A raw dog food is centered around the concept of feeding dogs a diet similar to that of their wolf ancestors and cousins. As the name suggests, you feed raw meats, bones, and organ meats, as well as eggs, fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy. Dogs have higher stomach acid and shorter intestinal tracts, allowing them to eat raw meat which may contain foodborne bacteria. Even so, proper food preparation and handling procedures should be practiced, including cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces after each meal.
Some pet parents who feed their dogs a raw diet tout benefits such as better health and digestion, better bowel movements and more energy; even improvements in some medical conditions. But a raw diet is not necessarily a good idea for dogs with certain medical conditions, young puppies, or older dogs. Do your research and talk to a veterinary nutritionist before making the switch.
Raw food diets for dogs
There are three main types of raw dog diets:
- THE Raw Prey Model The diet follows the belief that dogs should eat like their wolf ancestors did by consuming bones, muscle, meat, skin, organs, fat, connective tissue and, sometimes, skin , hair and feathers.
- Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods (BARF) or Bones and Raw Foods focuses on raw muscle meat to provide essential nutrients for your dog. A BARF diet looks like this: 70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bones, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secretory organs, 2% seeds or nuts, and 1% fruits.
- Keto diet for dogs is a high-fat, low-carb diet similar to the Human Keto Diet. Keto diets for dogs are currently being studied to see if this way of eating helps dogs diagnosed with cancer.
Diets can be homemade, store bought, freeze dried or dehydrated. Each meal center around feeding your dog in raw form. Alternatively, gently cook your dog’s meal or subscribe to a meal delivery service where the food has been treated to prevent contamination.
How to Make a Raw Food for Dogs
Before feeding your dog a raw food diet, consult a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to help you create meals that contain appropriate amounts of all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy. They will test your dog for food allergies and guide you in starting your dog on a raw food diet. Lissa Cannady, RVT, hospital director for VCA, advises that the amount of feeding should be determined by the caloric content of the ingredients included in the diet. Aim for “balance over time,” she says, by alternating protein with fruits, vegetables and grains at each meal to provide all the amino acids, vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy. health.
