Are you considering transitioning your dog to raw food? There are a few things to take into account before making the switch. Here are some helpful tips that will make the process smoother for both of you.
Kibble diets are high in meat and low in carbohydrates, allowing dogs to metabolize energy more efficiently – leading to improved overall health.
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What is Raw Feeding?
Raw feeding is the healthier choice for your pup than commercial dog food, since it offers them natural meat, bones, internals and vegetables instead of processed ingredients that may lead to obesity, diabetes, skin allergies and more! It also eliminates many harmful additives found in processed food which can contribute to obesity, diabetes and skin allergies!
In developed countries, there is an increasingly popular trend to feed pet dogs and cats raw meat or animal by-products due to perceived health benefits as well as a growing distrust of industrially produced pet food.
However, current data on the nutritional and medical risks of raw feeding are scarce. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the potential introduction of antimicrobial drug-resistant bacteria from imported raw meats.
Getting Started
Switching your dog over to a raw diet can seem daunting at first, but the advantages will soon outweigh any initial struggles. The key is being patient and giving your pup plenty of time to adjust.
Fortunately, there are a wealth of resources to assist you on your raw feeding journey. Books, blogs and online communities provide invaluable advice for both novices and experts alike.
Organs are an excellent addition to a raw diet, providing fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. However, they should always be prepared properly in order to avoid digestive issues.
Transitioning Your Dog
When transitioning your pup to raw food, it’s best to go at their pace. This will help avoid any gastrointestinal upsets and give your pup time to adjust to a new diet.
For dogs who have been raised on kibble, it is recommended to gradually transition them over to raw food. This will give your pup time to adjust and allow you to observe how they respond when given different meals.
As your dog adjusts to this new diet, they may begin eating less kibble and more raw. Additionally, they may defecate less frequently and produce smaller stools.
Overcoming Mental & Social Obstacles
One of the greatest advantages to taking this course is being surrounded by people like you, making it a highly social experience. Whether you’re an experienced raw feeder or just starting out in raw feeding, having access to other canines on their journey for healthier living can be invaluable. We boast over 20,000 RF101 students worldwide – some of the most passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable raw feeders in existence! You can ask for help, find out about all of your options, make new friends and even receive our award-winning eBook, The Art of Raw Feed!
Preparing for the Future
Finding the ideal dog food is a top priority for many pet parents. Whether they opt for kibble or raw diets, they want to ensure their pup receives all of the nutritional and health benefits possible. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to locate accurate, comprehensive and straightforward information regarding this topic.
Fortunately, you can get all of this information through an online course called Raw Feeding 101. This comprehensive program covers everything you need to know about raw feeding your pup from transitioning them over and sourcing their own food, to creating homemade raw diets. Plus, there are students and non-students in the “Raw Feed 101 Students” Facebook group who have gone through similar experiences and can share their insights & advice with you.
