Raw Pet Food
You may not be aware of the ingredients used in the average commercial pet food. Many people picture their dogs and cats healthy, wholesome foods, but the reality is a lot different. Most ingredients used in pet foods are not considered palatable by humans, and are actually waste products from producing human food. Our pets eat the things that human beings throw away, from defleshed and defatted carcasses to grains that have already been pressed for oil and had much of their starch removed. A lot of commercial kibble simply isn’t good for your pet.
On top of that, even the best made premium pet food really isn’t suited for digestion by carnivores. Dogs and cats eat primarily meat in the wild, especially cats, but kibble is primarily made from grains such as wheat and corn. In some animals, this can cause all kinds of digestive and other problems, which are fixed by changing the diet. This isn’t the perfect option for every cat or dog, of course, but for a lot of them, raw pet food leads to better health and longer lives.
Don’t just run out and buy a few pounds of ground chuck at the supermarket, however. To feed your pet a raw diet, you need to do it correctly. Raw pet food requires a strong understanding of the nutritional needs of dogs and cats. Remember that in the wild, carnivores eat flesh, organs, the contents of those organs and even skin and bone. That means that they’re getting a lot of things that ordinary meat can’t provide, and your raw diet needs to offer this.
It will also vary according to the cat or dog. Some pets that have grown up on a commercial diet don’t tolerate a switch to a fully raw diet well, and require a partially raw diet supplemented with a high grade commercial food. It all depends on the animal. Talk to a raw-friendly vet about your options before you think about making the switch. He or she will be able to give you good advice on what your pet should be eating, how much, and what to do to make sure that your cat or dog is getting optimum nutrition.
You can choose from prepackaged raw diets, or make your own. Remember that feeding raw is costlier than feeding kibble, but it’s also much better for your pet, and could prevent costly vet visits down the line. Food makes a difference, so it’s important to feed your pets the best they can get. You’ll see a difference in their appearance and energy level once you’ve made the transition. Just remember to do it slowly, so that your pet doesn’t have trouble from the sudden change. Going raw could be the thing that helps your pet overcome allergies, digestive problems, and all sorts of other difficulties.
