Many people believe that a raw dog food diet is the best possible way to feed their dogs. In some cases, they may be right. After all, dogs in the wild don’t exactly get bagged kibble, now do they? The thing is, our dogs aren’t exactly living in the wild. It can be tempting to switch your dog over to a raw dog food diet, but it’s important to know the facts first.
Raw Dog Food Diet: Basic Considerations
What is a Raw Dog Food Diet?
As the name implies, a raw dog food diet consists of raw foods. While raw meats are a big part, a healthy balanced diet for your dog also include fruits and vegetables. The diet is designed to be similar to what dogs ate before they became domesticated. It’s typically significantly higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than even the best dry dog food. Examples of raw dog food diet items include: muscle meat, bones, organs (such as the liver), raw eggs, broccoli and apples.
Benefits of a Raw Dog Food Diet
Those who tout the raw dog food diet cite several key benefits as their reason for choosing this particular diet. These may include:
- Shiny coats
- Healthier skin with fewer skin conditions
- Healthier teeth and mouth
- Higher levels of energy
- Firmer, smaller stools that are easier to clean up
- Fewer allergy issues
Some even say that switching to a raw dog food diet cured their pets of chronic health issues.
Dangers of a Raw Dog Food Diet
While the benefits of a raw dog food diet may sound fantastic, there are dangers to watch out for. The biggest danger: contaminated meat. When we get meat from a grocery store, we know that it has to be cooked completely to destroy any potential bacteria. Your dogs are also sensitive to those bacteria, and a raw dog food diet makes it nearly impossible to know if the meat you’re giving your pet is safe. Furthermore, that bacteria can also pose a threat to you or your family.
Another potential issue is an unbalanced diet. High-quality dog foods typically contain the right balance of nutrients for your canine. When you use a raw food diet for dogs, you are in charge of making sure your pup gets the right balance. It requires quite a bit of research!
Some dog owners may find the inconvenience of preparing a raw dog food diet a bit overwhelming. Even if you opt for commercially prepared raw foods,like Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Canine Chicken Formula
Is it worth it?
After weighing the benefits and risks of a raw dog food diet, you may wonder if it’s worth it. That’s entirely up to you. As long as you consult with your vet to come up with the right raw food diet for your dog and are willing to follow through with the research, it may be worth it. If you decide against it, that’s fine too. Just make sure you’re opting for the highest quality dog food that you can afford.
