The Benefits and Risks of Raw Dog Food Diet

When you bring up raw dog food diets in groups, both online and offline, there is debate. Some contend that canines experience the same benefits of eating natural foods as people do. Others contend that the risks, which include choking dangers, vitamin deficiency, and microbial exposure, are more than the advantages.

Let's examine the benefits and risks of a raw food diet for dogs in more detail.

Undoubtedly, you adore your dog buddy, and giving them the best possible nutrition is at the top of your priority list. One of the most important steps for promoting a long and healthy life is nutrition. However, we are aware that choosing the finest dog food might be difficult given the wide variety of options. Raw food diets are an increasing trend, much like CBD oil for animals.

What is the origin of raw food diets?

Dogs on raw food diets are nothing new. Initially, only sled dogs and greyhound racers were permitted to use them. Veterinarian Ian Billinghurst came up with the concept of bringing the raw food diet into the home for the first time in 1993. Billinghurst proposed what is known as the BARF diet, sometimes known as the "Bones and Raw Food" diet, and claimed that dogs would benefit from a diet modeled like those of their evolutionary forebears. He argued that commercial grain-based meals were inadequate and actively detrimental, while raw, meaty bones and vegetables were the natural foods of canines.

There are both proponents and opponents of the raw food diet. Critics contend that without the right direction, a raw food diet might easily turn out to be dangerous, despite supporters' claims that it has the ability to significantly enhance your dog's health.

What precisely is a raw dog food diet?

A typical raw dog food diet includes the following:

• Organ and muscle flesh (a protein)
• Bones
• Eggs
• Vegetables like Celery, spinach, and broccoli
• Fruits like berries, apples, and oranges
• Yogurt and other dairy items

What are the possible benefits of a raw dog food diet?

Raw food proponents assert that the following positive effects can be seen in their canine companions:

• Brighter/Shinier coats
• Cleaner teeth, clearer breath, and healthier skin
• Higher levels of energy
• Smaller/Lower stools

The high-fat content of raw meats, according to some who oppose raw dog food diets, is the reason why dogs' coats are glossier. Without the risk of an imbalanced diet, the same effect can be achieved with supplements and high-fat commercial meals. An unattractive coat results from having too little fat, yet having too much fat and not enough protein might result in moderate anemia.

What are the possible risks of a raw dog food diet?

The risks of raw food diets, according to those who prefer commercial dog food, include the following:

• If provided to dogs for an extended period of time, an unbalanced diet may harm their health.
• The risk that dogs won't get enough calcium and phosphorus, two nutrients important for healthy bones.
• Vitamin A poisoning can result from consuming excessive amounts of the liver.
• Whole bones have the potential to suffocate a dog, fractured teeth, or pierce the internal organs.
• Risks to the health of humans and dogs from microorganisms in raw meat.

Researchers that support raw food diets claim that while bacterial exposure is risky, E. coli is also present in foods that have undergone commercial processing. This leaves pet parents to decide what is best for their dog at their own discretion.

What if you don't like to feed processed or raw dog food?

A cooked homemade diet created by a nutritionist qualified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition is an alternative for pet parents who want to stay away from raw and commercial food. The bacterial danger is decreased by preparing fresh food, but vitamin imbalance is still a problem unless you work with a licensed nutritionist.

Do all dogs benefit from a raw diet?

Even pro-raw dog food veterinarians concede that not all dogs should be fed this way. Since raw foods typically contain more protein, they aren't recommended for dogs that have kidney or liver disease.

Before transitioning your dog to a solely raw diet, start with a cooked, homemade feed for dogs with pancreatitis or other digestive difficulties. Dogs that are undergoing chemotherapy, have cancer, or have other immunosuppressive conditions should also stay away from raw food.

Additionally, not all puppies are suitable for a raw food diet. Puppies may have bone abnormalities and growth problems if their calcium and phosphorus intake is out of balance. Before changing your puppy's food, always consult your veterinarian.

Bottom Line

The health of your dog may be improved by a raw food diet, but not every dog will benefit from it. When choosing a raw diet for your dog, check for AAFCO-approved recipes or consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.

In general, before making any significant dietary modifications, be careful to consult your veterinarian. The best person to ask about the ideal diet for your pet is always your veterinarian.