Should You Feed A Raw Food Diet?
Certainly you are consulting this book with one big question - should you feed your dog a raw food diet? The answer is, it depends on a lot of different factors. We strongly believe that a raw food diet should only complement a traditional, commercially prepared, complete and balanced pet food diet. This is to ensure that the pet is receiving overall adequate nutrition in a balanced diet. Like everything, the key to a healthy diet, both for humans and our pets, is nutrient variety
and moderation. It is also important to note that some dogs thrive on a particular diet, while others simply don’t. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before starting a new diet or changing an existing one as each pet is unique in their needs based on many different factors including, but not limited to, age, breed, lifestyle and specific health considerations.
Risks of Raw Diets
While raw food proponents feel that the risks of raw food diets are outweighed by the benefits, there are several negative factors that may present themselves. Raw food enthusiasts also point to the fact that contamination may be present in traditional kibble and moist canned foods as well.
Contamination of Host Family
While a dog is able to safely digest certain parasites present in raw meats, humans are not. Feeding raw meat to your pet risks contamination from the pet carrying the meat outside of the eating area and around the home, having residue on their coat and coming into contact with family member or failure to ensure that the pet's eating area is thoroughly sanitized after each meal. It is also important to note that domestic animals have not been exposed to many food borne parasites for decades and do not have the same acquired immunity as their wild brethren to manage the digestion of these bacteria.
Dangerous Bacteria is Present in Raw Meats
E. coli, Salmonella and Clostridium are all common bacteria that are present in uncooked meats and may cause significant health issues for your dog if they are exposed. Talk with your veterinarian about the danger that these and other bacteria that may be present in raw meats may pose to your dog.
Not Suitable for Certain Medical Conditions
Dogs with certain medical conditions, such as pancreatic problems, kidney problems, weak immune systems or age related conditions may not respond well and may be harmed by raw food diets.
Advantages of Raw Diets
Those who have studied raw diets in dogs have found several advantages to this approach in feeding canine animals, when administered as a complete balanced diet.
Nutrient Rich, Preservative Free
Raw dog food diets are more nutrient dense as a result of being derived from whole, uncooked foods. Because raw diets are fresh, they also do not require preservatives or fillers.
Improved Oral Health
It is believed that raw dog food causes less tartar buildup on teeth and gums and the increased emphasis on chewing on bones helps to clean the teeth leading to improved oral health and better breath.
Less Bloating
Commercial dog foods may cause an animal to retain water and bloat. Raw dog foods do not contain preservatives or salts, causing the body to retain less water and become less bloated.
Better Digestion
Raw food diets may be easier for the pet to digest and may sit in their stomach for less time, leading to easier, quicker digestion.
Smaller Stools
Dogs on raw food diets pass less frequent, small stools and have less concentrated urine.
Improved Skin & Coat
Because raw food diets may include food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and other elevated sources of fat, the skin and coat may improve over dry kibble.
Why I Stopped My Service Dog’s Raw Diet 🐶
Read More:
(Raw Dog Diet) What Feeding Raw Breakfast Every Morning Looks Like With My Dog!
6 Things You Must Know About Raw Food Diets For Dogs (Raw Dog Food)
(Dog Fresh Food) Nutrition - General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs
