Canines are carnivorous by nature. Their anatomical structure is different than that of humans. Unlike us, dogs have a digestive system designed to digest the enzymes in raw meat and it is difficult for dogs to digest grains, such as corn, wheat, and rice. Despite this, many pet owners continue to reach for grain and preservative laden processed canned foods and kibble for their furry friends. These foods can wreak havoc on a dog’s body.
Feeding your dog a raw diet — the diet nature intended — is a step toward better health for your canine companion.
What is “raw dog food?”
Contrary to popular belief, a raw dog food diet does not consist only of meat. Raw meat, of course, is a staple in a raw food diet, but it includes both raw muscle meat and organ meat. Meat plays the biggest role, but raw bones and a variety of fruits and vegetables are also implemented. Some raw dog food diets implement eggs and even dairy products, such as yogurt.
Meats commonly found in a raw diet include, but are not limited to:
- Beef
- Lamb
- Pork
- Chicken
- Duck
- Rabbit
- Kangaroo
- Fish
Some safe fruits and vegetables for dogs include, but are not limited to:
- Watermelon
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Pumpkin
- Asparagus
- Spinach
- Broccoli
It’s best to include a variety of different foods to not only keep your dog interested, but to also be sure he is getting a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients that he needs to stay healthy.
Why is a raw diet better for your pet?
Before processed food was created, domestic dogs survived off of table scraps and whatever they could catch or scavenge while running outdoors. In fact, since processed food was first created in 1860, we’ve seen a staggering increase in canine health issues, from obesity to dental issues and from allergies to many different types of cancers.
Even veterinarians are getting on board with raw food diets. According to Doug Knueven, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Beaver Animal Clinic in Beaver, Pennsylvania, “For most animals, it’s more beneficial than processed foods.”
The Benefits of Feeding Raw
There are numerous benefits from feeding a dog a raw diet, and some of these benefits include:
- Softer, shinier coat
- Harder, less smelly stool
- Decreased obesity risk
- Better dental health
- Higher energy levels
- Improved digestion
These are only a few of the potential benefits that you are likely to see after switching your dog to a raw food diet. Some pet owners notice a difference within months, whereas others see a noticeable improvement in a dog’s health and energy levels within weeks. You can read more on options by visiting Life Abundance dog food.
The benefits of switching a dog to a raw food diet are absolutely worth it.