The Raw Advantage Unveiling the Benefits of Raw Dog Food

What are the benefits of raw dog food? A vet's view

The benefits of raw dog food are a common topic of discussion among dog owners, breeders, and pet retailers. In recent years, people have increasingly begun to consider paleo diets, gluten-free diets, and other dietary alternatives for their own consumption. Following these trends in human nutrition has led some dog owners to wonder whether there may also be a benefit to feeding their pets the best raw dog food instead of the best dry dog food or the best wet dog food.

Raw diets come in two forms: homemade or commercially-purchased. They typically include raw muscle meat (which may be fed on the bone), raw organ meat (including liver and kidneys), and vegetables. In some cases, raw diets also include eggs or dairy. Supporters of raw diets believe that these diets are more healthy than traditional commercial dog food, specifically because of the ingredients that are present in these diets and the fact that the ingredients are provided in an uncooked form.

Although there are many purported benefits of raw dog food, there is little evidence to support these claims. In contrast, studies of raw food diets have repeatedly found that raw diets predispose dogs to nutritional deficiencies and foodborne illness. Potentially serious bacteria and parasites are frequently found in raw food diets, posing a risk to both dogs and their human family members.

If you are considering a raw food diet for your dog, carefully consider both the pros and cons of these diets in order to make an educated decision. Evaluate the supposed benefits of these diets critically and carefully, while also remaining mindful of the risks that are inherent in this feeding practice.PL

The purported benefits of raw dog food

1. Homemade raw diets allow you to control the ingredients in your dogs food.

When preparing a homemade raw diet, you have a great degree of control over what ingredients are included in the food. This can be beneficial, especially for dogs that require a limited-ingredient diet due to food allergies or other dietary sensitivities. Home-prepared foods may also be reassuring to dog owners who are concerned about preservatives, animal byproducts, or other ingredients that may be found in commercial dog food. (Interestingly, many ingredients that are identified as byproducts on dog food food labels, such as liver and kidney tissue, are intentionally added to raw diets!)

Commercial raw food diets may also be purchased, in refrigerated or freeze-dried forms. In this case, it is important to carefully research the food manufacturer and read the pet food label carefully, in order to ensure that you understand exactly what you are purchasing. Raw food manufacturers are typically required to adhere to the same labeling requirements as producers of conventional dry or canned dog foods.

2. Raw foods are associated with improved, shiny coats

Many dog owners feed a raw diet in order to make their dogs coat appear more shiny. This shiny coat is typically caused by increased intake of essential fatty acids, which can occur in dogs being fed certain raw diets. (High levels of fatty acids are also found in high-quality commercial dog foods, although fatty acid concentrations may be lower in poor-quality foods.)

While fatty acids are beneficial for your dogs skin and coat health, there is no evidence to suggest that cooking decreases their benefits. The same coat improvements that are seen with raw dog foods can also be seen with a high-quality commercial or homemade cooked diet, as long as adequate quantities of fatty acids are included. Fatty acids do not need to be raw to boost the appearance of your dogs skin and coat.

3. Dogs eating a raw diet produce smaller bowel movements than dogs eating commercial diets

Raw food diets typically contain relatively low levels of fibre, compared to traditional commercial dog foods. Therefore, dogs that are fed a raw food diet often produce smaller, less bulky bowel movements than dogs eating a commercial diet. While this may or may not be advantageous for the dog, it certainly offers convenience for pet owners who must pick up their dogs waste in their garden or on walks!

Again, it is important to note that similar benefits could be observed with any low-fibre diet. Small bowel movements are not an inherent characteristic of raw food; they simply reflect the low fibre content of a diet

4. Raw food diets can improve the body condition of overweight dogs

Raw food diets are primarily meat-based, tending to be lower in carbohydrates than conventional commercial dog foods. This may help promote weight loss in some overweight dogs.

In reality, however, the greatest weight loss benefit from raw food is probably associated with portion control. Whether an owner is preparing their dogs food according to a precise recipe or feeding a small quantity of a fresh commercial raw diet, they are likely being more precise about their dogs meal size than an owner who is dipping a large scoop into a 40-pound bag of dry dog food. This degree of portion control is probably a greater contributor to weight loss than the precise composition of the diet itself.

The veterinarians case against raw dog food

1. Raw food diets can make your dog sick

A number of studies, conducted in a variety of locations, have highlighted the risks associated with feeding a raw food diet.

Approximately ten years ago, the US Food and Drug Administration conducted a survey of foodborne illness in pet food. In this study, they found that commercially-available raw dog food diets are far more likely to be contaminated with foodborne pathogens than conventional commercial diets. In fact, nearly 10% of raw dog foods tested were positive for Salmonella and over 15% of tested samples were positive for Listeria monocytogenes. These foodborne bacteria are associated with significant gastrointestinal disease, cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other signs of illness.

A 2018 study conducted in the Netherlands found that 23% of commercial raw diets contained E. coli 0157:H7, which is the strain that has been associated with serious, and even fatal, human illness. Additionally, 80% of raw diets contained antibiotic-resistant E. coli and 20% contained Salmonella.

Additionally, studies have also demonstrated that raw food diets in the UK and European Union may contain Brucella suis. This foodborne illness can cause fever, pain, lethargy, and decreased appetite in infected dogs and can also cause abortion in pregnant females.

These are just a few examples of documented risks associated with feeding raw food diets. There are certainly other risks, but the body of available research all seems to point towards significant foodborne illness risk associated with raw pet food.

2. Raw food diets can cause illness in human family members

Even if your dog remains healthy while eating a raw food diet, you and other members of your household may be at risk.

First, there is the risk inherent in handling a raw diet. Just like when you handle raw chicken or other raw meats, bacteria found in raw food may spread to your hands, countertops, and kitchen utensils. If you fail to appropriately clean contaminated surfaces and accidentally ingest this bacteria, you could become seriously ill.

Additionally, there is the possibility that your pet may spread infection to you after eating their meal. When your dog eats raw food, bacteria present in the food can contaminate their mouth, muzzle, and coat. If your dog gives you a big kiss or some loving cuddles after eating, these bacteria have now been spread to your face and hands.

Finally, dogs that are asymptomatically infected with Salmonella or another food-borne illness will shed the infection in their faeces. This form of spread can contaminate your environment, potentially spreading the illness to you or your family members.

3. Homemade raw diets may not be properly nutritionally balanced to meet your dogs needs

Dogs require specific amounts of key nutrients in order to remain healthy. These nutrients include not only carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, but also micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

In many cases, homemade raw food diets are deficient in key micronutrients that are essential for normal, healthy development. Even if the correct nutrients are present, they are not always present in the correct quantities ratios. For example, calcium and phosphorus must not only be present in adequate amounts, they must also be present in a specific ratio that is determined by the dogs life stage. Achieving the correct balance of nutrients for optimal growth and development is challenging and it is easy to miss the mark when feeding a homemade diet. If you feed any homemade diet, it is important to work closely with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your dogs nutritional needs are being met appropriately.

4. Whole bones present in raw diets can cause internal damage

Many homemade diets include bones or other large ingredients that can damage your dogs tissues. Chewing on bones is a common source of dental fractures in dogs. These tooth fractures are painful, and must be addressed with extractions or advanced dental procedures, such as a root canal.

Large fragments of bone that are swallowed can become lodged in your dogs oesophagus, stomach, or intestines, leading to an obstruction that must be addressed through surgery. Smaller bone fragments, especially splintered bone fragments that may be caused by chewing on bones, can damage or even perforate the gastrointestinal tract as they pass through.

While bone material is a valuable source of calcium, feeding your dog whole bones presents a number of risks and should be avoided.

Raw dog food: Weigh the evidence carefully

While raw dog food is associated with a number of purported benefits, many of these benefits are unproven. Additionally, raw food diets are associated with a number of risks, which have been well-documented. Evaluate the pros and cons carefully before selecting a diet for your dog.

If you are looking to have more control over your dogs diet while minimizing risk, consider working with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a homemade cooked diet that is appropriate for your dog. This will allow you to have greater control over your dogs diet, while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness and nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.

References

Schlesinger DP, Joffe DJ. Raw food diets in companion animals: a critical review. Can Vet J. 2011;52(1):50-54.

Food and Drug Administration. Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet.

van Bree FPJ, Bokken GCAM, Mineur R, et al. Zoonotic bacteria and parasites found in raw meat-based diets for cats and dogs. Vet Rec. 2018;182(2):50. doi:10.1136/vr.104535

Davies RH, Lawes JR, Wales AD. Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards. J Small Anim Pract. 2019;60(6):329-339. doi:10.1111/jsap.13000

Klle P, Schmidt M. BARF (Biologisch Artgerechte Rohftterung) als Ernhrungsform bei Hunden [Raw-meat-based diets (RMBD) as a feeding principle for dogs]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere. 2015;43(6):409-420. doi:10.15654/TPK-150782

Raw dog food the big questions

Raw dog food diets have been around as long as dogs and their ancestors have been around. Until the creation of dry dog food and canned dog food, dogs lived off raw meat, scraps and anything they could scavenge.

You may have heard of the old English expression as fit as a butchers dog, which implies that a dog living off meat, bones and offal is likely to be in fine fettle.

However, after the creation and growth of mass-market dog food, domestic dogs diets changed and the feeding of raw dog food became less common. That is until recent years

Raw food for dogs has increased in popularity in recent years; some of it homemade, some produced by cottage industries, but increasingly provided by medium to large companies for a national market.

What are the best raw dog foods?

Some work on the prey model, which is an 80% meat, 10% ground bone, 10% organ meat (offal) blend. Others use the recipes akin to the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) model, which includes a small percentage of vegetables.

Both kinds profess an authenticity based on dogs evolutionary diets.

It being something new (but also very old) it has generated a lot of doubt, cynicism and questions alongside its popularity.

We put some of the questions we most frequently get asked by readers to Amy Zalneraitis, the CBO at 5-star-rated We Feed Raw.

Is raw dog food safe for dogs?

AZ: Raw dog food is not only safe for dogs, its what is most biologically appropriate for them. Dogs have thrived on a raw, meat-based diet since the dawn of their existence. While weve domesticated dogs and bred them for their appearance, behavior, and temperament, in form and function, their digestive system is identical to their ancestors. With highly acidic stomachs, sharp, pointy teeth, and short, simple digestive tracts, a dogs biology tells us what they should be eating.

So any raw food will do?

Not all raw pet foods are created equal. We use only high-quality, USDA, human-grade meats. We produce our recipes in a USDA-certified facility and all ingredients must comply with rigid incoming quality assurance specifications. Most importantly, to ensure safe raw feeding in the home, we use HPP (high-pressure processing) a non-thermal pasteurization technology that uses extreme cold water pressure (up to 87,000 psi) to ensure our food is free of pathogens such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella.

While not all raw companies in the U.S. do this, we incur the extra cost because it ensures a safe product. Because the process uses pressure rather than heat, there is no change in product taste, texture, or nutritional value.

Is raw dog food safe for humans?

It depends if you mean to eat or handle. While our food is sourced from USDA, human-grade meats, our recipes are not intended for human consumption. Our formulas contain the correct ratio of muscle meat, organ meat, finely ground bone and a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix for full and proper canine nutrition, not full and proper human nutrition.

As for handling, dogs can cope with bacteria in ways that humans cant, but HPP offers extra peace of mind while feeding raw in the home. HPP is used by many reputable raw pet food companies because its a natural way to reduce harmful bacteria while preserving nutrients.

When youre purchasing raw pet food from a reputable company, its easy to feed raw food safely you use the same basic hygiene practices you use when preparing your own raw meats to cook, like washing hands, surfaces, and bowls.

Its more expensive than kibble why should I spend extra?

Because the quality of the food our dogs eat has a direct impact on how well they live. Eighty percent of immune capability is in the gut and low-carb raw diets help to promote healthy gut microflora. Raw food will always be more expensive because quality costs more. Hands down, raw costs more to source and make and its not packed with cheap fillers. While youll pay more upfront with raw, youll save money down the line because youll have a healthier, happier dog and far fewer vet visits.

Why wouldnt I just make raw food at home?

If youre a DIY raw feeder, amazing! Great job! But weve found that many pet parents dont have the time, energy, interest, or resources to make properly balanced raw food at home. Thats where we come in. We plan, portion, package, and deliver. All you have to do is thaw and feed. No concern that your dog is missing important nutrients, no trips to the pet food store, no guesswork.

Do dogs need vegetables?

Our recipes are based on the Prey Model Raw diet: approximately 80% muscle meat (with connective tissue and fat), 10% organ meat (all of which is secreting organ), 10% finely ground raw meaty bones plus a small amount of a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix.

Some of our customers will choose to add veggies to the meals, and thats great, as long as they dont overdo it. If your dog does well with a bit of extra fiber, our Ph.D. nutritionist suggests around a 5-8% veggie inclusion. With dogs, plant matter usually passes out as part of the stool, undigested because their bodies have to work much harder to break it down.

We usually recommend pureeing veggies: dogs do not have natural cellulase, an enzyme that helps to break down fiber, so pureeing them will help aid in digestion.

Do I need to add supplements?

Not with our food. Our food is complete and balanced as is. No need to add supplements. That said, its totally fine to add a small amount of your preferred probiotic, prebiotic, fish oil or omega-3 oil, etc. We just advise that pet parents dont add a multivitamin, as we already include a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix to our recipes.

When it comes to adding other whole foods, like canned pumpkin, phytoplankton, sardines, green-lipped mussels, etc, these can be wonderful, healthy additions and we totally support those as toppers to our meals.

Are there any proven benefits to a raw diet?

A dogs digestive system is identical to its ancestors. They didnt lose the ability to digest their evolutionary diet just because kibble was invented mere seconds ago in geologic time. Therefore, isnt it prudent to imitate what nature provided as a guideline?

As for specific studies, were excited about the work being done at the University of Helsinki on the benefits of a raw dog food diet. Led by veterinary scientist Dr. Anna-Hielm Bjrkman (DVM and PhD), The Dog Risk Study is a university-led, cruelty-free study using 16,000 dogs of all breeds and ages.

The program has already proven that puppies fed raw (vs kibble) have fewer environmental allergies as adults and a reduced risk of developing IBD later in life. Some of the other specific studies its exploring include hip dysplasia, GI issues, chronic ear infections, cancer and tumors.

How do I transition my dog to raw food?

Our intro plan helps to gradually introduce dogs to raw food over a 10-day period. The detailed directions instruct pet parents on how to mix their pups current food with We Feed Raw and increase the percentage of We Feed Raw over the course of 9 days until theyre feeding 100% raw.

What are the best raw dog foods?

Will there be side effects?

While some dogs transition to raw with no issues, other dogs with sensitive stomachs may require a bit more TLC and time. Its all normal. The long-term effects of a healthy, species-appropriate diet make it all worth it: smaller, less smelly stools, shiny skin and coat, cleaner teeth, improved digestion, stronger immune system, better weight control the list goes on.

Can I mix raw food with cooked food?

Yes, absolutely. We encourage pet parents to feed what works for their budget and lifestyle. Adding even 25% raw food to your dogs diet can have life-changing health benefits. Raw feeding isnt an all-or-nothing approach. Using it as a base, mixer, or topper with cooked food or kibble can still have amazing overall health benefits.

Why are some vets anti-raw food?

Were seeing a real shift with conventional vets becoming more raw-friendly. In fact, we work with many conventional vets who not only recommend raw to their clients but feed it to their own pets.

So while the tide is changing, here are some reasons that conventional vets may not be pro-raw: 1) Theyre not taught about raw diets in vet school; 2) Theyve seen homemade raw diets go wrong (imbalanced, missing important nutrients, incorrect ratios); 3) They think its a danger to the humans feeding it. However, serious and reputable raw brands in the U.S., like our company, use HPP to neutralize pathogens for safe feeding in the home.

Is raw dog food human-grade?

Raw dog food is meant to be fed raw and usually contains bone, and therefore cannot technically be labeled human-grade as a whole. So while our food is sourced from high-quality human-grade meats and produced in a USDA-certified facility, we do not make the human-grade claim on our labels.

Are bones and offal actually good for dogs?

Not only are they good for dogs, theyre essential to a complete and balanced raw diet. Organ meats, particularly liver, are packed with vitamins and minerals. Bones are an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus.