Raw Health for Dogs

Just as people are learning that proper nutrition is a key component of human health, pet owners are realizing that what they feed their pets is a major contributor to their animals' health. Numerous options for commercial pet food are available, most of which include all cooked ingredients. Some pet owners are now seeking options that are closer to what pets eat in nature, with the idea it will lead to better health and digestion. For dogs, this means providing raw food, especially raw meat. Learn about the benefits of feeding a raw diet to dogs, and the options available when selecting raw food.

Credit for the recent raw food movement is typically given to Australian veterinarian Dr. Billinghurst, author of the book "Give Your Dog a Bone." After learning about medical problems experienced by dogs in the US and UK who were being fed commercial pet food, Billinghurst decided to try putting his own dogs on a commercial food diet. They soon developed health problems, and so he switched them back to raw food and their health improved. The diet known as BARF--an acronym for Bones And Raw Food or for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food--became popular beginning in the 1960s. Raw diets for dogs (and cats) are becoming increasingly popular as more people are seeking to provide a more natural diet for their pets.

In the wild, dogs are omnivores and scavengers. A natural dog's diet consists of small animal prey, uncooked. Often a dog will eat part of the prey, bury the rest, and consume the remainder after days or even weeks. Cooking actually destroys the enzymes and amino acids in food, and can change its molecular structure and create carcinogens. In addition, meat from wild prey typically does not include hormones, pesticides, antibiotics, or other contamination that occurs. intentionally or accidentally, in the meat used in most commercial pet foods. In nature, dogs have always consumed prey including uncooked bones, without the risk that eating cooked bones creates for pet dogs. The natural diet for dogs is primarily meat along with some vegetables. Dogs in nature do not eat grain, and do not have the digestive enzymes that we humans have for digesting grain.

People who switch their pet dogs to a raw food diet typically report healthier skin and coats, even when the animal did not seem to have problems in this area on a regular diet. Dogs also seem to have a reduced susceptibility to parasites and illness, and to have overall improved health. If dogs switch from kibble and canned food to a raw diet including raw bones, the teeth and gums become healthier and bad breath is reduced.

Vegetarians and vegans may be unwilling to purchase raw meat and deal with it in their homes. They can feed raw by using one of the commercially available frozen or dehydrated raw diets, available at feed stores and specialty pet stores as well as online. Options include Nature's Variety frozen raw food and Honest Kitchen dehydrated raw food. Others may be unwilling to pay the premium cost associated with those foods, and will be quite happy to purchase chicken and turkey necks and backs at their local grocery store. This can be an inexpensive way to provide a meat-and-bones diet for your dogs.

Everyone has different preferences regarding the types of food they want to feed their pets. Either way, look for human-grade meat, preferably organic or at least free from antibiotics and other chemicals. In the home, practice proper cleaning procedures to minimize the risk of contamination. Clean the areas where raw meat is prepared and served daily, with bleach or the more gentle diluted grapefruit seed extract (GSE). If you are concerned about the risk of injury from bones, grind them up. When transitioning your dogs to raw food, add in small amounts and gradually increase. The recommended proportions are 75% meat and 25% fruits and vegetables.

As dogs are being transitioned from a processed diet to a raw diet, they will benefit from supplements for their digestive functions. A good probiotic can minimize the likelihood of diarrhea or other digestive upset from the change in diet, and can help reverse the weakening of the immune system that many pets suffer. Digestive enzymes can also be useful, especially while a dog is still eating its original kibble. Flax oil or chia oil can also be provided regularly as a source of essential fatty acids.

The information in this article should not be considered medical advice and is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always consult your animal health practitioner before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed.