AWARD WINNING RAW DOG FOOD & DOG SUPPLEMENTS
One of the most important aspects of caring for a dog is ensuring the food you provide is nutritious and delicious. Choosing the best food for your Havanese can seem complex. So many types of dog food are available, so how do you know the best diet to feed your Havanese for health and longevity?
In this guide, we'll take you through all you need to know about the best food to help your Havanese thrive:
The best dog food for your Havanese is raw food. This type of natural, whole-food diet will not only help to keep your dog healthy and happy, but it can also provide the nutrients needed to prevent or help manage a range of common health conditions such as obesity, dental and digestive issues, joint and mobility problems such as arthritis in dogs, and common dog allergy symptoms such as excessive itching and skin complaints. [1]
When deciding the best food for a Havanese, it’s essential to consider the canine anatomy and digestive system. Dogs’ digestive tracts have not significantly evolved from when they were undomesticated wolves and are best suited to fresh, high-protein-based diets consisting predominantly of meat, bones and offal. We call this ‘species-appropriate nutrition’, which a natural, raw dog food diet seeks to replicate.
The best diet for a Havanese is nutritionally balanced according to their life stage and energy needs. This typically includes a combination of high-quality proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fibre from vegetables and berries. Choosing a fresh food diet means you can provide lots of variety and adjust individual ratios of ingredients to make sure meals are appropriate to your dogs’ needs.
An important note to make is that a dog’s stomach is not anatomically designed to digest and ferment carbohydrates (the main ingredient in kibble). Even grain-free kibble often contains high levels of starchy carbs, including rice, potatoes, legumes, & lentils. Feeding a dog kibble puts their digestive system under pressure and spikes insulin, glucagon and cortisol throughout the day, which tax the pancreas and in some cases can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
These inappropriate ingredients, coupled with the intense heat processing used to manufacture kibble, denatures the nutrients leading to something called advanced glycation end-products. AGEs can cause inflammation and put strain on many vital organs, leading, in some cases, to a host of serious health conditions. [2]
There’s no doubt the canine species is resilient. Despite eating a diet which doesn’t provide the natural components they may need, as a scavenger, they will adapt and survive for some time. Still, there’s a world of difference between surviving and thriving!
Discover more about the benefits of raw feeding in our deep-dive article. Learn how to kickstart your dog’s raw food diet in our beginners raw feeding guide or explore our entire range of grain free dog food.
What exactly should the diet of a Havanese consist of for optimal health?
1. Protein from quality meat sources
2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas
3. Small amounts of carbohydrates from vegetables/herbs/ berries
4. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources
5. Hydration – high moisture foods and drinking water
When selecting what to feed your Havanese, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish.
Protein is the most critical nutrient in your Havanese‘s diet; it is an essential nutrient that contributes to the optimal efficiency of all body cells, systems and functions. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including:
Fat is the second most important nutrient in a dog’s diet. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. Both are important in a dog’s diet, but getting the balance right is key.
Saturated fats come from animal sources, improve the taste and texture of your dog’s food, and aid in the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Essential fatty acids are unsaturated fats such as Omega-3, (EHA , DHA and ALA), Omega-6+9, (LA + AA) are vital for the development, structure, and function of the body’s cells. In the correct balance, they promote a healthy coat and skin helping to avoid unwanted complaints such as dog dandruff. Fats are essential to help maintain eye health, support the nervous system, fuel the brain and learning, reduce inflammation and control hormones, helping to prevent hormone imbalance in dogs.
Discover more about healthy fats for dogs in our no-nonsense guide, we break down the facts on good fats, bad fats, and why your dog needs the right balance.
Though not considered an essential nutrient for dogs, a small amount of carbohydrates from plant-based sources serve important functions in a dog’s body. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria), and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone.
Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health.
A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a Havanese, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to mealtimes.
Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin, bone and dental health.
Offal is known as a natural multivitamin for dogs due to the density of macronutrients (fat, carbs and protein) and micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals). While veggies and some fruits offer a diversity of phytonutrients, antioxidants, fibre and other compounds that nourish the body’s cells, thereby supporting optimal health of the body’s vital systems and functions.
Water is essential for the proper functioning of a dog’s physiology. In fact, a dog’s body is made up of approximately 70% water. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including:
A raw diet contains, on average, 70% moisture/ water, which helps to keep your Havanese properly hydrated.
Many dog owners struggle with how to get a dog to drink more water, but here’s the easy fix: a raw diet! With around 70% moisture, raw food keeps your Havanese naturally hydrated, no fuss needed.
Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your Havanese, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting.
The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. By choosing FEDIAF* approved recipes, such as ProDog’s Complete raw dog food, Economy Core or raw puppy food formula ranges, you can rest assured that your dog is receiving nutritionally balanced meals daily.
*FEDIAF is the agency that sets nutritional standards for pet food across Europe.
Whether you choose ProDog Raw’s no-fuss, no-nonsense, ready-prepared raw dog food or decide to create your own DIY raw food recipes at home, you can be sure to move to a natural species-appropriate diet will fuel the well-being of your dog regardless of breed.
We’ll even help you work out how much to feed your Havanese.
| Breed | Feed Amount Per Day | AVG Price Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Havanese 3KG - 6KG |
60g - 120g | £0.26 - £0.52 |
Not sure which raw dog food bundle is right for your Havanese? Contact ProDog’s expert team today for FREE tailored nutrition advice!
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Maintaining an appropriate healthy weight is essential for your dog, regardless of breed. If you’re wondering what food is good for dog weight loss, a diet packed with biologically appropriate ingredients is the key to helping your dog shed excess pounds or achieve a healthy weight naturally.
Expertly balanced ratios of quality protein, healthy fats, ground bone, offal and vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals are essential for optimum health and performance, but, as with any change in diet, it is essential to pay specific attention to your dog’s weight and physical appearance as they adapt to their diet.
How much you feed your dog every day depends on several factors, including:
Ensuring the correct ratios of ingredients when creating your raw feeding recipes is essential. If you choose ProDog’s Pure meat and ground bone 80-10-10 range, or our budget friendly Economy Core raw dog food and want to add extra ingredients, our A-Z What Can My Dog Eat guide has you covered.
For ultimate convenience, choose our Complete Formula meals – no extras needed! Plus, ProDog’s Boost supplement is our top-selling, all-in-one dog vitamin supplement, packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and probiotics. It’s the perfect meal topper to make 80:10:10 raw dog food complete – ideal for dogs who aren’t fans of veggies.
Help your Havanese maintain their ideal weight by regularly assessing and adjusting portions when needed. Wondering how much raw food to feed your dog? Our raw dog food calculator makes it easy to find the right quantities. And don’t miss Dr. Nick Thompson’s tips on gauging your dog’s weight without the scales in the video below!
A diet made from minimally processed, natural, species-appropriate ingredients is undoubtedly the best Havanese food and fuel for overall health and happiness. You’ll notice remarkably quickly once you switch to raw dog food that your four-legged friend will look, feel and even smell better.
When we say smell better, we’re talking about the odour your dog emits from both ends.
Firstly, let’s talk about toilet habits. Your dog’s toilet habits and flatulence levels are something to pay close attention to; they’re a great indicator of dog gut health and the effectiveness of their digestive system. Consistency, odour and volume of dog poo can tell you a lot about their digestive, and overall health.
A raw diet is much easier to ingest and digest, precisely what the dog’s digestive system is designed to process. Therefore, less rubbish in, less rubbish out!
You’ll notice a reduction in flatulence and the amount of waste excreted. Simply put, when feeding a good quality raw diet, the food has a higher nutritional content, so the body absorbs and utilises almost all of it.
Meanwhile, focusing on the other end of a dog’s anatomy. The two most common causes of bad breath in dogs are poor digestion and gum/ teeth decay. Feeding a raw food diet helps with both. As discussed, digestion is greatly improved by introducing a natural species-appropriate diet. Mouth and dental health are improved through a reduction in processed sugars and through the introduction of raw meaty bones, which help to keep teeth clean.
What happens on the inside shows on the outside. When gut health is poor, digestion ineffective, and stress and strain are placed on organs and systems of the body, there’s always an impact on your dog’s outward appearance.
Raw feeding is proven to improve skin and coat condition. Say goodbye to irritation, itchy, flaky skin, hair loss and conditions such as dog atopic dermatitis and dog dandruff. Get ready for a glossier coat – just one of the many perks of a natural raw diet.
Your Havanese will be the talk of the neighbourhood in no time after switching to raw dog food!
At ProDog Raw, our mission is simple: help as many dogs as possible thrive. And when your dog thrives, you’ll see it firsthand – more vitality, less anxiety, better mobility, increased agility, and plenty of happy tail wags and zoomies.
Nutrition is key to your dog’s mood and behaviour. The gut-brain connection means every bite they take can either calm them or fuel unwanted behaviours. Quality nutrition is essential for supporting reactive dogs, those who struggle with separation anxiety, and any dog that finds the world a bit overwhelming.
Switching to a natural, good-quality raw food diet is one of the best things you can do for your dog’s well-being. Whether you DIY recipes at home or make life simpler by choosing one of ProDog’s raw dog food bundles, there is no disputing canine nutritional science; dogs’ are designed to predominantly eat meat, organ and bone, with a little vegetation from time to time.
So why use dog supplements?
Dog supplements take your dog’s nutrition to the next level. Whether it’s preventative support for breed-related conditions or boosting your dog’s health at any life stage, supplements complement any diet by adding that extra layer of nutrition to fuel and fine-tune your dog’s intake.
While Havanese’s may be prone to specific health issues, the right diet – rich in essential vitamins and minerals – can help reduce the risk and severity of those conditions [3]. It’s all about staying proactive with nutrition, and the right supplements can give your dog that extra edge.
The key? Choose dog supplements that are vet-approved, scientifically backed, and packed with bioavailable, active ingredients. No fillers, no fluff – just pure nutrition with every scoop. ProDog’s range of dog supplements hits all the marks, targeting key areas of canine health. Designed as convenient meal-toppers, they enhance nutrient density and give you peace of mind that your dog’s health and happiness are fully covered.
Our itchy dog supplement expertly formulated using ingredients to target the root cause of itch and allergies in dogs, utilising ingredients such as turkey tail mushroom, sea moss, quercetin, nettle leaf and digestive enzymes.
If your dog is constantly scratching and biting himself, it’s essential to uncover the root cause of these unwanted symptoms to choose the right nutritional support. While allergies are a common trigger, other issues like fleas, yeast imbalances, or hotspots on your dog could also be responsible. Hotspots, often inflamed and irritated areas of skin, may appear alongside other signs such as tear staining or scooting—behaviours that signal discomfort.
Atopic dermatitis is another frequent concern in dogs, typically linked to allergic reactions. This condition stems from an overactive immune response triggered by environmental allergens. The most noticeable symptoms include itchy, dry, and reddened skin, making life uncomfortable for your dog.
Ultimately, many skin and coat problems are traced back to dog gut health. Since the gut is central to overall well-being, focusing on nutrition is essential for resetting your dog’s gut health and supporting a balanced, resilient immune system.
A powerful joint supplement for dogs designed to support healthy joints and mobility. Its expert blend includes turmeric, boswellia, green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, and MSM—ingredients known for promoting joint comfort and flexibility. Whether your dog is aging or highly active, ProDog Flexx provides essential dog joint care to keep them moving with ease.
A high-performance dog weight gain supplement formulated for healthy muscle development and weight maintenance. With 76% quality protein per scoop, it features ProDog’s special tri-protein blend of hemp, kelp, and colostrum proteins, plus fish collagen, essential oils, and amino acids L-taurine and L-glutamine. Ideal for dogs needing extra support, this dog muscle builder fuels strength and promotes optimal body condition.
Made from 100% bovine colostrum, offering powerful immune support for dogs of all ages and life stages. Rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, it helps maintain a robust immune system and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking for colostrum for dogs in their prime or colostrum for puppies starting out, this supplement provides nature’s best defence.
An innovative dog digestive supplement designed to promote a healthy gut and smooth digestive function. Its carefully selected ingredients include marshmallow root, slippery elm, chamomile, aloe vera, and digestive enzymes, working together to support optimal gut health. Whether your dog needs occasional support or ongoing digestive care, this dog gut supplement helps to keep things running like clockwork.
Packed with all-natural ingredients like hemp protein, barley grass, brewer’s yeast, fish collagen, and oil, making it the ultimate dog coat supplement. Its powerful blend supports skin hydration while promoting a glossy, healthy coat. Give your dog the best in skin and coat care with this expertly created dog skin supplement.
A high-strength dog multivitamin designed to supercharge your dog’s diet with premium vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and antioxidants. Its powerful formula includes reishi mushroom, green-lipped mussel, chlorella, hemp protein, and probiotics to support peak health and vitality. Perfect for enriching 80-10-10 raw dog food, it elevates nutrients to create a balanced, nutritionally complete meal. Even the fussiest eaters will enjoy this vet-approved supplement, which can be easily mixed into any meal.
Delivers essential energy replenishment for dogs needing extra vitality, whether due to an active lifestyle, pregnancy, or recovery from illness or injury. Its powerful blend includes protein-rich hemp, antioxidant-packed green tea, DMG, NAC, and chlorella, supporting detox, immune health, and muscle maintenance. Give your dog the boost they need to bounce back stronger and stay ready for life’s adventures.
The ultimate strength and stamina supplement for dogs, designed to supercharge performance, enhance focus, and support muscle recovery. Its powerful formula includes ProDog’s special tri-protein blend of hemp, kelp, and colostrum, plus ginseng, fish collagen, and pumpkin seed powder. Whether you’re boosting protein intake for peak performance or assisting with healthy weight loss, this supplement keeps your dog strong, sharp, and ready for action.
ProDog Repel is a safe and effective all-natural worm, flea and tick repellent that helps protect your dog without harsh chemicals. This vet-approved supplement features neem leaf, holy basil, garlic, astragalus root, fenugreek, and lemon balm—powerful ingredients expertly chosen for their parasite-deterrent properties. Tough on pests but gentle on the digestive system, it’s a reliable, daily-use alternative to chemical treatments. Simply mix into your dog’s meals for hassle-free protection.
Discover the science behind Supplements by ProDog. Each ingredient is handpicked by canine nutrition experts and backed by research to deliver maximum impact.
Finally, not forgetting, ProDog’s Bone Broth! A nutrient-rich superfood that supports joint health, digestion, and overall well-being in dogs. Slow-cooked for maximum nutritional value, it’s packed with essential minerals, collagen, and amino acids that promote healthy joints, a shiny coat, and gut health. Ideal as a tasty meal topper or hydrating treat, bone broth for dogs adds a natural, wholesome boost to any diet.
Not sure which raw dog food or supplement ranges would be best for your Havanese?
Get tailored recommendations from ProDog’s canine nutritionist team:
Johanna Anturaniemi, Sara Zaldívar-López, Huub F. J. Savelkoul, Kari Elo, Anna Hielm-Björkman( 2020) The Effect of Atopic Dermatitis and Diet on the Skin Transcriptome in Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.552251
Ramasay R, Vannucci J, Yan D, Herold K, Yan F, Schmidt AM (2005) Advanced glycation end products and RAGE: a common thread in aging, diabetes, neurodegeneration, and inflammation. Glycobiology. 15:16-28R. DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwi053
Johanna Anturaniemi, Liisa Uusitalo, Anna Hielm-Björkman (2017). Environmental and phenotype-related risk factors for owner-reported allergic/atopic skin symptoms and for canine atopic dermatitis verified by veterinarian in a Finnish dog population. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178771
