Raw Dog Food
You may have heard about people who are feeding their dogs a raw meat based diet, rather than commercial pet foods. Some people say that raw dog food can cure a number of digestive problems and allergies, help pets live longer, and allow them to enjoy their food more, as well as preventing problem conditions in the long run. With claims like that, it can be easy to wonder if this is really true, and if we can sustainably feed our pets raw food.
Most commercial dog food seems like a strange thing to feed a carnivore, when you think about the ingredients. They’re made mostly of grains such as wheat, rice, or corn, and the amount of meat in some foods is vanishingly small. While dogs, being capable of tolerating some plant based foods, can get by on a diet like this, mere survival isn’t the same as good health. And for some dogs, this kind of food can actually cause real problems.
In the wild, our pets wouldn’t be eating premade kibble. Their teeth and digestive systems are built to deal primarily with animal foods, and they certainly wouldn’t have access to cooking. Some worry about the presence of bacteria in meat, but we should remember that dogs have digestive systems that deal with this bacteria better than our own. If the meat has been correctly handled, a raw diet should not be a danger to your pet.
If you’d like to feed raw food, there are a number of guides out there, but you shouldn’t jump in without doing a little research. Feeding raw dog food incorrectly can result in nutritional imbalances. We should remember that the wild cousins of our pets – wolves – don’t just eat steak. They eat organ meats, bones, and just about every other part of their kill. They even take in a little plant matter when they eat animal digestive systems. This is what allows them to get the correct balance of nutrition in their diet, and it’s why you have to plan raw feeding carefully and keep things varied.
Remember to treat meat for your pet just like you’d treat meat for your own consumption. Fresh is best, though frozen meat is also acceptable. Start your pet off very gradually, too. Raw foods shouldn’t become a major part of the diet all at once, or you’ll run into digestive problems that will make neither you nor your dog happy. Choose high quality foods to become the base for your pet’s diet, and remember to discuss your plans with a vet who understands the benefits of raw food. This may take a little searching, but they do exist.
The concerns most vets have are due to people who don’t understand their dogs’ nutritional requirements, and cause illnesses or deficiencies by accident. If you take the time to learn how to feed your dog on a raw, mostly meat based diet, he or she will be healthy and happier, and some conditions, like food allergies, may even disappear! Raw isn’t right for every dog and every owner, but it can work for many. Find out more if you’re curious about the benefits of feeding your pet on a raw diet.
