Blog Raw Food Diets for Your Dog

Have you ever wondered whether or not you should feed your dog a raw diet?

If you’re already doing so, you’re not alone. In the last decade, an increasing number of pet owners have chosen to feed their companion a raw diet instead of traditional canned or dry commercial pet food.

Raw Food Diets for Your Dog typically include meat, bones, raw eggs, organ meats, fruits, leafy vegetables and dairy products. Raw diet enthusiasts contend that grains (and grain-based commercial dog foods) are detrimental to canine health. On the opposite side, many veterinarians argue that a raw food diet may not contain the nutrients necessary for optimal daily health.

Here are some pros and cons of a raw food diet:
Pros
• Healthier skin
• Shinier coat
• Cleaner teeth
• Healthier gums
• Better digestive health
• Increased metabolism
• Increased energy
Cons
• Raw food may introduce harmful bacteria including E. coli and salmonella into the digestive tract
• Bones can break teeth and puncture internal organs
• Raw food may not contain the necessary nutrients
• A raw food diet may not be properly balanced

Making a Raw Food Diet Safer
If you’re determined to put your dog on a raw food diet, you can make it safer by adding necessary supplemental nutrients such as calcium and phosphorous to the mix. Likewise, you should use a variety of meats to get a proper balance. A diet containing too much liver, for example, may result in a potentially-dangerous overdose of vitamin A.

As for harmful bacteria, raw food supporters will argue with justification that commercial dog foods can also have bacteria; just think of all those pet food recalls in recent years. To kill bacteria, many pet owners prefer to partially cook all meat products; but don’t cook meat bones, as this will make them soft and brittle, a dangerous combination that could result in internal puncture wounds.

If your dog is on a raw food diet, you’ll want to freeze an adequate supply for those times when you’re away or consider using a dehydrated raw food product. Very Important Paws offers a full line of Natures Variety Raw Food Products for sale in our retail boutique.

A raw diet isn’t good for every dog; for example, it’s not recommended for puppies, senior dogs and dogs with health conditions. Before you decide whether to feed your dog raw, dry or canned food, talk to your veterinarian first. By getting professional medical advice, you’ll be able to get the facts you need to keep your canine friend happy and healthy for many years to come.