Eggshell, Celery, Kelp, Alfalfa, Turmeric, Spirulina, Ginger, Red Clover, Milk Thistle, Slippery Elm, Dandelion, Cinnamon, Tricalcium Phosphate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
What Paradigm Doesn’t Contain
There is no protein in Paradigm. Pet parents must add protein and an oil to the Paradigm base mix.
There are no dyes, chemicals, or preservatives in Paradigm. What you see is what you get. Dr. Harvey’s stands behind their commitment to 100 percent chemical-free ingredients and products for pets.
“We know the top issues that dogs struggle with, in North America absolutely are exacerbated by sugar. We know that cancer needs sugar as a fuel source. Diabetes — we know that sugar is a direct cause of type 2 diabetes. Obesity – we know that fat doesn’t make your dog fat – carbs, sugar, and starch make your dogs fat.”
Dr. Karen Becker
How To Prepare Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm Superfood
Dr. Harvey’s base mixes are easy to make, which means dogs get a fresh, whole, meal every single day with every bite. Here’s how to prepare a complete meal with Paradigm for your dog:
- Measure the proper amount of Paradigm using the provided scooper and instruction booklet.
- Add the proper amount of hot water to Paradigm and wait eight minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add your choice of quality protein*. Some options include:
- Add your choice of oil. Some options include:
*Protein can be raw, cooked, or lightly cooked.
Mix all the ingredients before feeding, and watch your dog devour a healthy, whole food meal that is good for him. It is best if served at room temperature; however, Paradigm can be made in batches in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can also be frozen and thawed. Do not add oil prior to freezing.
Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm Put to the Test
Ricky is a 13-year-old Cocker Spaniel, whose mom, Sandy Kanitra, called Dr. Harvey’s headquarters. She spoke directly to Dr. Harvey, who suggested starting Ricky on the Paradigm diet.
Ricky has battled several health issues, including an autoimmune disease that affects dogs (IMHA). He suffered two relapses since diagnosis and has had significant weight gain since being put on steroids several years ago.
Due to his multitude of issues, Sandy slowly introduced Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm to Ricky. She rotates between tuna and cooked turkey and adds olive oil each time. She prepares the turkey ahead of time if traveling or cooks it as needed for Ricky. ‘
“It took him a bit of an adjustment to get used to Paradigm,” she says. “Ricky licks his bowl clean and his blood levels have been in check since starting the diet.
Each meal is prepared fresh, and Ricky sits patiently waiting for his mom to put the bowl down. When they visited our home in recent months, he and his brother devoured their Dr. Harvey’s meals together.
Highlights and Considerations of Paradigm for Dogs
Highlights
- Easy to prepare
- A low-carb, ketogenic option for dogs that is not kibble based
- May help dogs with certain health conditions (i.e cancer, obesity),
- Contains the proper amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Made with healing herbs such as turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and milk thistle
- Contains no starches or grains
- Stores easily and travels well
- Smells like a yummy, homecooked meal because it is
Things to Consider
- Pet parents must add a protein and oil to complete the pre-mix
- Bit on the pricey side compared to what some pet parents may wish to pay
- Transitioning a dog from his old food to Paradigm takes several days. Follow instructions in the booklet provided in the bag.
Additional Considerations
- Can be used with other supplements or products from the Dr. Harvey’s line, which can easily mixed in to the formula. Some of our favorite Dr. Harvey’s supplements include:
Solaris Immune Support
Formative Years Pediatric Herbal Supplement
CoQ10 Antioxidant and Cardiovascular Support
Runs Be Done Anti-Diarrheal
How is Paradigm Different Than Other Low Carb Diets?
Rather than arriving with cooked or raw meat in a bag, can, or container, Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm arrives in a bag ready to mix with water, a protein, and oil.
A simple Google search for “dog keto diet” will show you dog food, but it will not serve up whole, fresh food for dogs. Dr. Harvey’s is a natural pre-mix to which protein and oil are added.
Where To Purchase Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm For Dogs
Dr. Harvey’s is available from Dr. Harvey’s, Amazon, and many other online and in-person holistic pet food boutiques.
You can use their handy store search to find a location near you.
