PMR+ is an integrative style of feeding that recognizes that basic PMR is not nutritionally adequate. It still relies on PMR ratios as the foundation: 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, and 5% OSO (other secreting organ). Like PMR, it also utilizes a percentage of body weight to feed and maintains aspects of the ancestral diet regarding things like fatty acids; more red meat than white meat; use of whole prey; and percentage of bone requirements. From there it diverges from PMR and the “+” comes into play- that is, whole food ingredients outside of the ratios that supply additional nutrients that meat, bones, and organs do not provide.
Typical “+” items include, but are not limited to:
- Oily fish like sardines, mackerel, and salmon
- Eastern oysters
- Green lipped mussels
- Blue mussels
- Kelp
- Hempseed or flax oil
- Kefir and other fermented items
- Specific fruits and vegetables selected for beneficial phytonutrients
- Wheatgrass or wheatgerm oil
- Eggs
- Bone broth
- Spirulina
- Soaked and/or fermented nuts and seeds
Essentially, these are items that complement a PMR diet by filling nutritional gaps. They should be added for specific purposes, though- know why you’re adding the extras you add! Understanding the nutrient profiles of the ingredients in your dog’s bowl is a step closer to feeding your dog optimally.
Although at the core of my feeding philosophy I do prefer NRC-style feeding for most of my clients, the fact remains that for some dogs, PMR+ is a style that their owners can trust, feel good about, and see the results they’re looking for.
