These days, raw diets are all the rage, especially with celebrities who claim that their dogs live long lives by eating only raw meat. But there are so many mixed opinions out there between vets and pet owners about whether or not a dog can be healthy if it lives on a raw food diet.
The best diet for your furry friend depends on many things like lifestyle, dietary needs, weight management goals, allergies, and even your dog’s energy levels. In this article, we’ll go over all the facts about raw food diets and give you some helpful tips on what to do if you want to switch your dog to a raw food diet.
What Do Dogs Like to Eat?
There are two main types of food for dogs, raw food and canned food. However, there is an ongoing debate on which one is healthier for your canine.
Veterinarians have confirmed that dogs enjoy eating raw food like the ones from Petzyo or meat better than canned food because it gives them more texture. Some owners claim that feeding their dogs raw meat gives them a healthier and shinier coat.
However, others say that raw food for dogs is not the right thing to do because it could cause several diseases.
Although most websites and books directed at consumers recommend processed pet foods over a natural diet, some veterinarians suggest you feed your dog only if cooked.
Is Raw Dog Food Healthy for Your Pet?
Let’s start with the facts. Raw meat is exceptionally healthy for dogs as it includes lots of proteins and nutrients that help promote a dog’s muscle growth and repair, immune system health, and healthy joints.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at some claims made by many pet food companies regarding their products:
A study conducted by researchers from the University of California found bacteria in all 20 commercial raw foods tested. The source of the contamination was poultry, either intentionally or accidentally.
The study concluded that dogs who eat raw pet food are at risk for bacterial infection.
Due to the increase of salmonella infections recorded in humans, many health experts have raised concerns about feeding pets foods containing raw meat.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes food poisoning in humans. The bacteria are included in the intestines and feces of pets. Therefore, it can easily be transmitted from your pet to you.
Oral diseases are also common among dogs who eat raw food recipes because of the increased intake of teeth-damaging foods such as bones.
Most times, they have attributed dental caries to a diet composed primarily of natural foods.
Raising pets on a raw food diet can be a healthy, well-balanced meal for your feline friend. The nutritional value in the meat and other ingredients is much higher than conventional, dry cat food diets. Cats are strict carnivores, after all.
If you’re still unsure about whether switching to a raw food diet is suitable for your pet, then consult a vet. The most important thing you can do for your beloved furry friend is talk with their veterinarian about the potential risks of switching from one type of diet to the other.
We Can Summarize the Benefits of Using Raw Food for Dogs:
Skincare:
According to some people, switching to the meat diet saw a change in their dog’s fur. The coat became softer and shinier than before. Many owners observe that the dog’s skin becomes free of irritation after switching to a raw diet.
Nutrition:
A human already knows that he needs protein, carbohydrates, and fats for his body to survive. Pets need the same thing, but they also need more specific nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which can only be found in certain foods.
Balanced nutrition can’t be achieved by simply adding some pills and supplements. A healthy dog’s food should ideally contain high protein, low fat, and little carbohydrates. We can only find all these in raw meat.
Easy to Digest:
Usually, cooked or processed foods are very difficult for pets, especially with digestive problems. However, grain free dog food raw meat is easy to digest because it has undergone no chemical alteration.
Weight Control:
Pets may gain weight when eating processed foods because the food has too many calories. This can also happen if the owner adds treats or table scraps to his dog’s diet.
Raw meat contains nutrients that cannot be found in any other food. These include enzymes, essential fatty acids, and amino acids that can boost the immune system or help with weight loss.
A pet’s diet plays a big part in his overall health. Switching to raw dog food brings your furry friend one step closer to having a healthy lifestyle just like you do.
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