A quick Google search on raw diets will bring you a wealth of amazing sounding recipes and a string of health benefits to boot. Eating food in its most natural state is widely believed to be the best diet a human can consume, but can the same be said for our beloved four legged friends? This week we’re looking at raw diets for dogs, and examining the benefits of this way of eating. Do let us know your thoughts- we love hearing from you.
What does a raw diet for dogs look like?
A raw diet for your dog basically consists of food that has not been processed, and is as close to it’s natural state as possible. Those who choose to feed their dogs a raw diet do so because they are concerned about meeting their dog’s nutritional needs, and want to do this without packaged foods bought from the supermarket or pet shop. So foods do not contain additives, preservatives or flavourings, and many believe that this way of eating is much healthier for their pets. What’s more, a raw diet for dogs is more in line with a dog’s anatomy and physiology too. Traditionally, dogs have consumed raw meat which is full of live enzymes, natural anti-oxidants, fully digestible proteins, health promoting essential fatty acids, organic vitamins and minerals. The perfect diet for a dog?
What are the benefits of feeding your dog a raw diet?
As previously mentioned, a raw diet for dogs is made up from food that has not been processed, and does not contain additives or preservatives. Because of this, there are far fewer causes for alarm linked to toxicity levels or need to recall food due to factory contamination etc. As with our own diets, food that has been processed and comes in a packet is generally not as healthy as ‘the real thing’, and many feel that if we choose to fill in our own body with whole, natural foods then its common sense to want to feed our pets the same way.
Because you are eliminating processed ingredients and additives, there are several physical benefits to this way of eating for your dog:
- Cleaner teeth & fresh breath
- Better weight control
- Improved digestion
- Shinier, healthier skin and coat
- Reduction of allergy symptoms
- Harder, smaller, less smelly stools
- Increased mobility in older animals
- More energy and stamina
- Strengthened immune system
- Improved liver, pancreatic and bowel health
Not to mention the money you save on vet’s bills, thanks to the above benefits!
Behaviour improvements
Ask any parent and they will tell you that a child’s behaviour tends to decline quite quickly after the consumption of junk food- and the same can apply to dogs too. Eating a diet poor in nutrition and filled with processed additives can be linked to certain behaviour issues in dogs:
- Chewing
- Excessive digging
- Stealing food
- Jumping up
- Hyperactivity
Improvements in health conditions
We’re huge advocates of the power behind food, and its ability to help the body heal. More and more research is taking place that confirm the wonders of switching up the diet to support the immune system to battle against health conditions, and there are some groundbreaking studies that are proving just how important a good diet can be for health and wellbeing. Once more, the same goes for our canine pals. Switching your dog to a raw diet filled with only the nutrients he needs, and nothing else, can well be the answer for conditions such as:
- Obesity
- Oral health conditions
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Reproductive health issues
- Arthritic conditions,
- Skin allergies,
- Ear infections,
- Diabetes and plenty more.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. It might not always be possible to feed your dog a raw diet, but it might well be something that you want to look into and do your own research on before you make the changes. What are your tips for introducing this way of eating to your dog?
