We love our pets and want what’s best for them, which is why we make sure to supply them with a diet that’s as well-balanced and nutritious as our own. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right food for your dog, and if you’re thinking about switching to a raw diet, certain things need to be researched first.
What is raw food, anyways? A raw diet consists of organ meats, muscle meat, bone, raw eggs, fresh dog-safe fruits and veggies, grains, and sometimes dairy products like yogurt. The most important aspect of a raw food diet is that your dog gets all the nutrients it needs, including the right amount of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Like most things, raw dog food has its pros and cons—read on to learn what they are!
When people consider a raw food diet for their dog, they often think it’s a logical choice. After all, the ancestors of our household pets lived off a raw diet before we domesticated them, right? Unfortunately, feeding your dog raw food isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
After decades of genetic modification, not all canines are suited to a raw diet anymore. Some critical factors to consider are your dog’s activity level, age, size, and whether your dog has allergies.
Activity level: Working dogs typically have higher energy and require higher calorie intake, so a leaner raw food diet may not give them enough of what they need.
Size: Small breed dogs and large breed dogs have different nutritional requirements.
Age: Some senior dogs with illnesses shouldn’t be fed raw foods as it can disrupt their digestion and make them more susceptible to a bacterial infection.
Allergies: Just like us, some dogs have developed allergies to certain ingredients like eggs, soy, wheat, and milk.
Before you decide to switch to a raw food diet, we highly recommend consulting your veterinarian first.
A major pro of a raw food diet is that you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog and where it’s sourced from. While you don’t need to worry about preservatives, raw food doesn’t keep for long and is at a higher risk of spoilage. Fortunately, commercial raw dog food is often purchased frozen, so you need only remember to thaw it before mealtime.
Many dog owners claim to see shinier coats, healthier skin, and better dental health in their dogs after switching them to a raw food diet. However, there are bacteria present in raw diets, some of which are harmful to both dogs and humans, such as E.coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Because these bacteria will live in a dog’s feces and mouths, there is some risk of the bacteria spreading. For this reason, it’s not recommended to feed a raw diet to your dog if you live with children, elderly family members, or immuno-compromised persons.
Adequately preparing a properly balanced and nutritious meal every day for your dog (and yourself) can be difficult if you have a busy lifestyle. For some, the preparation it takes is less convenient than simply scooping out the right amount of dried kibble. Inadequate preparation of raw food can lead to nutritional deficiencies in your dog that may go unnoticed for months or even years, which can drastically impact Fido’s overall health.
Finally, an increase in quality means an increase in cost. Like buying fresh, organic produce for yourself at the supermarket, Fido’s all organic raw food can be more expensive than commercial dried food. It’s a good idea to make sure the added cost and additional prep time are feasible for your lifestyle.
Now that you have an idea of the pros and cons of raw dog food, you can make an informed decision if it’s right for you and your pet. We’ve recently opened an in-store pet department at our Greenstreet Gardens location in Lothian! For further inquiries about the best raw pet food, or if you need to pick up a bag of treats for your favorite furball, stop in for a visit!
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