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Chances are you have heard both good and bad things about raw food diets. Dog owners who feed raw rave about the benefits, and those against raw feeding argue the risks involved, and the ones left undecided are wondering, is a raw food diet good for dogs?
A raw food diet can be great for dogs if it is done properly, meaning it is nutritionally balanced and complete. All dogs can benefit from a raw diet that is high in quality protein and low in carbohydrates and sugar. A raw diet is especially beneficial to dogs suffering from allergies, ear infections, weight issues, and digestive disorders.
As with any diet, there are both benefits and risks involved. If you are just hearing about raw dog food diets, and are wondering what all the hype is about, then continue reading below as we discuss the benefits and risks.
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Are Raw Food Diets For Dogs Just A Trend?
The concept of raw feeding is not new, after all, it is what your dog’s ancestors ate. Many dog owners are choosing to feed their dogs a raw diet because they want to feed a natural species-appropriate diet that is free of artificial ingredients and harmful chemicals.
With so many dogs struggling with obesity, allergies, diabetes, and other health conditions, many dog owners are looking for ways to treat their dogs naturally.
You may or may not have heard of the original raw diet for dogs known as BARF which stands for “Bones and Raw Food”, or “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food”. This diet was introduced by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, an Australian veterinarian and pet nutritionist, in the early ’90s.
His diet suggests that dogs would thrive on foods that they ate before they became domesticated. Raw foods include meat, bones, vegetables, and organ meats.
Sled dogs and racing greyhounds have been eating raw for many years before raw diets became popular.
Since the introduction of the BARF diet, other types of raw dog food diets have emerged.
Types Of Raw Dog Food Diets
There are two major types of raw dog food diets, homemade and commercially prepared.
Homemade Raw Dog Food
Homemade diets are ones that you make yourself at home. In other words, you go to the grocery store and buy raw meat, vegetables, and fruit and prepare your dog’s meal at home.
These types of raw diets carry a lot of risks, mainly because they usually aren’t nutritionally balanced or complete, you can never be sure of the nutrients your dog is getting each day. Plus, you can never be certain of the quality of meat you purchase from the grocery store.
Homemade raw diets take much more effort and you really need to know how to make each meal balanced and complete.
Commercially Prepared Raw Dog Food
Many companies are offering pre-packaged raw dog food to make feeding your dog easy and convenient. All of the ingredients and feeding guidelines are on the label which takes the guesswork out of it. Store-bought raw dog food is available in the following types:
Frozen
Most commercially prepared raw dog food is available in frozen logs or patties, that you need to portion. Some companies offer pre-portioned packages such as 1LB or 2LB containers or vacuum-sealed packages.
To feed, you simply unthaw and feed to your dog. They do require freezer space, and you need to remember to unthaw your dog’s meal for the next day, also requiring you to set aside some space in your fridge.
Freeze-Dried
Freeze-dried raw food has undergone a 3 step process to remove all of its moisture. The advantage of freeze-dried raw food is that it doesn’t require freezer space, and it is easy to take with you when traveling.
You do need to add water to the freeze-dried food before serving it to your dog. Adding water will bulk up the food, and make it more filling to your dog as well as easier to digest.
Dehydrated
Dehydrated raw dog food undergoes a slow and warm air drying process to remove all of its moisture. All of the nutrients and enzymes are left intact. It has all of the benefits of a raw diet but without the preparation, refrigeration, and freezing hassle. It is great for traveling or camping.
As with freeze-dried food, you will need to add water before serving to your dog.
What Does A Raw Food Diet For Dogs Consist Of?
Many people misunderstand what a raw diet for dogs is all about, and think it is simply just raw meat. Raw meat is a huge component of the raw diet, but there are other ingredients that need to be added to make the diet nutritionally complete.
A raw food diet for dogs is just as the name implies, uncooked raw food that is free of artificial ingredients and preservatives. It is food in its natural state.
A raw food diet for dogs typically consists of:
- Muscle meat.
- Organ meats such as kidney, liver, spleen & heart.
- Bones, either whole or ground.
- Vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, green beans & carrots.
- Fruits such as apples & blueberries.
- Raw eggs.
- Dairy such as yogurt, raw goat milk, or raw goat cheese.
- Fish or omega fatty acid supplements.
Is A Raw Food Diet Good For Dogs?
I am pretty certain that if you were to put a bowl of kibble and a bowl of raw meat in front of your dog, your dog would choose the raw meat first, then maybe eat the kibble afterward or not at all.
Dogs gravitate towards raw meat, there is no contest between raw and kibble. The smell, texture, and taste of raw satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Dogs are biologically designed to consume and thrive on a raw diet, and there are many benefits to feeding your dog a raw diet, that a processed commercial diet simply cannot compete with. Let’s look at the benefits below:
10 Benefits Of A Raw Dog Food Diet
Many of the benefits listed below are noticeable within a few days of switching to raw, while others take a bit of time to see the results.
1. No More Struggles With Allergies
Food allergies are the number 1 reason dog owners switch foods and eventually try a raw diet. A raw diet is the solution to your dog’s itching and licking! It is the main reason why I decided to try raw.
My Golden Retriever, Ellie, would constantly itch and lick her paws, and after feeding numerous brands of kibble and different protein sources, not to mention the countless visits to the vet to be prescribed medication after medication, I tried raw as the last resort.
A raw food diet has been the answer to my dog’s allergy struggles. She has been on Raw for over 3 years now and the results are amazing.
2. No More Ear Infections
Chronic ear infections are painful to your dog as well as expensive, having to get them treated at the vet. Most chronic ear infections are caused by yeast, which is brought on by food intolerances. Carbohydrates found in dry food diets like kibble feed the yeast!
Switching to a raw diet will eliminate carbohydrates and inhibit yeast growth, thus eliminating chronic ear infections.
3. No More Doggie Odour
All of the “junk” that is in processed commercial dog food contributes to that distinct “doggie odour” that no one likes. The carbs, animal by-products, preservatives, and additives found in processed dog food cause your dog’s coat to be dull and greasy which gives off an unpleasant odour.
Dogs who eat fresh natural foods don’t stink.
4. Healthy Shiny Coat & Less Shedding
This is usually the first thing dog owners notice when switching to raw, their dog’s coat is shiny and there is less shedding.
A raw diet provides the most natural sources of essential nutrients that your dog’s body needs to absorb in order to promote a healthy shiny coat.
5. Whiter Teeth & Fresher Breath
