Some people swear that “keeping it raw” is the way to go on the doggy diet front. So are they right? Let’s check out the facts and think about what’s really important...
There’s one thing we can all agree on: every pooch deserves the best possible diet to get their essential nutrients. Feeding your dog the right amount of the right stuff is one of the best things you can do for a long, healthy and happy life. And it’s the reason why good food is definitely something worth getting passionate about. So how exactly do you feed a raw diet?
This is where things can get a bit confusing. Do a Google search for “What should I feed my dog” and scroll through the articles, message boards and news stories. You’ll find hundreds of conflicting suggestions, warnings, and advice on the right thing to do.
The raw diet approach goes something like this: ditch the dry pet food, the cans and all that other processed stuff. Instead focus on raw, natural ingredients. In this way, you’re going back to basics with a diet much more in tune with what your dog’s wild ancestors would have eaten.
Raw diets for dogs are billed as “keeping it real” and “food as it should be”. After all, you don’t live on coco pops and tinned food - so why should your dog?
But before you jump right in, be aware that the approach isn’t without its critics…
Raw Food Diets: What Are We Talking About?
On the one hand, there are commercial raw diets. Often resembling large uncooked burger patties, these products tend to wear their “100% natural” credentials on their sleeve. Lots of meat combined with just the right amount of veg - and no extra sugar, salt, or preservatives. You can even source suppliers who stick to human consumption-grade meat.
Alongside this, there’s the DIY approach to a natural raw dog food diet. Its where pet owners source the raw meat, offal, and meaty bones themselves - and combine them with all the fruits, vegetables and grains necessary for a balanced diet.
Why Are Raw Foods for Dogs Popular?
There’s a lot to be said for getting back to nature and the benefits of raw. It’s common sense, right?
In evolutionary terms, it really isn’t that long ago that your buddy’s ancestors were self-sufficient on the feeding front. Raw meat and bones: these were the cornerstones of a dog’s diet. These are what dogs are “designed” to eat - so it makes sense to recreate this at mealtimes. Reaching for the tin opener might be easy, but it’s a long way from what’s natural.
There’s also the reassurance of knowing exactly what’s in that dog bowl. We’ve all done it: picked up a packet of supermarket food, read the ingredient list and felt confused about what it all means. If it looks too processed for comfort, many of us will put it back on the shelf. So if we’re careful with what goes into the trolley for the rest of the family, we’re probably going to take the same approach for feeding our four-legged family members.
Is Raw Food Good for Dogs?
There are some issues that all dog owners should be aware of before opting for a raw diet…
The first is that all raw meat - whether it’s meant for humans or dogs - must be handled with care. Salmonella, Campylobacter, E-coli, Staphylococcus aureus: these pathogens are harmful both to dogs and humans. If present, these bacteria can be shed in dog stools and deposited on surfaces as the dog moves through the house. Bear in mind that these conditions can be especially serious for children, the elderly and those with a weakened immune system.
And while it’s right to focus on nutritious, good-quality dog food ingredients, that’s not to say that you should try to recreate the exact diet of your buddy's ancestors!
Look at it this way: life for a wild dog was (and is) tough. Overall, our dogs are living happier and healthier lives - and they are living a lot longer than their wild counterparts. Things like vaccines, the right medical treatment and parasite control undoubtedly play a part in this. But so too does diet.
We understand what these guys need to keep healthy long term - and things like high-quality dry food formulas are designed to precisely deliver this.
Exploring Your Raw Food for Dogs Options
Remember that all pets need a nutritionally balanced diet. A raw diet might fit the bill; but equally, a well-prepared dog food should provide everything your buddy needs. The biggest concern amongst veterinary surgeons is over feeding leading to obesity.
So whether it’s raw or cooked, just make sure it’s right for their needs - and your buddy isn’t getting too much of a good thing!
Everypaw Dog Insurance
Everypaw's Dog Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pup will be well looked after.