Fueling the Guardian: Raw & Natural Nutrition for Long-Living FCI Dutch Shepherds

Fueling the Guardian: Raw & Natural Nutrition for Long-Living FCI Dutch Shepherds

Dutch Shepherds are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and incredible work ethic. But behind every strong, balanced, long-living Shepherd is a diet that fuels the body, supports the joints, sharpens the mind, and sustains the immune system. At Our Shepherds Shepherds (OSS), we believe that proper nutrition is one of the most powerful tools for raising a healthy working dog—whether they are training for protection, service work, or family companionship.

A raw and natural diet mirrors what a working dog’s body is designed to digest: fresh meat, bones, organs, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. When done correctly, this way of feeding creates dogs who shine—literally and figuratively.

Here’s the OSS approach.

Why Raw & Natural Feeding Works for Dutch Shepherds

Dutch Shepherds thrive on diets that are:

• High in real animal protein

• Rich in natural fats and oils

• Loaded with minerals from organs and bone

• Supported by plant-based antioxidants and fiber

• Free from fillers, synthetic dyes, and excessive carbohydrates

Benefits we see in our Dutch Shepherds:

✔ Shinier coats & reduced shedding✔ Stronger joints and improved mobility✔ Smaller, healthier stools✔ Increased energy with better stamina✔ Reduced allergies and skin issues✔ Strong immune system✔ Longer overall lifespan

A dog built for work deserves food built for health.

Core Components of the OSS Raw Feeding Program

1. High-Quality Muscle Meat

The foundation of the diet. Great options include:

• Beef

• Chicken

• Venison

• Turkey

• Lamb

• Seafood (salmon, sardines, mackerel, shrimp)

Muscle meat fuels muscle growth, provides amino acids, and keeps working dogs strong.

2. Bone Content (Raw Only)

Raw bones supply calcium, magnesium, and important minerals.

Choose:

• Chicken necks and wings

• Turkey necks

• Beef ribs (large, raw, recreational type)

Never cook bones—they splinter.

3. Organs (Nature’s Multivitamin)

Organs should be ~10% of the total diet.

The most important:

• Beef liver

• Chicken liver

• Kidneys

• Hearts

• Spleen

These support hormone balance, blood health, and immune function.

4. Healthy Fats: Coconut Oil & Fish Oil

Dutch Shepherds burn calories FAST.

Adding healthy fats helps with:

• Brain development (DHA)

• Coat shine and skin protection

• Joint lubrication

• Immune support

Coconut oil is a favorite at OSS.A teaspoon a day for puppies, up to a tablespoon for adults.

5. Fresh Vegetables & Fruits

We include produce to add antioxidants, vitamins, and digestive support.

Dog-friendly options:

• Sweet potatoes

• Pumpkin

• Squash

• Spinach

• Carrots

• Blueberries

• Apples

• Green beans

• Cucumbers

These help balance the meal and support long-term health.

Simple Raw Meal Prep Tips

Tip 1: Prep in Bulk

We create 3–5 day meal packs with:

• Muscle meat

• Fruit/veg blend

• Organs

• Bone

Freeze and thaw as needed.

Tip 2: Use a Food Scale

Consistency ensures balanced nutrition.

The typical ratio:

• 80% muscle meat

• 10% bone

• 10% organs

• + fruits/veggies added at 5–10%

Tip 3: Lightly Steam Veggies for Better Digestion

Dogs don’t digest raw veggies well unless:

• Steamed

• Pureed

• Grated

We blend ours lightly steamed.

Tip 4: Rotate Proteins Weekly

Prevents intolerance and ensures broad nutrition.

Example rotation:

• Week 1: Beef & chicken

• Week 2: Venison & seafood

• Week 3: Turkey & lamb

OSS Raw Meal Recipe (Simple & Balanced)

🐾 Dutch Shepherd Power Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw beef or venison

• ¼ cup raw chicken or turkey hearts

• 1 raw meaty bone (wing or neck)

• ¼ cup blended spinach, pumpkin, and blueberries

• 1 small spoon coconut oil

• Optional: 1 sardine (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

1. Blend veggies lightly.

2. Measure meat and organ portions.

3. Add coconut oil and sardine on top.

4. Serve raw—no cooking needed.

Homemade Natural Treats (Easy & Clean)

1. Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes only

How to make:

1. Slice into thin long strips.

2. Bake at 250°F for 2–2.5 hours until chewy.

3. Cool and store for up to 2 weeks.

2. Frozen Coconut Fruit Bites

Ingredients:

• Coconut oil

• Blueberries

• Chopped apples or strawberries

How to make:

1. Melt coconut oil.

2. Pour into silicone molds with fruit pieces.

3. Freeze.

4. Pop out and store in the freezer.

Perfect summer training treats.

3. Salmon Skin Crunchers

Ingredients:

• Salmon skins

How to make:

1. Lay skins on a sheet.

2. Dehydrate or bake at low heat.

3. Cool.

4. Watch your Dutch Shepherd’s eyes light up.

Rich in omega-3s and great for working dogs.

Healthy Dogs Live Longer — And Work Stronger

Your Dutch Shepherd’s diet is the foundation of their health, behavior, performance, and longevity. When we choose real, fresh, species-appropriate nutrition, we set our dogs up for years of strength, clarity, and vitality.

At OSS, we feed raw because we’ve seen the results firsthand—stronger bodies, calmer minds, faster recovery, and longer lives.

A well-fed dog is a well-performing dog.A well-performing dog becomes a dependable partner.

And every Dutch Shepherd deserves that level of care.

OSS Weekly Raw Meal Chart

For FCI Dutch Shepherds (Adult 60–75 lbs)Adjust amounts up or down based on your dog’s actual weight and activity.

Daily Portion Guide

• Total Food Per Day: 2–3% of body weight(Average Dutch Shepherd: 1.2–2 lbs per day)

• 80% Muscle Meat

• 10% Raw Bone

• 10% Organs (half liver, half other organs)

• + 5–10% Fruits & Vegetables

• + Coconut Oil (1 tbsp daily)

• + 1–2 Sardines per week