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Raw Diet For Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

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Youre not alone if youve considered feeding your dog a raw diet. A growing number of dog owners are feeding their companions a raw diet. This article will explore a raw diet, its benefits and risks, and recent research. Well also provide practical advice on properly implementing a raw diet for your dog if you decide raw feeding is a good fit. Lets get started!

What Is A Raw Diet For Dogs?

A raw diet for dogs, often referred to as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), is a dietary approach that emphasizes feeding pets a diet consisting of uncooked ingredients. This diet is designed to mimic the natural eating habits of wild ancestors of dogs, aiming to provide a more biologically appropriate meal regimen than what is found in most commercial pet foods. A raw diet for dogs typically includes ingredients typically include:

• Raw meat protein
• Bones, either whole or ground
• Organ meats (i.e., livers and kidneys)
• Raw eggs
• Dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables
• Some dairy, such as yogurt

A variation of a BARF diet is known as theprey modelraw (PMR) food. The prey model excludes fruits, dairy, and vegetables.

History

The concept of raw feeding is inspired by the diet of wild canines, which consists mainly of prey animals. Proponents of raw diets argue that domestic dogs have digestive systems similar to their wild counterparts, suggesting they are naturally adapted to digest raw meat and bones. Sled dogs and racing greyhounds were the first to start eating raw diets before they were popular.

Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst introduced the concept of raw feeding in 1993 and coined BARF, which stands forBones and Raw FoodorBiologically Appropriate Raw Food. He proposed that dogs would thrive on a diet that resembles what they would eat in the wild, coining the term Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or BARF. The modern raw feeding movement gained traction in the late 20th century.

Types of Raw Diet For Dogs

Commercial Raw Diets

These are pre-packaged and available in pet stores or online. They typically come frozen. Commercial raw diets are formulated to meet a dogs nutritional needs and are convenient for pet owners. Commercial raw foods are generally sold in large blocks, chubs, tubs, or pre-portioned patties. This raw diet must be stored frozen for the stage and thawed before serving. You will need freezer storage space if you get this food for your dogs.

Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

This raw diet has been freeze-dried to remove moisture, preserving most of the raw ingredient nutrients, flavor and texture without refrigeration. Freeze-dried raw food is lightweight, shelf-stable, and needs rehydration before feeding. Freeze-dried is easy to portion and transport, making it a convenient option for pet owners who travel, dislike handling raw meat, or lack the freezer space to dedicate to their dogs food. Think of freeze-dried raw food as offering raw nutrition in a kibble-like format.

Homemade Raw Dog Food

This involves pet owners sourcing and preparing the raw ingredients themselves. While it allows for more control over the ingredients, it requires a good understanding of canine nutrition to ensure the diet is balanced. Preparing your raw homemade dog food poses a higher risk of contamination and mis-balancing nutrients, resulting in poor nutrition that could have long-term consequences on your pets health. However, some pros of raw homemade mealsallow you to source safe ingredients for your dog. Plus, its usually cheaper to buy your raw ingredients.

Raw Diet For Dog Benefits

Raw food has several positive effects on canine health, including shinier coats, improved skin health, more energy, lean and strong muscles, smaller and firmer stools, improved dental health, a stronger immune system, lower risk for allergies, better digestion, increased agility, brighter eyes, faster nutrient absorption, and weight management, among others.

Why Feed Raw Food According to Research

Increased lifespanThe most extensive study on raw-feeding dogs concluded that a raw diet could add as much as32 months (almost three years) to a dogs life.^[1]Dr. Peter Dobias, who has 30 years of veterinary experience and has advocated for raw pet diets since 1995, says, A raw diet will increase a dogs lifespan by 25 percent. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound.^[2]Balanced without supplementationA study showed its possible to make balanced raw dog food that meets the European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF and Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelineswithout additional synthetic supplementation.^[4]Sick dogs got better after switching to a BARF diet632 owners reported that their dogs, suffering from skin-related problems, gastrointestinal issues, eye-related problems, urinary tract issues, and various other diseases, experienced significant recovery from these conditions after switching to a raw dog food diet.^[6]Cancer preventionWhen it comes tocancer, raw dog food removes the highly processed food from the equation, which is often linked tocancer issues in dogs. Food processing has been shown to cause free radicals and carcinogenic chemicals to be released. With raw recipes, you no longer have to worry about oxidative stress due to processed food.^[9],[10] There is also evidence that raw food decreases the odds of neoplasia development (abnormal growth of cells, cancer) when provided at a young age.^[11]Easy digestionHomemade raw dog food is easier to digest than those hard-kibble mystery balls. Feeding your [Enter Breed] freshly made food puts less stress on their digestive system and liver, reducing the likelihood ofbloating or other digestive issues.Deemed healthyA study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that 98.7% (where 16.2% of 98.7% feed bones or raw food to their dogs) deemed their pet healthy.^[3]Health beneficialLisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, attributes the benefits of a raw dog food diet, such as ashinier coat,to the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Furthermore, For most animals,[raw diets] are more beneficial than processed foods, says Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, of the Beaver Animal Clinic in Beaver, PA^.[5]Fewer allergies and skin problemsA study revealed that dogs fed a raw diet during puppyhood showed significantly less allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms in adulthood.^[7] Feeding raw bones and cartilageto puppies has been associated with less chronic enteropathy (CE) in later life.^[8]Hip dysplasiaBARF diet showed a protective effect against canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and even if only a part of the [Enter Breed]s diet is raw food, it could still help protect puppies from CHD.^[12]Avoid unsafe commercial dog foodsBARF dog food recipes ensure your dog always eatsfresh, wholesome, and chemical-free foods without additives, fillers, high-glycemic carbs, or colorants commonly found in kibble.Excellent taste, smell & varietyDogs love the taste, smell, texture and variety of fresh ingredients.

Raw Diet For Dogs Risks

While raw feeding dogs has benefits, and some veterinarians may recommend it,you should be aware of some concerns.

• Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures.
• Raw meat is more likely to be contaminated by bacteria and pathogens, which can threaten the health of dogs and humans.
• You can jeopardize your dogs health if you do raw or homemade food wrong (nutritionally unbalanced).

Are Commercial Raw Meat-Based Diets Unsafe For Dogs?

Commercial raw meat-based diets (RMBD) do not pose any risks. Raw dog food companies address the risks and concerns about raw diets by formulating their recipes to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). To avoid contamination, they use high-quality ingredients, including USDA-certified meats and fresh vegetables. Furthermore, they finely ground the bones to reduce any risk of chowing. The FDAregulates and has guidance documents for all pet food products, including commercially available raw food for pets. The American Kennel Club has recommended commercial raw dog food formulas on their website.

When Should Dogs Avoid Raw Food?

Dr. Doug Knueven, who specializes in holistic medicine and consults for Natures Variety (Instinct, a raw dog food brand), says raw diets are inappropriate for all dogs. Because raw diets are typically high in protein, they arent appropriate for dogs with kidney orliver issues. Too much protein can increase the workload on these organs, leading to aggravation of these conditions. Its recommended that dogs withpancreatitisor other digestive problems start with a cooked homemade diet to rule out issues before switching to raw. Dr. Knueven also states that dogs with cancer, those onchemotherapy, or those with other immunosuppressive conditions should not eat raw food.

Raw Dog Food Pros & Cons

Lets examine the pros and cons of feeding raw meals to canines.

Pros

• Several health benefits include a shinier coat, fewer allergies, better digestion and more
• No dangerous additives, preservatives, or chemicals in your dogs food
• Promotes stronger bones and joints
• Several commercially available raw dog food options
• Research shows dogs live longer on fresh diets
• Raw dog foods often please picky eaters
• Better overall health

Cons

• Higher risk of contagion
• Its somehow more expensive unless cooking at home
• Cooking a complete and balanced raw diet for dogs is hard. You need a vets advice
• Need freezer space
• Preparing raw dog food at home is time-consuming and expensive compared to conventional dog food.
• Frozen raw dog food spoils when left in the bowl for a long period of time

Cost of RawFoodDiet For Dogs

The average cost of traditional kibble is $1.97 per pound, while premium kibble is around $3.47 per pound.^[13] High-end raw commercial dog foods average $6.40 per pound, with cheaper raw options at $3.80 per pound. For reference, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists average prices per pound of beef, chicken, and turkey at $3.90, $1.50, and $1.28, respectively. Switching your dog to a homemade raw diet could be comparable or cheaper than kibble. Commercial raw meat foods are slightly more expensive than kibble, but the health benefits and convenience may be worth the extra cost. Check out our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for cost-saving tips.

Where to Buy Raw Dog Food?

Specialty pet stores are a good place to start your search for raw dog food. These stores typically carry a variety of brands and formulas, so youre sure to find something that your dog will love. However, keep in mind that specialty pet stores can be pricey. Another option is to purchase raw dog food online. This is our preferred option. Many reputable retailers sell raw dog food at a reasonable price. Just be sure to research before making a purchase, as not all online retailers are created equal. Thankfully, weve researched this for you. Check out our article on the best raw dog food delivery services. Finally, you may be able to find raw dog food at your local grocery store or butcher shop. While the selection may be limited, you may be able to find a good quality product at a more affordable price.

Raw Food Diet For Dogs with Allergies

Many dogs suffer from allergies. Feeding your dog a raw food diet is one option to provide relief. Raw food diets are often hypoallergenic, as they do not contain fillers or preservatives that can trigger allergies. In addition, the nutrients in raw food are more easily absorbed by the body, which can help to reduce inflammation and support the immune system. A BARF diet mimics your dogs natural diet, normalizing and strengthening your dogs digestion and immune systems naturally, which reduces stress on the body while allowing a natural reduction of inflammatory conditions and a lower risk of infection and allergies. However, some dogs may be allergic to certain raw ingredients. Consider doing an at-home raw dog food allergy test if youre considering a raw food diet for your allergic dog. Also, please consult your veterinarian first to ensure it is the best option for your pet.

Understanding The Basics of Preparing A Raw Diet

From understanding what ingredients are safe to how to handle raw food properly, our Raw Dog Food for Beginners guide will give you more specific insights and concepts you need to understand and keep in mind before you get out of the apron.

Raw Diet For DogsBefore And After

Watch and read before and after raw dog diet testimonials from parents who feed their dogs raw food.

Frequently Asked Questions

The debate over whether or not to feed dogs a raw diet has been going on for years. Some people swear by the benefits of feeding their dogs a raw diet, while others are convinced that it is dangerous and harmful to their pets health. So, what is the truth? Is a raw diet suitable for your dog?

The answer may depend on who you ask, but there are pros and cons to consider before deciding. One of the biggest advantages of feeding a raw diet is that it is thought to be more natural and closer to what dogs eat in the wild. Proponents of raw diets also claim that these diets can improve digestion, help with weight management, and increase energy levels. However, some risks are associated with feeding a raw diet, including the potential for foodborne illness and spreading bacteria. Additionally, raw diets can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare.

Ultimately, you will need to decide whether to feed your dog a raw diet based on your research and discussion with your veterinarian. There is no definitive answer as to whether a raw diet is the best option for every dog, but understanding the pros and cons is crucial if you decide to switch your dog to raw feeding.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processand product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Lippert, G., & Sapy, P. (n.d.). Analysis of the longevity of dogs. UKRMB.
2. Darwins Natural Pet Products. (n.d.). BARF Diet: Raw Pet Food Diets. Darwins Pet.
3. American Veterinary Medical Association. (2008). Raw or undercooked animal-source protein in cat and dog diets. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 232(5), 687-697.
4. Honeys Real Dog Food. (2020). The Raw Proof Report. Honeys Real Dog Food.
5. WebMD. (n.d.). Raw Dog Food: Dietary Concerns, Benefits, and Risks. WebMD.
6. University of Helsinki. (n.d.). BARF poster. DogRisk.
7. University of Helsinki. (n.d.). Puppys diet seems to be a significant factor in the development of allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms. University of Helsinki.
8. The effect of puppyhood and adolescent diet on the incidence of chronic enteropathy in dogs later in life. (n.d.). Scientific Reports.
9. Podolsky, A. (2019, November 28). Feed the dog not the cancer: The danger of processed dog food. Lyka.
10. Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, May). Eating highly processed foods may raise cancer risk. Harvard Health; Harvard Health.
11. University of Helsinki. (n.d.). Diet and neoplasia in dogs. DogRisk.
12. Hielm-Bjrkman, A. (n.d.). Thesis on dog diet and health. Helda.
13. Average price of of dry pet food by type U.S. 2019. (n.d.).

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