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Raw Diet For Dogs: Will It Improve Your Dogs Health?

Raw dog food diets are controversial. While some think this is the way dogs were meant to eat before dogs became pets, others think dry dog food is the correct diet for our four-legged fur balls. Is raw food good for dogs? Lets dig into raw dog food diets a bit more so you can draw your own conclusion about whether this diet lives up to the hype.

What Is A Raw Food Diet For Dogs?

Araw dog food diet emphasizes uncooked meat (often muscle and organ meat), whole or crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, raw eggs, and some dairy.

The raw dog food diet started with racing Greyhounds and sled dogs. In 1993, Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst proposed extending the diet to family dogs. He called this the BARF diet for dogs, which stands for Bones and Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.

Billinghurst suggested dogs would flourishon BARF dog food since this is how they ate prior to being domesticated. He also argued that commercial pet foods were harmful to the health of dogs. However, many vets and the FDA disagree with Billinghursts views.

What Are The Claimed Benefits Of Raw Food Diets For Dogs?

Billinghurst and his supporters say the benefits include:

• Shinier coat
• Healthier skin
• Cleaner teeth
• More energy
• Smaller stool

Potential Risks Of Raw Diets

While there are potential upsides and some veterinarians may recommend it, theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)is not on board with BARF. Citing a number of studies, the AVMA discourages feeding raw food or undercooked animal proteins because they can contain potentially deadly pathogens and harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. Coli that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans. Yikes!

Other possible disadvantages of the raw diet for dogs include:

• Harmful bacteria in raw meat pose a threat to the dogs and human health.
• Giving whole meaty bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, or internal punctures (learn more aboutif dogs can eat bones).
• Nutritional deficiencies can occur from raw dog food diets if they are not properly balanced. Low calcium and phosphorus levels, as well as inadequate vitamins and low levels of EPA and DHA, are some nutritional deficiencies that can develop.

Transitioning Your Dog From Dry Food To Raw

Its important to remember thattransitioning your dog to a new dietis aslow process. Below is a rough schedule you can use for this dietary shift.

If you notice your dog isnt feeling well, you should go back a day in the transition plan and proceed at a slower pace. For example, if your dog struggles with 50% serving, shift back to 40% serving for another day or two before moving forward.

Another thing wed like to mention is that raw diets are only safe for dogs 12 weeks andolder.

• Day 1:Feed 75% of your current (old) food and mix in 25% of the raw food in each serving to start the adjustment period for clean digestion.
• Day 2:Adjust to feeding 60% of your old food and mix in 40% of the raw food in each serving.
• Day 3:Feed 50% of your old food, mixed with 50% of the raw food per serving.
• Day 4:Feed 40% of your old food, mixed with 60% of the raw food per serving.
• Day 5:Feed 25% of your old food, mixed with 75% of the raw food per serving.
• Day 6:Feed 90-100% of the raw food at this point, you should be very close to a clean digestive transition period.

Break the daily serving size into two meals per day: one in the morning and one in the evening.

As a general rule, dogs on a raw food diet need to eat 2 to 5% of their body weight in raw food. You must be careful to ensure they get enough to eat, as many dogs drop a good amount of weight on a raw food diet. Maintaining a healthy body weight is a priority because you do not want your pup to lose too much weight too quickly.

Raw Dog Food Recipes

Want to get your dog started on a raw dog food diet? Here is a recipe you can try out using ground meat. We should note that the nutritional balance varies based on the breed and size of your dog, so talk to your vet about the best option for your pet. Or better yet, get one of the commercial pet food brands we recommend to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbsground beef
• 4 ozchicken livers
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 small apple, cored
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 2 whole eggs (including shell)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbspground flaxseed
• 1 tbspolive oil

Note: It is critical that you use high-quality grade ground meat and understand that there are risks associated with consuming uncooked meat. In addition, there are severalfoods your dog should never eat,so plan your recipe accordingly.

Directions

1. Put carrot, apple, and spinach in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
2. Add remaining ingredients except for beef and process until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add the beef until well mixed.
4. Form into patties the size of your palm and place on parchment lined baking sheet.
5. Freeze patties and transfer them to a storage container to keep them frozen.
6. The night before you wish to feed, remove the patties from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator to thaw.

Best Raw Dog Food Brands

Billinghursts book, Give Your Dog A Bone, has sparked commercially processed raw dog food diets to help pet parents who are short on time.

Shopping for ingredients, grinding, chopping, measuring, and mixing may not be something you have time for. Thats why these ready-made raw dog food delivery services can be so convenient for busy families who have an interest in feeding raw food to their pups.

Read our comparison of the best raw dog food delivery optionsand check out our rankings on the right. These food products are freeze-dried or frozen to maintain their nutrients and consist of meat, grains, vitamins, and vegetables.

Freeze-dried options can be convenient for traveling, but frozen is typically less processed than freeze-dried. So keep that in mind when youre purchasing raw food for your dog.

Some pet parents choose to serve these raw food packages on top of some kibble to help dogs adjust to a raw diet.

Video: How To Determine Serving Size

Wondering how much to feed your pup on a raw diet? Learn more in this video:

Myths About Raw Feeding Dogs

There are certainly risks and reservations with valid reasons behind them about raw feeding dogs. That said, there are also several myths and misconceptions that we can clear up.

• Raw feeding does not make dogs aggressive.
• Raw food will not automatically make your dog sick.
• The raw dog food diet is not only made up of raw meat.
• Dogs can eat both raw food and kibble. No rule says your dog must be exclusively on one diet.

Bottom Line: Every Pup Is Unique

Just because your furry friend gobbles up a raw meat diet, that doesnt mean its right for all dogs. Some animals might never be able to switch due to food sensitivities or other health issues. We strongly emphasize discussing your dogs specific needs with your vet before making any dietary changesand being patient in the process. Remember that any diet change can cause some stomach issues.

If your dog does get sick or needs medical attention, see a vet right away and consider getting pet insurance now so that if a need arises, your medical costs could be partially covered for any exams and medications for issues that exclude pre-existing conditions. Learn more about the benefits and if pet insurance may be a good fit for you. You might also check out these other homemade dog food recipes that contain cooked food as an alternative to raw.

Why Trust Canine Journal

At Canine Journal, we write about every type of diet to help pet parents decide whats best for their dogs. Raw diets can be controversial, which is why Kimberly consulted with many dog food experts to provide this content to our audience. She also has experience with various dog food brands and diet types, including raw.

Canine Meal from the farms

The rawsome benefits are endless with a Biological Appropriate Raw Food for your dog. Made with table grade meat for your canine balanced with organic seasonal fruits, vegetables, minerals and vitamins. Your canine will feel loved and packed with energy while their high-quality raw food benefits take care of:

Strengthened immune system & gut health

Assists in allergy & skin issues

Increased energy levels

Helps with weight issues

No Stink Poops, that are biodegrade

But thats not all, read our blog post unpacking the full benefits of BARF diet for your canine to perform and feel their best.

Wellness Complete Health Dog Food Review: Is This Pro-Wellness Brand Worth the Hype?

About The Brand

Wellness is under the Wellness Pet Company, a trusted name when it comes to high quality pet food. Its a well-known premium brand of dog and cat foods that has been operating for almost 3 decades in the industry. They offer an extensive array of dog food categories to choose from.

Wellness was founded by Jim Scott, a passionate dog owner who had to find a way to save his sick Golden Retriever Sadie and give her a better quality of life.He researched and experimented with several whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that led him to this path to dog wellness advocacy and enterprise.

Now, there is a team of pet nutrition experts and other professionals working together at their headquarters in Tewksbury Massachusetts. They have state-of-the-art production facilities across the US to ensure the quality and freshness of the ingredients they use.

Wellness Pet Food advocates for the 5 signs of wellness in dogs namely healthy skin and coat, optimal energy, healthy digestion, healthy teeth and bones, and immune health.

Exploring Wellness Completes Product Line

Their ranges include the Wellness Complete Health, Wellness Core, Wellness Simple, and Wellness Mixers and Toppers.

Here are some of their highly-rated products under their Wellness Complete Health line.

Grained

These products include whole grains like oatmeal, ground barley, ground brown rice combined with other nutrient-dense ingredients and high quality proteins.

• Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal
• Whitefish & Sweet Potato
• Small Breed Puppy
• Large Breed Puppy
• Small Breed Senior

Grain-free

Crafted with a balanced blend of proteins, grain free carbs and select fats, these meals are ideal for dogs with sensitivities and weight problems but still need a balanced nutrient profile.

• Lamb & Lamb Meal
• Deboned Chicken & Chicken Meal
• For Puppy

Pate Wet

A smooth and tasty blend of finely ground premium ingredients including high-quality protein and vegetables.

• Variety Pack Chicken & Sweet Potato, Lamb & Sweet Potato
• Just for Puppy
• Senior

Pate Mixers & Toppers

Formulated to provide an enticing texture and taste, adding flavor, variety, and moisture to dry Wellness dog food.

Limited Ingredient Mixers & Toppers

Stews

Homey and comforting recipes thats chunky and slow-cooked, these homestyle stews contain tender cuts of premium meat with vegetables in a savory gravy. They add all the wholesome goodness of natural and highly nutritious ingredients and intense flavor to dry dog food.

• Homestyle Stew Grain Free Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes
• Homestyle Stew Turkey Stew with Carrots & Barley
• Homestyle Stew Grain Free Turkey & Duck Stew with Sweet Potatoes & Cranberries
• Homestyle Stew Grain Free Chicken Stew with Peas & Carrots

Wellness 95 Percent

Perfect for dogs that need to grow more muscles. These contain almost purely high quality meat protein lamb, chicken, and beef.

• Mixer of Topper Ninety-Five Percent Lamb
• Mixer or Topper Ninety-Five Percent Beef
• Mixer or Topper Ninety-Five Percent Chicken

Petite Entrees

Especially formulated for small breed dogs, these meals contain high-quality meat and vegetables in gravy.

• Mini-Filets Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Red Peppers in Gravy
• Tender Turkey, Green Beans & White Sweet Potatoes in Gravy
• Tender Chicken, Green Beans & Carrots

The Rewarding Life

These are flavorful, grain-free, all natural, soft dog treats that are made in the USA using choice, globally-sourced ingredients.

• Beef & Turkey
• Chicken & Venison
• Chicken & Lamb
• Lamb & Salmon
• Turkey & Duck

Wellbars

WellBars are grain-free, oven-baked treats using only premium ingredients without corn, soy, wheat, artificial colors or flavors, ideal for dogs with sensitivities.

• Yogurt, Apples & Bananas
• Lamb & Apples

Puppy Bites

Puppy Bites are specially crafted for growing puppies, offering all-natural, DHA-packed, grain-free, bite-sized, and healthy treats. They are free from meat by-products, corn, wheat, dairy, artificial colors, or flavors.

• Soft Puppy Bites Lamb & Salmon
• Crunchy Puppy Bites Chicken & Carrots

Frequently Asked Questions

What Distinguishes Wellness Dog Food From Other Pet Food Brands in Terms of Ingredients and Manufacturing Practices?

Wellness uses select whole and premium ingredients with balanced nutrients, probiotics, and antioxidants. They also implement an extensive quality assurance program for each of their products.

They have several state-of-the-art manufacturing centers across the US to ensure freshness and quality of their ingredients from sourcing to packaging and distribution.

Are All Wellness Dog Food Products Compliant With AAFCO Standards?

Yes, their products are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) based on Nutrient Profiles, unless otherwise stated on the label.

Does Wellness Offer Both Grain-free and Grain-inclusive Options?

Yes, they have both grain-inclusive and grain-free options.

What Are the Main Protein Sources Used in Wellness Dog Food?

Their animal protein sources include natural poultry, fish, and beef meat. They also use peas as their plant-based protein source.

How Should Pet Owners Transition Their Dogs to Wellness Dog Food to Ensure Digestive Tolerance?

Gradual transitioning through proper feeding portions based on the dogs weight, age, breed, and health condition is recommended. The Wellness website provides general feeding guidelines for their products.