Supplement, not Substitute: Why we don’t call Tukkathyme a Complete Meal

This happy little French Bulldog has just finished his regular meal topped with Tukkathyme natural herbal dog food muesli—proof that mealtime is even better when it’s boosted the Tukkathyme way!

Understanding the difference — and why it matters for your dog’s health

At Tukkathyme, we frequently receive the question:

"If it’s so nutritious, why don’t you call it a complete meal?"

➡️ Read: What Is a Natural Dog Muesli? How Herbal Blends Support Daily Nutrition

It’s a great question — especially when so many dog foods are marketed as “complete and balanced.” The answer is simple:

we are intentionally positioned as a supplementary food, designed to complement what you already feed.

And here’s why that matters.

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What “Complete and Balanced” means — and why we don’t use it

When a company labels their food “complete and balanced,” it means it meets nutrient levels defined by international frameworks such as:

• AAFCO (USA)

• FEDIAF (Europe)

  
  

New Zealand does not operate its own nutritional framework for dogs. When companies label pet foods as ‘complete and balanced,’ MPI requires that those claims are validated against known global standards such as AAFCO or FEDIAF. These are recognised by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) when claiming nutritional adequacy.

➡️ Also read: Grain-Free Raw Diets & Nature’s Mix — Finding the Right Balance

These standards are helpful — but they assume every dog has the same needs, day after day. The reality is that dogs differ in:

• life stage

• diet preferences

• sensitivities

• health requirements

• lifestyle

• activity level

That is why we choose a different approach.

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Why we officially call ourselves a supplementary food

In New Zealand regulatory terms, Tukkathyme is correctly categorised as:

"A supplementary food for dogs"

This means we are not intended to replace your dog’s main protein-based meal, but rather to sit alongside it.

This is important for transparency.

It also clearly communicates that your dog still requires a primary diet source, such as:

• raw meat

• cooked meat

• wet or dry main food

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Why we use the word complement in our messaging

While our legal category is “supplementary,” our role in your dog’s life is that we complement the bowl.

So our preferred description is:

“A natural, plant-based supplementary food designed to complement your dog’s main diet.”

This communicates our value more clearly:

• we enhance your chosen feeding style

• we are not competing with existing diets

• we help meals become more nutritionally complete

  
  

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What Tukkathyme adds to your dog's bowl

Fresh kale that has been gently dehydrated to lock in nutrients, then added to Tukkathyme muesli to support natural fibre intake, healthy digestion, and everyday wellness.

Dogs fed the same meal every day can easily miss out on valuable nutritional diversity. Tukkathyme helps close those gaps by adding:

• A blend of herbs supporting skin health, hormone balance, and digestive function

• Digestive fibre from extruded grains to keep the gut moving naturally

• Natural fats, oils, and slow-release energy from coconut and linseed

• Dehydrated vegetables and fruits providing concentrated micronutrients

• Trace minerals from kelp to support immune, thyroid, and metabolic function

• Plant-based antioxidants contributing to overall vitality and well-being

It is ideal for mixing with:

• Raw diets for added fibre, minerals, and herbal support

• Kibble to improve variety, palatability, and nutrient density

• Home-cooked meals that benefit from additional vitamins, minerals, and structure

• Recovery diets to gently support digestion and nutrient absorption

• Senior meals where additional antioxidants, herbs, and fibre help maintain vitality

• Puppy meals when using Puppy Mash, supporting healthy development

• Allergy-sensitive diets providing plant-based balance without adding animal proteins

It boosts the bowl, filling nutritional gaps in a simple, natural way.

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Why we don’t position ourselves as competition

Many foods proudly market themselves as “complete” — meaning nothing else is needed. We respect that approach, but our philosophy is different.

We don’t believe dogs thrive long-term on:

• 
  

• one food only

• one formula for every life stage

• one diet style applied universally

Instead, we support what you already feed.

Tukkathyme is not a replacement — it’s an enhancer. By adding herbs, fibre, minerals, and natural energy sources, we make your existing diet more balanced and more functional.

There’s also a practical advantage: By mixing Tukkathyme alongside your current food, you can subtly reduce meal volume while still delivering great nutrition. This helps stretch your existing food budget further without compromising your dog’s health.

Your chosen food provides the protein foundation.Tukkathyme adds balance, diversity, and functional ingredients.

That’s partnership — not competition.

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Real results from NZ dogs

Our customers consistently report improvements in:

• coat shine and softness

• calmer digestive patterns

• less itching or flakiness

• more sustained energy

When a diet is rounded out, dogs visibly flourish.

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How to feed Tukkathyme (4 Simple Steps)

1. Add warm water

2. Allow the muesli to soften

3. Mix into your dog’s main meal

4. Serve fresh

For dogs needing deeper herbal benefit — use Nature’s Mix as a daily grain-free booster.

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Our Promise: Honesty Over Claims

We will never use “complete and balanced” unless scientifically substantiated.

Instead, we proudly remain:

• supplementary

• complementary

• natural

• transparent

Because when owners understand how food works, they choose with confidence.

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Choose the formula that suits your dog best - view and buy the full range at our official store: 👉 www.tukkathyme.co.nz/shop

We also partner with select retailers across New Zealand. Find a local stockist in your area.