Premade raw dog food is an ideal option for pet parents looking to transition their pets’ diets to a natural one. These frozen meals are straightforward to make and come in various protein varieties such as rabbit and venison.
Feeding your dog raw food is an effective way to improve their wellbeing and help ward off disease. But you must take the time to properly prepare their diet for maximum benefit.
Contents
Meat
Meat in premade raw dog food provides your pup with protein and essential fats they cannot get from kibble or canned food. Furthermore, meat contains micronutrients like zinc and iron which make it a beneficial addition to their diet.
Meat is highly bioavailable and packed with beneficial enzymes and bacteria to aid digestion and promote immunity. In contrast, starchy kibble causes inflammation and lacks these protective nutrients.
Commercially available raw foods often undergo high-pressure processing to eliminate harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. Coli, which may be present in unpasteurized raw meats.
Answers, a family-owned company from Eastern Pennsylvania, manufactures five raw foods for dogs. While no HPP is used, they do incorporate plenty of fermented ingredients to prevent harmful bacteria growth.
The company also offers a “prey model” raw diet, which mimics what wolves consume in the wild. Unfortunately, this type of raw feeding may not be suitable for puppies and dogs with dietary sensitivities.
Vegetables
Vegetables in your dog’s raw diet can have numerous health and wellness benefits for them. They provide essential fiber for digestive health and hydration; vitamins and minerals in abundance; antioxidants; as well as enzymes which aid in metabolism and digestion.
Vegetables and fruits are packed with polyphenols, compounds that protect your dog against diseases like cancer and heart disease. Furthermore, they contain antioxidants which reduce bodily inflammation and free radical damage.
Vegetables and fruits are low in calories and provide essential nutrients for your dog to stay healthy. Furthermore, they’re high in fiber which supports proper bowel function as well as helps regulate blood sugar levels for dogs with diabetes.
Vegetables can be an enjoyable and nutritious addition to your dog’s raw diet. Check out our list of approved vegetables to find the ones that are ideal for your pup.
Bones
Raw marrow bones are one of the most beneficial raw ingredients you can give your pup. Not only do they contain essential minerals like phosphorous and calcium, but they also contain other important compounds which support overall wellness.
Bones are not only a great source of protein and nutrients for your pup, but they can also help remove tartar from their teeth and gums. When given after meals, bones may stimulate saliva enzymes as well.
You have two choices for adding bones to your dog’s food: grind them into their food or give them a large bone for recreational chewing. When grinding, opt for softer bones like chicken wings or turkey necks which can easily be ground with a meat grinder.
When giving your dog a bone, always offer it in an established area and remove it once they’ve finished chewing. Doing this helps your pup associate the bone with a specific spot so that it becomes easier for them to locate next time they need one.
Supplements
Nutritionally-sound raw diets provide your dog with a range of supplements to support their optimal health. These may include omega fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Meat – Protein is an essential element of any raw diet and provides easily digestible amino acids and essential fats that support your dog’s immune system, liver function and energy production. Meat also provides high levels of vitamin B1, C, D, E and other fatty acids which are all essential for their overall wellbeing.
Organ Meat – Liver, kidneys and hearts are great sources of nutrition for your pup. Not only are they packed full of vitamins A, B, C, D and E but also potassium, calcium magnesium and phosphorus which all make excellent sources for dogs’ meals.
A high quality premade raw diet should provide your dog with a balanced balance of meats, vegetables, fruits and bones. It should also contain various other ingredients which provide additional calories, fiber, proteins and nutrients.
