Raw meat is a popular dog food option, but it can also be dangerous. This is because raw meat contains harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria that could infect your pup and make them very ill.
However, many pet parents opt to feed their dogs raw meat as part of a healthier diet. This is mainly because it adds an array of essential nutrients into their meals.
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It is a natural food
Supporters of raw feeding for dogs argue that it is the most natural way to nourish a pup. Wild wolves don’t eat cooked or kibble; rather, they consume freshly-killed raw meat which has been around for tens of thousands of years.
Some veterinarians and pet parents believe that dogs’ gut enzymes and metabolisms, which differ from humans’, make them better suited to digest raw meat. Owners who feed their dogs a raw diet report many positive effects such as healthier coats, smaller poops, cleaner teeth, and increased energy levels.
However, a raw meat diet is not without risks. Raw meat may contain bacteria and other pathogens that could cause illness in pets and their owners; examples include salmonella, E.coli, and other germs which cause diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
It is a good source of protein
Raw meat, unlike kibble, not only provides essential nutrition for dogs but it digests faster as well. As a result, dogs tend to feel fuller on a raw diet than when fed kibble.
A raw diet can also benefit your dog’s skin and coat health. This is because it supplies essential nutrients that promote a glossy, soft coat.
Furthermore, it may reduce allergies and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, it enhances digestion and immunity.
Raw feeding your dog a raw diet can be healthier for them since it contains fewer calories. An excessive carbohydrate-based diet has been linked to obesity and inflammation in dogs, both of which may cause various health issues in them.
It is a good source of fat
Raw meat advocates contend that it is more nutrient-rich than cooked or commercial dog food, and they also claim it maintains essential vitamins in their natural state – something beneficial for dogs’ wellbeing.
They also claim raw meat is a great source of protein. Unfortunately, raw meat may contain harmful microorganisms like salmonella which can lead to serious illness in dogs and their families.
Fortunately, most of these issues are preventable and can be minimized by following certain precautions when feeding your pup raw meat.
One of the most important precautions is to avoid raw meat that has been denatured, which includes meat treated with charcoal, cresylic disinfectant or other chemicals to render it unfit for human consumption.
It is a good source of minerals
Raw meats contain essential nutrients that help strengthen your dog’s immunity. Furthermore, they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which may reduce inflammation and allergies.
Meats are also an excellent source of calcium, zinc, and iron for pets. Feeding your pup a diet rich in these vital nutrients can help them fight off issues like anemia, fatigue, and diarrhea.
Though raw meat has numerous health benefits for pets, it’s essential to exercise caution when feeding it to them. Raw meat can be contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms, so following hygiene protocols is key for guaranteeing your pet’s safety.
Raw food proponents maintain that raw meat contains all of its vitamins and minerals in their natural state. Unfortunately, studies have demonstrated that eating raw meat can lead to nutritional imbalances which could eventually lead to serious health issues. These imbalances typically manifest themselves in levels of vitamin A/D, calcium/phosphorus/potassium/zinc.
