You may have heard about raw dog food for years but wonder if it is a good move to feed your dog with the same. Before transitioning or considering this option, it helps to understand what this kind of food is about.
What is a Raw Diet?
This refers to uncooked raw meat formulated to imitate the dog’s natural and historical feeding habits. Usually, the PMR and the BARF Diets are some of the standards used in formulating raw diets. In addition, some of the diest may incorporate milk, supplements, and vegetables.
Barf Diet
This is the Biologically Accurate Raw Food. It utilizes formulas that mimic food dogs consume in the wild. Such a diet often incorporates fresh uncooked meat as well as bones. It could also include dairy, supplements, vegetables, and herbs not present in other diets.
PMR Diets
This diet aims to eliminate all of the ingredients found in kibble. It often comprises meat alone. It can be categorized or formulated as
- 80% muscle
- 10% bone content
- 5% liver
- 5% other organs
Kibble Diets
This refers to processed dog foods available as dry commercial pet food. It is often preferred by its users for convenience but is not the most recommended diet because it does not possess natural benefits.
History of Kibble and Raw Diets
This type of dog food was first introduced in 1860. Raw Feeding, on the other hand, began after a doctor published the findings and benefits of raw Feeding in 1993.
Why Raw Food is Good for your Dog
Dogs have lived on raw diets for years. However, this raw diet must be adequately balanced to benefit the dogs. This is where the BARF diet (Biologically Accurate Raw Food) comes in since it contains a variety of whole foods that are beneficial to the dog.
Raw food is generally richer in proteins. The fact that it is mostly natural makes it easier to digest and better for dogs. Such a diet helps maintain a healthy weight for your dogs.
Recommended Foods for Raw Diets
The food should mostly be meat. According to the BARF model, ensure to incorporate 80% Meat, 10% organs, 5% Bone, and 5% other supplements. It is also important to have variations of the meats and other ingredients for a wholesome meal. Opt for ingredients that match the availability in the season.
While cooking raw food is not entirely bad, it may alter nutritional value. Instead, consider freezing as a better option for preserving but avoid continuous refreezing. Proper storage is key to preventing raw foods from going bad.
Raw diets are the way to go. Just be sure to understand how to do this correctly and watch out for any detox symptoms. Persistence is key to success when transitioning. Keep trying to introduce new kinds of raw pet food until you figure out which one your pet loves most. You will have to exercise a lto of patience to yield any results but it will all be worth it in the long run when you end up with a healthy pet.
