Raw food diets for dogs provide your pup with essential nutrients, helping to prevent health issues such as dry skin, excessive shedding and inflammation.
Raw diets provide your pup with essential minerals to keep their bones and teeth strong, plus it makes digestion much simpler!
Contents
Proteins
Proteins are an integral component of raw dog food and play a significant role in your pup’s diet. Not only that, but proteins also contain essential nutrients essential for their wellbeing.
Your dog’s nutritional needs dictate which type of protein they should consume. Some are more nutritious than others, while others may only be beneficial during certain growth stages.
A nutritious protein should be balanced and contain various amino acids, so it can aid dogs with various issues and prevent deficiencies.
Organ Meats
Organ meats make an excellent addition to a raw food diet for dogs, as they contain essential vitamins and minerals such as A, B, D and E, along with iron, phosphorous, selenium and zinc.
Feed to dogs raw entrails and internal organs from larger animals like cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. Gizzards, hearts and livers of chicken, duck and turkey make healthy additions to a dog’s raw diet as well.
Organs should make up to 25% of a raw dog’s diet, though this percentage may differ depending on the availability of different organs.
Grains
When feeding your pup raw food, grains can be an integral component of their meal. Grains contain carbohydrates which help regulate your pup’s blood sugar level and prevent hunger cravings.
When it comes to feeding your pup grains, there are plenty of options. Wheat, oats, barley, rye and triticale can all be given as treats!
Though many people mistakenly assume dogs are carnivores, they actually consume an omnivore diet of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Therefore, it is critical to balance your dog’s meals and ensure they receive all of their necessary nutrients. Achieving an ideal balance of these three vital vitamins will give your pup all of the energy they require for optimal growth and development.
Vegetables
Vegetables can be an excellent addition to a raw diet for dogs, providing them with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes not found in meat. Plus they’re full of water!
Vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants and phytonutrients that protect us against predators, parasites and disease. Furthermore, they contain lycopene and anthocyanins – responsible for their vibrant red hue – which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Fermented vegetables, which have been reduced through fermentation, make an ideal raw food choice for dogs. Not only are they easily digestible but they also contain beneficial bacteria and enzymes that aid in creating a healthy gut environment.
Fruits
Fruit is often included as a nutritious addition to raw dog foods, but certain kinds of fruit should always be avoided for your pup’s safety.
Xylitol, for instance, is an artificial sweetener that can be hazardous for dogs. Therefore, it’s best to steer your pup away from any fruit containing xylitol.
Mangoes make a safe treat for most dogs, though it should be cut into small pieces to reduce potential choking hazards. They provide fiber, potassium and vitamin C in small amounts.
Oranges and grapes make excellent treats for most dogs. Unfortunately, these fruits contain a lot of sugar and should only be fed in moderation as too much may lead to digestive issues in some dogs.
