Pet owners want nothing short of best for their furry companions. And this also goes for pet diets where healthy high fiber dog food is usually the order of the day.
But as much as packed pet meals are designed for health and wellness, they have their limitations. After all, they were never meant to be a replacement to a more natural and ancestral diet.
Now, as we move towards organic farm to fork meals, I’ve even started to see a growing interest among dog owners to provide raw food diets to their pets.
The idea is simple: Pet parents want to feed their pups something similar to what wild canines consume.
So are there any benefits of raw food diet for dogs?
Yes, certainly; but so are the risks.
Read on, as I’ve explained both the advantages and the disadvantages of raw food for dogs.
What is a raw food diet for dogs?
A raw food diet for dogs is often referred to as BARF or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet. And it is based on the idea that you feed your dogs foods that closely resemble what their wild ancestors would have eaten.
The diet typically includes a range of fresh and unprocessed foods like muscle meat, bones, organ meats, raw eggs, and even fruits and vegetables. This closely mirrors what wild dogs still eat and is known for promoting overall canine health.
All in all, here’s what a raw food diet your pet will look like:
- Muscle meat: Often still on the bone.
- Bones: Whole or ground.
- Organ meats: Such as livers and kidneys.
- Raw eggs: Uncooked.
- Vegetables: Like broccoli, spinach, and celery.
- Fruits: Such as apples and berries.
- Dairy products: Like yogurt.
The benefits of raw food diet for dogs
For starters, there are multiple benefits of feeding raw food to dogs. And this includes everything from better digestion to more energy to a shinier coat, and more.
You see, raw food is high in fiber and it provides your dog with a balanced and natural diet. This supports their biological needs without the unnecessary fillers or additives.
As such, you can expect the following benefits of raw dog food in the long run.
1. Improved coat condition
When you switch to a raw food diet, one of the first noticeable changes is often in your dog’s coat. And this is because raw diets are rich in natural oils and fatty acids that are essential to maintain healthy skin and fur.
In fact, together with the absence of fillers and artificial additives found in processed foods, these oils allow the coat to shine with vitality.
So, if your pup has been struggling with dry, flaky skin or a dull coat, a raw diet can make a significant difference.
2. Healthier skin
If your dog suffers from allergies, hot spots, or dry, irritated skin, a raw diet might be a game-changer.
How?
Many dog food brands contain fillers like corn, soy, and wheat that can trigger allergic reactions or cause skin issues.
On the other hand, raw food focuses on high-quality meats, organs, and bones that are nutrient-dense and free from artificial additives. This clean and natural diet improves skin hydration and reduces inflammation, reducing rashes and itching.
Also, the abundance of zinc, vitamin E, and other skin-friendly nutrients found in raw food speeds up the healing of wounds and improves your dog’s ability to resist external irritants.
3. Increased energy levels
One of the most prominent raw dog food benefits is that it gives your dog the fuel they need to thrive. So much so that many dog owners claim an increase in their dog’s energy levels.
After all, raw food is packed with high-quality proteins and healthy fats. And these are far easier for dogs to digest than the heavily processed ingredients found in commercial kibble.
Being a pet care expert myself, I’ve seen how dogs fed raw diets may become more active, playful, and alert. Also, they can go on longer walks, do more activities, and become more focused during training sessions.
In short, raw food diets give your dog the kind of energy that lasts throughout the day minus the highs and lows.
4. Smaller and firmer stools
Often overlooked, smaller and firmer stools are one of the most significant indicators that your dog’s diet is working well for them.
Now, the fact that raw food is highly digestible means your dog’s body can absorb more of the nutrients and break down the food more efficiently. As a result, your dog produces smaller and firmer stools that are easier to clean up and less smelly.
You see, a lot of the bulk and waste that comes from commercial dog food is due to fillers like grains, which are not as easily digested by dogs. And these fillers often pass through the digestive system undigested, contributing to larger and more frequent stools.
5. Better dental health
Raw food diets are naturally great for your dog’s dental health. Here’s how:
The act of chewing raw bones provides a natural mechanical way to clean their teeth. That’s because, as your dog chews on bones, the abrasive action helps scrape away plaque and tartar buildup, the common causes of gum disease or tooth decay.
Moreover, a lot of dog owners claim cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and healthier gums after switching to a raw diet.
Plus, this natural tooth brushing eliminates the need for dental treats or expensive cleanings at the vet. Not to mention, it’s also a more enjoyable and stimulating activity for your dog, letting them satisfy their chewing instinct as a part of their dental hygiene.
6. Digestive health
Digestive health is another area where raw diets shine bright. Here, one of the key benefits of raw food diet for dogs is the presence of natural enzymes that aid in digestion.
These enzymes are found in raw meats and organs. And they help break down food more efficiently, which, in turn, leads to improved nutrient absorption.
In fact, dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues, like gas, bloating, or diarrhea, experience relief after switching to a raw diet. That’s because raw food doesn’t contain artificial preservatives or fillers that can irritate the digestive tract.
In the long-run, this helps achieve less bloating, fewer stomach upset incidents, and better digestive health overall.
7. Weight management
Did you know that one of the benefits of raw dog food is a consistent healthy weight among canines?
You see, unlike processed kibble that contains high amounts of carbohydrates and fillers, raw food is nutrient-dense and tailored to your dog’s natural dietary needs. Here, daily dietary intake consists of lean meats, healthy fats, and a balance of essential nutrients that help regulate your dog’s metabolism and maintain their muscle mass.
Now, with less filler in their food, your dog is also less likely to overeat as they’ll feel full and satisfied quickly.
Meaning, whether you’re trying to manage weight loss or just keep your dog at an ideal weight, raw food can be an effective tool.
8. Stronger immunity
The nutrients found in raw food diets are excellent for your dog’s immune system. That’s because meats, organs, and bones are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, helping strengthen their natural defense mechanisms.
For instance, vitamin C and E found in raw foods work as powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and support overall cell health.
Similarly, the high-quality protein in natural diets helps maintain muscle mass and supports their body’s immune function.
So, with a well-balanced raw food diet, your dog’s immune system becomes better equipped to fend off infections and diseases.
9. Behavioral improvement
Surprising as it might sound, your dog’s diet can have a significant impact on their behavior. And this also goes for raw food where pet parents report improved temperament and behavior in their pets, more so when paired with the benefits of salmon oil.
One of the reasons behind this could be the fact that raw diets provide consistent energy and mental stimulation, which prevents your dog from becoming restless or anxious.
Further, chewing raw bones has a calming effect as it mimics the natural behavior dogs engage in when they need to relieve stress.
Also, it goes without saying that dogs with more stable energy levels and fewer gastrointestinal issues are often better behaved.
So if your dog has been displaying anxiety or behavioral problems, switching to a raw food diet might just be the change they need for a calmer and happier demeanor.
The risks of feeding raw food to dogs
Now that you know the benefits of raw food diet for dogs, you might well be considering getting your pup off processed food too.
But let me tell you that raw dog food has its own risks, not the least of which comes from potential bacterial and parasite contamination.
So, before you start feeding your dog these natural dietary alternatives, it’s essential you’re fully aware of the risks, which include:
1. Bacterial contamination
One of the main concerns with a raw food diet is the potential for bacterial contamination.
After all, raw meats, particularly poultry, can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, among others. And these bacteria pose major health risks to both your dog and anyone who handles the food, including you and your family members.
Even though dogs have stronger stomachs and are less likely to get sick from these bacteria, this is still a possibility.
So, to prevent this, I suggest you thoroughly clean all surfaces and utensils used in preparation and keep raw food properly stored at the right temperature to minimize the risks.
2. Nutritional imbalances
Although incredibly healthy, a raw food diet can have nutritional imbalances. And without proper formulation of your dog’s dietary needs, there is always a risk of nutritional imbalances.
For instance, there can be deficiencies or excesses of certain vitamins and minerals.
Now, while a diet lacking in calcium can lead to bone issues, too much liver can result in vitamin A toxicity.
Meaning your goal of replicating the nutrition that wild dogs would get from whole prey isn’t easy at all.
3. Bone hazards
While bones are a natural part of a dog’s diet in the wild, they can present serious hazards when not handled carefully. That’s because whole bones, especially large ones, can cause choking, broken teeth, or even internal injuries like punctures or blockages.
Worse, cooked chicken bones are especially dangerous because they can splinter and cause more severe damage.
4. Parasite transmission
Another risk of feeding your dog raw meat is that it might contain parasites like worms and infect your dog.
In fact, if the meat is not sourced from a trusted supplier or not handled properly, there’s an increased risk of contamination.
You can, however, take steps to mitigate this risk by freezing meat for a certain period before feeding it since freezing fresh pet dog food items like meat kills parasites.
Also, it’s essential you choose meats from reputable and high-quality sources that follow strict hygiene practices.
5. Inconsistent quality
While some dog food products follow top-notch quality standards, I can’t say the same for all brands out there. Meaning there’s always a chance of contamination or lack of balanced nutrition.
I’ve also come across raw diets that contained untested meat that could be tainted or nutritionally incomplete.
So, there’s no way you could be assured that the raw ingredients are safe, fresh, and correctly balanced.
Frequently asked questions about raw dog food benefits
Can puppies be fed a raw diet?
Puppies have special nutritional needs for growth. And if you’re considering a raw diet for them, I suggest you make sure it’s balanced for their developmental stage.
Are there commercial raw diets available?
Yes, several companies including Acana offer commercially prepared raw diets. And some of these are frozen or freeze-dried, which means you’ll have to thaw them before feeding your pup.
How do you handle raw food safely?
You should always practice good hygiene, wash your hands before and after handling raw food, disinfect preparation surfaces, and store raw meats at appropriate temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.
What if your dog doesn’t tolerate the raw diet?
Some dogs may have difficulty adjusting and might not tolerate raw diets due to health conditions. And if yours is one such dog, I suggest you consult your veterinarian and consider alternative feeding options.
Can you mix raw food with kibble?
Mixing raw food with kibble is still a topic of debate. That’s because while some dog owners believe it can aid transition, while others think it will cause digestive issues.
Personally speaking, I like to mix fresh meat and bones with Acana freeze dried dog food for a more balanced and nutritious diet.
To sum up
As you can see, from improved coat condition to higher energy levels, there are several benefits of raw food diet for dogs.
However, if you’re planning to go ahead with a diet such as this, I suggest you factor in the risks too and have a word with a vet expert.
Got more questions or want to source high-quality dog food?
You can get in touch with us!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we are more than an online dog apparel store and we bring the most delectable dog treats for your pup. Also, we provide dog boarding and grooming services in Memphis and beyond to make your furry buddy feel and look the best everyday.
