BENEFITS OF RAW DOG FOOD
Would you eat ONLY plain processed cereal day after day? This is exactly what our dogs are eating when we feed them dry kibble.
When it comes to our dog’s diets, there is a lot of debate and controversy over what’s biologically appropriate and healthy for our pets to consume. It's common knowledge now that certain foods such as onions, garlic, avocado, and grapes are bad for our animal companions; this is well documented and proven. However, there are some gray areas in animal diets, specifically for dogs, where pet parents seem unsure of whether certain foods are healthy or not.
In fact, it would seem that people, in general, don’t know what counts as healthy food for dogs. Even though they have good intentions, they put their animal companions on strange diets like feeding them exclusively processed can foods or specific brands of dry, processed kibble. Some people only feed their canine companion's dog treats and goodies. (This isn’t a very good idea, it’d be like feeding your dog fast food every day!)
Then there are some pet parents who pursue more natural options like homemade dog food that eliminate ingredients such as grains, wheat, and preservatives and focus on the food groups that make a happy healthy dog. Some even go the extra mile and feed their canines raw, real, nutrient-dense meat-based products.
What Is A Raw Food Diet?
A raw food diet creates a more natural culinary regime for dogs and cats. This diet focuses on feeding your pets, foods that are as close to their natural, unmanipulated state as possible and are full of nutrients. This diet emphasizes raw, uncooked meats and animal products, which is exactly what our dog’s and cat’s digestive systems are designed to utilize.
The diet was originally proposed by Australian veterinarian, Ian Billinghurst. He referred to it as the “BARF” diet which stood for either “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food,” or "Bones and Raw Food." Either way, the idea behind the diet was to focus on what dogs and cats would have eaten before humans domesticated them. In other words, he wanted to feed them like they were still in the wild.
Real Food for Real Pets
The raw food diet is a fascinating and thought-provoking idea. While a few veterinarians are openly against the concept, many are applauding those who choose to feed their pets this way. Pet parents who feed their animals a high-quality raw food diet report:
- Longer life spans
- Higher energy levels
- Improved digestion and ideal weight
- Healthier skin and coat
- Whiter teeth, healthier gums, and fresh breath
- Smaller stools with fewer odors
- Less incidence of diseases such as diabetes and arthritis
Is The Raw Food Diet Right For Your Dog or Cat?
Critics of the raw food diet claim that it holds bacterial threats to both dogs and humans since there are raw meats involved. As long as proper health protocol is followed, like washing your hands before and after handling, the risk is very minimal.
Dog parents who feed their dogs a raw food diet report that their dog’s quality of life improved almost immediately after introducing raw meat products. The number of people who report positive changes in their dogs due to this diet is impressive.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether or not the raw food diet is right for your pet. Just be sure to follow proper health protocol, like washing your hands before and after you handle raw food. It’s important to keep yourself and your dog healthy and the raw food diet is a great place to start!
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