Should I Feed My Dog A Raw Diet
Updated: Mar 15
The healthiest diet for your dog is one that is species-appropriate and raw.
Raw dog food is a diet that primarily consists of raw animal-sourced ingredients, such as muscle and organ meats, bones, and raw eggs.
Feeding your dog a raw, species-appropriate diet is the healthiest option for them. In this blog post, we will discuss what benefits it can have for their overall health and wellbeing, both physical and mental.
Dogs are carnivores
Dogs have evolved from wolves, and their digestive system is designed to consume a diet that is primarily meat-based. Unlike humans, who are omnivores and able to digest a variety of foods, dogs need a diet that is based on meat, organs, and bone.
A raw diet includes whole meats, organs, bones, and dog safe vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, seeds, kefir, eggs, which are all natural sources of essential vitamins and minerals that your pup needs to stay healthy and happy.
They also require essential fatty acids such as Omega-3s, which can be found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines. Enzymes in raw food can help protect their teeth and promote healthy gums, and quality protein helps build strong muscles.
Raw diets are easier to digest
A raw diet is easier to digest and can provide more energy than a commercial diet. Additionally, a raw diet can help to support a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of disease.
A dog’s digestive system is designed to process raw food more easily than processed food. When you feed your dog a raw diet, you are providing them with food that is easier for them to digest. This is because raw diets are closer to the natural diets of dogs in the wild.
Raw diets also include foods with higher levels of healthy enzymes, vitamins and minerals which help improve your dog's overall digestion. These natural foods are full of nutrition that helps your dog break down their food more easily and absorb all the nutrients they need.
By providing your dog with a raw diet, you will be helping them to digest their food better and ensure that they get the most out of each meal. This will help keep your dog healthy and provide them with all the nutrition they need.
Raw diets can improve your dog's health
Feeding your dog a raw diet can provide many health benefits.
Easier Digestion
Minimizes the possibility of possible allergies, digestive issues, sensitive stomach, less chance for dental concerns
Healthier skin & coat
Decreased shedding
Stronger immune system
I know that not everyone can feed a raw diet. Studies have shown that just adding some fresh raw foods to your dog’s food can have benefits. Even adding moisture like bone broth, raw goat milk or kefir can have great benefits. A 2005 study by Purdue University found that adding fresh vegetables to a dog’s diet decelerated cancer cell growth by over 70%.
There are also some fantastic premade raw brands available so all you have to do is thaw and serve.
The benefits of feeding raw are endless. Overall, feeding your dog a raw diet can have many positive benefits on their health and well-being. By providing them with high-quality, nutrient-rich food, you’ll be giving your pet the best chance at a long and healthy life.
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For a deeper look into a healthy diet for your dog check out the book “Forever Dog” by holistic veterinarian Dr Karen Becker and Rodney Habib.
"Yin & Yang Nutrition for Dogs" by Dr. Judy Morgan, holistic veterinarian.
References:
http://ilarjournal.oxfordjournals.org/content/55/1/100.full