Raw Dog Food Diet – Cons #1 Cost. Weight Management. Introducing a raw diet for domestic dogs has relative gained popularity due to the number of benefits the dogs will have compared to their processed diet. “There isn’t a protocol dictated by the FDA,” Romine says. If you are making your own dog food, you can customize it and make adjustments to fit your dog’s needs. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw food. Muscle meat. And, according to the theory, if you feed your dog a raw diet, they’re likely to be healthier, have better teeth, coat, toilet habits, and overall more energy. Although some pet food companies now produce raw food meals, some people still choose to prepare the diet at home. Lately, the raw dog food diet has surged in popularity, but is it right for your dog? Raw dog food provides many nutritional benefits for your dog, but it’s expensive and time-consuming to make and expensive to purchase. They may not be ready to beat you in a game of chess, but these brainy dogs are easy to train and generally anxious to please you. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Pros and Cons. If you plan on making your own raw dog food, you should hit the books. Maybe Fido needs something extra during a particular time of year when he is really active. The theory is that wild canids would eat a diet mainly consisting of raw meat and bones, so people should try and mimic this diet when feeding their pets. 1) Finicky Eaters . 4. If you are a very conscientious dog owner, you can make your own homemade dog food and know exactly what your dog is eating. That being said, there are plenty of nutritious, manufactured dog foods that are created for particular dog breeds, ages, and other needs. With all of these health benefits in mind, it would seem that feeding your dog raw food would be a no-brainer. If you plan on making your own raw dog food, you will probably want to freeze it. Pros… If your dog tends to gain weight easily, a raw diet can help keep its weight in check. And give your puppy the peelings from dog-safe fruits and vegetables. According to the AVMA, raw food diets for dogs usually include some or all of these things: organ meats such as liver or kidney; muscle meat (often still on the bone); whole or ground bones; raw eggs; fresh fruits and/or vegetables; and some dairy products such as unpasteurized yogurt or milk. See a helpful list of online supplies on Primal Pooch. Many commercial dog foods are full of corn, preservatives, and cheap fillers. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The pros of raw dog food centre around health, with regular feeders of raw reporting a dog's coat, skin, teeth and digestive system all benefiting from the more natural diet. There’s a Risk of Contamination Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. What are the pros and cons of the raw dog food diet? Raw food diets are expensive. For some dogs, a raw diet can give them intestinal problems. If you are making it yourself, raw dog food is less expensive than if you purchase it. Use raw meat as a tasty, high-value treat. In that case, most people don’t have the storage space needed to keep raw dog food, so you will need to invest in a chest freezer if you want to store it. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Lets discuss the pros and cons. “You can’t assume the package will be sterile on the outside, either.”. Once the food is placed in a sealed package, it can sit on a shelf for years without degrading. At the same time, it’s possible to find E. Coli in many processed dogs’ food, which is handled on a daily basis. Homemade dog food is great for dogs with medical issues related to particular ingredients, food intolerances or if you just have ethical concerns about foods you are feeding your dog. An imbalance in nutrition is common and a big concern if you make your own raw dog food. It’s hard to create a fast and balanced diet of bones, meat, vegetables, organs, fruits, eggs, and supplements or herbs. Organ meat. You know the ingredients if you make it. There are many raw dog food pros and cons to consider. What Are The Cons Of Raw Dog Food? Do plenty of research to ensure you are giving your dog everything he needs. In the wild, dogs eat other mammals and have few health issues. Most freeze-dried dog foods show around 5%-7% moisture in the Guaranteed Analysis. What the AVMA is saying is that you shouldn’t feed dogs raw foods that aren’t cooked, pasteurized, or irradiated to kill bacteria. Originally, the raw food diet was known as the BARF diet, which stands for Bones and Raw Food. Before the introduction of commercial pet food, dogs commonly ate human food scraps, both raw and cooked. The bottom line on the pros of a raw diet for dogs (before I turn it over to Ben for the cons), the diet, can be beneficial, but you do need to do the research. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Not all raw diets are created equal, and I’ve seen some that aren’t nutritionally balanced. 4. Even the frozen or freeze-dried options are expensive compared to the price you will pay for raw food. Adequate Storage Space Some of the types you may have heard of: the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet, the Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet, and the Ketogenic Raw Food (Keto) diet. Since dry dog foods are cooked, some of the nutrition from the ingredients are lost in the process. While most of the health benefits attributed to raw food diet are anecdotal, the experts agree that raw, natural dog food is better than store-brought food when it comes to digestion. by Guest blogger, Carl McLean This kind of diet is often compared to the benefits of wet dog food and how these two are similar and different from each other. Yes, say the folks who believe in the BARF diet. This list includes listeria, salmonella, and the list goes on. List of Pros of Raw Food Diet for Dogs. “But your dog can be an asymptomatic carrier of Salmonella or E. coli,” she says. If you are considering switching your dog’s food to raw food, you should really know the basic facts before you can understand raw dog food diet pros and cons. You can rest easy knowing that the raw dog food was created by experts, and your dog can reap the benefits of being on a raw diet. So, in a way their diet needs have changed a bit. Biochemistry is difficult, and there’s a reason why there are laws that regulate manufactured dog foods. This brings us to why people argue for a raw food diet. Here’s what you need to know about why cats purr and what your cat may be telling you when her motor is running. Bones. 2. Organ meats such as livers and kidneys. Feed one raw food meal a day instead of two. Canine athletes such as racing greyhounds and sled dogs have been eating higher-fat raw food diets for a long time, according to The Journal for Nutrition. Pros… An imbalance in nutrition is common and a big concern if you make your own raw dog food. But to avoid tooth damage, you shouldn’t give your puppy the weight-bearing bones from large animals such as cows or sheep according to The Happy Puppy. If you plan on making your own raw dog food, you will probably want to freeze it. Between the research it takes, plus the preparation time to prep your kitchen and actually create the food, you are going to need to set aside a lot of time if you want to make your own raw dog food. If you are a canine nutritionist, then you know more about dogs and their diets, so more power to you. Cons: increased bacteria load in the dogs' stool and saliva, increased choking hazards, increased possibility for broken teeth, more time-consuming and space-intensive than feeding kibble, requires a lot of research to do correctly, may cause resource guarding behavior, need to clean up after the dog eats, should do a blood chem panel annually (should do this anyway but especially on raw) That’s where raw dog food delivery services come into play. One of the reasons people cite for feeding a raw diet is that it is a more “natural” diet for dogs. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. After knowing the pros and cons of a raw dog food diet, it really is up to what works best for you and your pet! We all want what is best for our furry friends, and that includes giving them the best diet to promote good health and long life. All of these are a major concern for anyone who is very old, very young or has a compromised immune system. Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Dog a Raw Dog Food Diet: The Pros: *Average age of death if fed from puppy is 16 to 19 (*My own research over 8 years which is why the age range is still large but impressive none-the-less when you consider the average age of death for a commercially fed dog is 12.5 years according to National Research Council statistics). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For some pet experts, these “invisible fences” are a source of controversy. The pro-raw reasoning is that modern dogs’ ancestors all lived on bones, raw meat, and while vegetation, so it’s a natural fit for today too. Apples or other fruit. The other version of the raw food diet is called the “prey model” which doesn’t contain the raw fruits and vegetables that the BARF diet does. When you feed the BARF diet for dogs, your pet's stool will be less smelly and will be a lot less in quantity too. A raw dog food diet typically consists of: Muscle meat, often still on the bone. Required fields are marked *. If these are concerns for you, raw food is available to purchase. Some reports suggest that feeding raw dog food helps in curing and fighting cancer and other such diseases. “And there’s no quality control board overseeing their manufacturing processes.”. And giving whole bones to dogs comes with a risk of choking, broken teeth, or internal punctures. And yes, the benefits of the dogs going on raw (which I agree with you ) are – less doggy smell, clean fur with no excessive grease (yellow furs), clean teeth, clean breathe, love their food time, less poop and smelly poop and easily disintegrate into the soil, more energetic, happy dogs, less allergy and infections and less fleas (funny enough). You can make those decisions when you make the food. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you’re strongly interested in serving your dog a raw or home-cooked diet, work with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to develop a naturally balanced diet. Let’s look at the pros and cons of switching to a raw food diet. There are many delivery sources available to have raw dog food delivered to you. In 1993, Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst created the BARF diet for family dogs. Preparation Can Be Very Time-Consuming. Raw eggs. None of this food is cooked before you feed it to your dog. These dog training tips will help you get started. But be aware; these diets are controversial. Sanitize dog bowls, countertops, cutting boards, and utensils on a regular basis. However, there are plenty of dry dog foods out there that are produced with high-quality ingredients that are very nutritious for your dog. It’s also easy to tweak your dog’s diet and control exactly what your pet is eating for weight loss or weight gain — whichever is needed and recommended by your veterinarian. You don’t have to worry about reading dog food labels if you make it at home and there’s no need to worry about cross-contamination even if a dog food is free of the ingredient your pup needs to avoid. You may also want to take a look at Raw Dog Food for Beginners to gather questions to ask your vet. However, there are those who maintain that the raw food diet is risky for the following reasons: Bacteria in Raw Meat. Find out if an electric dog fence is the right choice for your pet. Shop for cheaper animal parts such as chicken necks. Insurance for dogs, cats, and other household animals can run as low as $20 a month, but that cost can add up over time. Daily Paws is part of the Meredith National Digital Network. Can Be Difficult to Manage the Nutrition. FEEDING dogs and cats a diet made up of bones and raw meat has been gaining popularity among some pet owners for years. Whether it be a texture, smell, or taste factor, we don’t know. Raw dog food diet was coined in 1993 by Ian Billinghurst, an Australian vet. Learn the pros and cons of feeding your dog only raw meat, bones, and other uncooked or unpasteurized ingredients. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Well, most dogs now, as you may know, are domesticated. As with everything in life, there are some cons to the raw food diet. Between the research it takes, plus the preparation time to prep your kitchen and actually create the food, you are going to need to set aside a lot of time if you want to make your own raw dog food. 200+ Cute Cat Names for Every Kind of Kitty, Weighing the Pros & Cons of an Electric Dog Fence, We Can't Stop Scrolling Through 'UPS Dogs' Social Media Accounts, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your email address will not be published. Bones, either whole or ground. Let’s face it, you’re not a canine nutritionist, so you probably don’t know exactly how to make balanced dog food at home. If you are purchasing raw dog food, you will have to purchase it far more often than dry dog food. “It’s pretty risky—because the store assumes the meat will be cooked before serving,” she says. That site suggests if you’re trying to give your puppy raw food on a budget, you should prepare your puppy’s raw food yourself instead of buying prepackaged raw foods. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Opponents of … Freeze-drying increases the shelf-life of the food because microorganisms need water to survive. And that puts people at risk, especially young children or the elderly.”. You can look online to find the best-manufactured food for your dog if you don’t have the time or money to invest in making your dog’s food at home or the money to buy it raw from another source. 3. Tinned dog food?So it's "possible some benefits of a raw food diet will be proven in the future" then? The point of this diet is for dogs to eat the same diet as before they became domesticated animals. You have to consider that dry dog food is not as expensive as raw because it’s made in large quantities and has a longer shelf life than raw food. Raw food diets are pricey. Do plenty of research to ensure you are giving your dog everything he needs. This can make it hard to find the best food to feed your dog. Learn more about the thinking behind raw food diets and the risks identified by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the FDA before you throw away the kibble and get up close and personal with piles of raw meat. So a lot of people are embracing a raw food diet for dogs, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a good thing, right? If you are a canine nutritionist, then you know more about dogs and their diets, so more power to you. The AVMA also says raw food diets may not be nutritionally balanced (which is especially dangerous for puppies); the diets’ high protein levels may lead to liver or kidney disease. And be wary of buying raw meat—especially chicken—at the grocery store and then feeding it to your dog, Romine says. Top Therapy Dog Breeds ~ Choose One Right For You. Our honest dry dog food pros and cons provides invaluable information on feeding dogs kibble.. crunch.. crunch.. gulp. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery. Dry Kibble - Convenient & Common Like most dog lovers, dog nutrition often fills my mind and I wonder if that great looking bag of dry dog food is the best option for feeding my beloved friend. It’s most often bones , fruit, eggs and vegetables that are included in this type of dog diet. The idea behind the raw food diet for dogs is that it more closely matches the natural diet that wild dogs have. Raw dog food includes everything that’s raw, as opposed to dry kibble. The major ingredient in most raw dog foods is raw meat, which contains bacteria and parasites. Considering an electric dog fence? Avoid food-borne bacteria by cooking raw meat before feeding it to your dog. There are a variety of raw food diets, each touting a slightly different combination of foods. 5. They argue it provides a fresher, more wholesome alternative to standard commercial pet food. Your vet will run a culture on your dog’s stool to identify the bacteria and suggest a treatment plan if the culture is positive. Let’s face it, you’re not a canine nutritionist, so you probably don’t know exactly how to make balanced dog food at home. The food that is going into your dog’s body is important too. Here are some of the organization’s key recommendations. The major ingredient in most raw dog foods is raw meat, which contains bacteria and parasites. The raw food diet is proven to be best for dogs. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Companies such as The Farmer’s Dog , Ollie, and Nom Nom package meals made of fresh meat, produce, vitamins and minerals, and other ingredients that are freeze-dried or frozen to maintain their nutrients. Humans are not the only ones who should consider different diets for overall well-being. The raw dog food is a viable alternative to traditional home-cooked dog food. If you plan on making your own raw dog food, you should hit the books. Raw dog food has been found to contain salmonella and E. coli. Some dogs do not take well to raw food. Cooking for your dog offers benefits like diet management, appeasing picky eaters, and bond-building, but there a few common mistakes for owners to avoid. Preparation Can Be Very Time-Consuming Lately, the. But it isn’t just dog owners that are singing the praises of a raw food diet, even veterinarians and dog nutritionists are now beginning to realize the benefits of a raw food diet for dogs, as seen in this video … Some people—like Ian Billinghurst, inventor of the BARF diet (see below)—say these foods are what dogs ate before they became domesticated. If a raw dog food isn’t made correctly, you may cause more harm to your dog than the benefits he will reap. You’re probably thinking there’s no way feeding a raw dog food diet can have cons. Many veterinarians recommend against homemade raw diets due to the risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance. The major ingredient in most raw dog foods is raw meat, which contains bacteria and parasites. This isn’t the case with all dog foods though, which is why it’s important to read the label. Other experts think nutritionally balanced commercial dog foods are the right way to go. You may not have the time to shop for special ingredients or do all the grinding, chopping, measuring, mixing, and freezing that come with food prep. Is this diet right for you and your pets? The cons of raw dog food focus mainly around storage and preparation, which is an issue to be considered before feeding raw, but both are potentially easy solved with some research into how best to handle raw dog food and … These cookies do not store any personal information. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If a raw dog food isn’t made correctly, you may cause more harm to your dog than the benefits he will reap. Are raw food diets for dogs a good idea? Most dogs have allergies to grains and suffer from health issues ranging from allergies to diabetes and obesity. But here’s the thing: You’d be taking a chance with these well-meaning delivery services because they aren’t regulated. 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