Owning a pet is one thing but feeding them the right food is another, and with many pet owners shifting towards raw dog food over dry kibble, this article aims to inform them on the matter. Feeding your dog raw dog food which includes meats, bones, parts of animals, fruit and vegetables, can be very beneficial for overall health. This, in turn, makes this piece beneficial for anyone considering raw diets for dogs, specifically those with health concerns while ensuring that the readers are well informed so that the health of their pet is not compromised.
What Is Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food is raw meat, organs, and other ingredients that form a canine diet as seen in wolves in the wild. Dogs would usually thrive better on a diet like this as it caters to all their needs biologically and nutritionally.
What Are The Different Raw Dog Food Types?
- Frozen Raw Diet: These require thawing prior to use but are complete meals that can contain bones and meat pieces, and vegetables. It is nutritious and is better than cooked food as it is raw.
- Freeze-Dried Raw Diets: To prepare these products for storage while maintaining the nutrients in them, freeze-drying is a common practice that preserves the shelf life of these products.
- Home-Prepared Raw Diets: Pet owners get the chance to prepare their own raw meals using high-quality ingredients that can be customized to suit the preferences and well-being of the dog.
- Commercial Raw Diets: These diets are sold by different manufacturers in complete pack formulations that are designed to ensure correct nutrition to the dogs.
III. Nutritional Benefits of Raw Dog Food
Essential Nutrients Found in Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food annihilates main nutrient sources which are essential for the body of the dog:
- High-Quality Protein Sources: Meats that are raw contain protein that is essential for muscle development and sustenance.
- Healthy Fats: Fats which are absent from fish apart from certain meats contain omega-3 and omega-6 Fats which are essential in healthy coating as well as skin improvement, joint inflammation, among others Omega-fatty acids.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals: For optimal functioning of the body, vitamins as well as minerals help in optimal controlling of bodily functions and thus, the nutrition in the body is enhanced.
Comparison with Kibble and Canned Food
Outlook dry in moderation contains fillers and preservatives as compared with kibble and canned food, thus rab dog food is nutrient rich. The American Kennel Club states that since there is no processing, the enzymes and nutrients that are found in the natural state which are beneficial to dogs.
IV. Health Benefits of Feeding Raw Dog Food
Improved Digestion
Pet owners indicated that their dogs were tending to have better digestion and a smaller stool when they were given the raw diet. This is because the protein level is high, as well as the enzymes found in raw food.
Better Skin and Coat Condition
Due to the healthy oils and fats present in the dog’s health raw dog food, its skin and fur are likely to be in a better state. Dogs that suffer from allergies have been seen to respond quite favorably to the raw diet in terms of their skin conditions.
Weight Management
Raw feeding can help control a dog’s weight. As a result of the high-quality protein sources used and the low filler content, dogs are able to be full without being stuffed.
Increased Energy Levels
Increased energy levels are also commonly seen amongst dogs that are fed raw food. They are active and playful when fed raw food, possibly due to the high nutrients found in such food which contribute to their health.
Potential Health Benefits for Specific Conditions
- Dogs with Allergies: In this raw diet, allergens generated from processed food sources are eliminated. This is particularly helpful for dogs with food intolerance.
- Canine Pancreatitis – A low-fat raw diet can relieve the strain on your pet’s pancreas and provide proper nutrition.
- Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs – Even in a raw diet, it is possible to limit protein and phosphorus making it ideal for dogs with renal failure.
V. Raw Diet: Dos And Don’ts
Step By Step Approach
When switching your dog to a raw food diet, your pet should be given time to adapt, as some dogs can get upsets the first several times they try it.
Step One: In the beginning, try adding a tiny portion of raw into the regular diet and repeat that until it works. After that, you can slowly increase the amount over a few days.
Step Two: Once the dog is consuming raw, keep track of the animal’s movements, its poop frequency, appetite, and energy levels.
What Should Not Be Done?
- Don’t Give Start Slow: A common mistake made by many pet owners switching to raw diets is overfeeding. The amount being given is twice what the recommended portion should be which in the raw diets is one cup twice a day.
- Don’t Forget To Balance The Raw Diet: Include other types of proteins, organs or veggies to provide variety. It is best that such a pet diet plan is discussed first with a veterinarian or a pet nutrition consultant.
Further Help
In the book “Raw Dog Food: Make It Easy for You and Your Dog” by Carina MacDonald, the author expands the topic of dry feeding in detail. Moreover, websites, for example, the Raw Feeding Community, have a lot of materials for pet owners changing the way they feed their pets.
VI. Addressing Stakes and Getting It Wrong
Addressing Overhead Risks of Raw Feeding
The fear for some pet owners is the feeding of raw diets; the concern is mostly on bacteriological aggressions. It’s crucial to follow safe handling practices:
Thoroughly wash hands and exposed surfaces following the preparation and use of raw food.Properly fridge or freeze raw food.
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Raw dog food is inherently unsafe and thus should be banned.
Fact: The truth is that there are risks associated with this practice, but risks such as sourcing, handling, and preparation can minimize it in big extent. Many pet owners successfully feed their dogs raw diets without issues.
VII. Raw Dog Food Recipes – the Do It Yourself Way
Basic Raw Dog Food Recipes
Mix of Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound of ground chicken.
- 1/2 cup of shredded carrots.
- 1/2 cup of chopped spinach.
Combine all and serve fresh as practical.
Beef and Bone broth
- 1 pound of minced beef.
- 1 cup of bone broth.
- 1/4 cup of green peas.
Mix up all ingredients and serve but ensure the source of meat is proper.
Ingredient Sourcing
Consider using stores where high quality and organic ingredients are sold preferably found locally or with proper online suppliers. Meat should always be fresh and hormone-free in order to maintain the health of your dog.
Raw Dog Food Recipes & Requirements
Make changes to the raw dog food preparation steps, any given recipes, your tools, and techniques, based on health factors and preferences of your dog. Consultations with a veterinarian would go a long way in assisting you formulate a complete pet feeding regimen.
VIII. Buying the Right Canine Raw Dog Food
Critical Areas Of Focus
Make the following considerations when purchasing raw dog food:
- Ingredient Quality: It is important to source meat and vegetable ingredients that are organic, quality, and sustainably sourced.
- Food Sourcing: The food must be able to supply an adequate amount and ratio of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Well Known Raw Dog Food Brands
Some reputable brands in the market include:
- Stella & Chewy’s: They are known due to their freeze raw food that is convenient and practical to keep and serve.
- Primal Pet Foods: These are a variety of USDA-certified raw pet food products that are fully nutrient-dense.
- Open Farm: These are manufacturers who have concerns on the origin of pet food ingredients and strive to promote environmentally friendly practices.
Product Reviews and Testimonials.
Check Amazon or Chewy to read customer reviews on how they benefited from raw diets and what health improvements they saw with this change.
IX. Conclusion
For pet owners wishing to improve the general health and aspects of their dogs, raw dog food comes as an option worth trying. And, with the benefits of better digestion, better skin and coat conditions as well as higher energy levels, one can understand why raw feeding is becoming more popular. With the proper gradual shift to raw feeding style, consideration of the risks with raw pet foods and getting professional assistance, one can ensure that the best nutrition is provided for their pets.
As you look round for raw dog foods, do not forget the individual requirements of your dog and feel free to reach out to the veterinarians and pet nutritionists. Switching to a raw diet would be one of the steps that would redefine the health and happiness of your pet.
