Dogs are natural carnivores with digestive enzymes designed specifically to break down raw meat. Feeding raw can make for easier digestion and absorption of immune-enhancing nutrients than feeding starch-based kibble.
Feeding a raw diet does not have to be expensive. But it is essential that your pet receives an optimally-balanced meal.
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Benefits
Raw diets tend to be high in protein while lacking essential minerals like calcium and phosphorous (for bone health), while possibly providing too much vitamin A.
Raw diets tend to produce more comfortable stools in dogs compared to kibble, because their digestive systems don’t need to work so hard in extracting and absorbing nutrients from foods that lack these vital elements.
Studies have demonstrated that feeding raw meats and bones to dogs results in less plaque and tartar build-up on their teeth than traditional, cooked food does. Furthermore, raw diets offer greater amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids and chondroitin than commercial options do.
Studies have demonstrated that feeding dogs a raw diet results in healthier skin and coat, reduced allergies and infections as well as an lowered risk of heart disease, cancer and obesity. Yet many veterinarians advise against feeding this alternative nutrition option to their clients.
Meat Selection
Raw diet supporters believe that feeding domestic dogs a meat-based diet more closely aligns with their wild ancestor, the wolf. Furthermore, raw feeding provides valuable nutrients lost through cooking such as enzymes that support biological activity.
When selecting animal proteins, it’s essential to keep their balance of fats, proteins and minerals in mind. Rotational feeding and procuring high-quality ingredients should be prioritized for best results.
Chicken: Loaded with amino acids. Chicken necks and backs offer ample calcium-rich nutrition for strengthening bones. Turkey: Packed with Vitamin E and Zinc for supporting a healthy skin and coat.
Grass-fed cows and lambs provide an excellent source of calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin A and D; in addition, these animals contain omega-3 fatty acids essential for cell health.
Pet parents should ask farm or slaughterhouse workers whether the meat they source was born on their farm and what age was it when it was killed – this will provide invaluable answers that ensure both animals and humans receive safe food supplies.
Bones
Femur bones (marrow bones) can be extremely hard, increasing your pet’s risk of chipping or breaking its teeth while chewing. This has a ripple effect of disrupting mouth microbiome balance and leading to gum disease; both issues that could eventually develop further into more serious complications like pancreatitis & heart issues.
Recreational raw bones should only be fed while your dog is being supervised to prevent choking & blockages, and should also be the appropriate size to avoid choking and tooth damage.
Bones should only be fed as part of a meal to stimulate stomach acid secretion and aid in digestion, and to allow your pet to consume the bones slowly without choking. Feeding bones as treats should not be done since this could result in serious digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea for both you and your pet.
Hygiene
Raw meat diets may contain pathogenic bacteria which is not eliminated or inactivated through cooking processes, leading to illness for both cats and people in the household. Furthermore, contamination of kitchen utensils, work surfaces and other items used in preparing pet food could spread it further to other foods or people within the household.
Our vets do not advise making your own raw diet; however, commercially prepared raw diets that have been tested to meet hygiene standards do exist and can be purchased from reputable pet shops. They provide your pet with all of the required nutrients.
Dogs fed a raw diet have better digestion with fewer stomach issues, softer teeth, cleaner breath and less smelly feces. Furthermore, this diet increases their immune systems so they’re better equipped to fight off infections and stay healthy.
