Why is raw better than cooked for dogs

Raw Or Cooked Meat For Dogs (Which Is Better?)

If your dog is an animal, shouldnt they eat like one?

Lets uncover the truth behind whether raw or cooked meat for dogs is best.

As dog owners, you have a lot of options when it comes to pet food. And as the industry keeps growing, so do your choices.

One of the latest trends is raw dog food. But is uncooked meat really the best thing for your furry friend?

At Ricks Dog Deli, were familiar with just about every dog feeding trend out there, and we do our best to separate fact from fiction. In this article, were discussing whether raw or cooked meat for dogs is the best option for a complete and balanced meal.

Raw Diet For Dogs: Is It Good For Them?

Supporters of raw dog food believe that a healthy dogs diet should be as close as possible to what their ancestors ate.

While its true that dogs originally ate a raw diet, dogs are not wild anymore. Humans have selectively bred dogs to be the perfect domestic companions. And much of this process involved feeding dogs the food that we eatnot only meat (cooked and raw), but bones, organ meats, vegetables, andprepared grains.

Think about how different dietary needs are within dog breeds. One breed needs more protein, another needs more fat. If a Chihuahua and a Husky dont require the same diet, wouldnt dogs and wild wolves have different dietary needs, too?

The Risks Behind Raw Dog Food Recipes

If we lived on this planet a few hundred years ago, a raw diet for dogs would probably do them no harm. Unfortunately, the way food is processed today, cooked food is necessary in order toeffectively remove toxins.

For example, chicken is commonly washed with a chlorine solution during processing (yes, even among organic chicken producers). Since chlorine evaporates when heated, chicken is perfectly safe to eat as long as it is cooked to the proper temperature. But if you feed the raw meat to your dog, s/he is being exposed to unsafe levels of chlorine.

Also, there is a chance that contaminated raw food can cross-contaminate your home, exposing everyone to harmful bacteria. This is especially a problem when someone or another pet in the home has a compromised immune system.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Beef?

Okay, so the chicken is out. But what about raw beef, lamb, and other forms of protein? Can those be eaten raw?

Yes, some dogs do fine after eating raw ground beef, liver, or a steak. Many of them heartily enjoy it! But just because they can handle raw food doesnt mean they should.

Dogs run the same risks as humans do whenever they eat steak tartare: namely, salmonella, e. coli, listeria, and other harmful bacteria. If you take the time to make sure your food is cooked to the proper temperature, shouldnt you do the same for your dog?

Food Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs

If your dog has consumed raw meat, youll want to watch out for symptoms of food poisoning.

Many of the symptoms offood poisoning in dogs are the same as the ones humans experience, such as:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy/Weakness
• Dehydration
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Loss of coordination

If your dog is experiencing any of the above symptoms, call your vet.

Raw Food Dogs Can Eat

Are there any raw foods that a dog can safely eat? Yes!

Raw fruits and vegetables are an excellent addition to your dogs diet and many people find that their canine companions wholeheartedly adore them!

Some great options for your dog to eat raw:

• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Green Beans
• Melon

Raw or Cooked Meat For Dogs?

We have run side-by-side nutritional studies comparing raw and cooked proteins and have found that there is little to no nutritional loss when you lightly cook food in a proper manner. So why are we still debating over raw or cooked meat for dogs?

Many dogs seem to come to life after switching from kibble to a raw meat diet. But this is probably because they stopped eating kibblenot because they started eating raw meat. If you compare raw dog food vs. dry, processed kibble, of course raw food is going to look like the hero.

The quality of the ingredients is far more important than their temperature. If you want to give your dog the best possible diet, opt for a diet made with wholesome, USDA-inspected ingredients that have been formulated with your dogs nutritional needs in mind.

The Best of Both Worlds

At Ricks Dog Deli, it is our job to navigate the food chain for you and your pet. We work with our suppliers to get the best possible ingredients at the best possible price.

We take a balanced approach to species-appropriate feeding and believe thatas omnivoresdogs need to eat from the entire food pyramid.

With raw dog food, your dog will probably get an unbalanced diet, as it will be very meat-heavy and lacking in certain nutrients.But with Ricks Dog Deli, your dog will get the proper ratio of meat, vegetables, and grains across all our prepared meals.

We prepare all food with USDA-inspected ingredients in our open-concept kitchen, using commercial equipment which is sanitized following the equipment manufacturer and HACCP standards. Proteins are kept separate to avoid any cross-contamination for our allergy-sensitive dogs.

After foods are prepared, they are frozen to lock in all thevitamins and nutrients. Simply thaw and serve. We guarantee itll become your dogs new favorite food!

As always, if you need any advice or help switching from raw to cooked dog food, give us a call. We are happy to help.

Raw vs Cooked Dog Food: Pros, Cons & What to Choose

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

One of the most common questions people ask when it comes to their dogs is what kind of food to feed them. There is a lot of debate surrounding raw versus cooked dog food. Some people believe that raw diets are better for dogs because they contain more nutrients, while others believe that cooked diets are better because they are safer, more digestible, and provide more flavor.

In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both types of food, and what to choose for your dogs meals. Ultimately, what you choose for your poochs diet is up to you, your assessment of the purported benefits and risks, and your personal preferences. Heres a look at the different options and factors involved, before you make your choice.

At a Glance

Raw Dog Food

• Uncooked Nutrients
• Positive Health Effects
• Potential Health Risks
• Pricing & Availability

Cooked Dog Food

• Nutritional Value of Cooked Foods
• Health Benefits
• Risks to Health
• Availability & Price

Overview of Raw Dog Food

There is a great deal of interest in raw dog food diets, but there is also a good deal of confusion about them. Some people believe that raw dog food is the healthiest diet for dogs, while others believe that it is dangerous. The truth is that there is no one right answer to this question. Raw diet may seem to work in certain cases for some dogs, but they are not the right choice for every dog.

Raw dog food diets are becoming increasingly popular, as pet owners are looking for alternatives to processed foods. There are a variety of ways to feed a raw diet, but the most common is to mix meat, bones, and organs together in a ratio that meets the dogs nutritional needs. Some people choose to make their own raw food, while others buy commercially pre-made raw diets or freeze-dried raw diets. These ready-made raw diets have the advantage of being nutritionally balanced.

Pros

• Anecdotal reports of better health and increased energy
• Less poop

Cons

• Greater risk for foodborne illness, such as bacterial infection
• Generally costs more
• Less convenient
• Can be harder for some dogs to digest
• More effort and research are required to provide balanced nutrition
• You may have to feed your dog more often

Overview of Cooked Dog Food

Cooked dog food is processed pet food that typically contains meat, grains, and vegetables. It is often formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs and is available in dry, canned, and raw forms. There are a variety of cooked dog foods on the market, and while they all have different ingredients, they typically share some common features. Most cooked dog foods are fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Some cooked dog foods also contain supplements such as probiotics or omega-3 fatty acids. Compared to raw food diets, cooked dog food is considered to be more convenient and typically has a longer shelf life. Cooked dog food is more convenient for the owner, as it is formulated to provide balanced nutrition and so zero thought or effort is required to feed your dog well. This means that it can help you maintain your dogs health and vitality in a convenient way.

Pros

• Easier for some dogs to digest
• Helps prevent health problems such as bloat, pancreatitis, and intestinal blockages
• Contains all the nutrients your dog needs
• Cheaper than raw food
• Lasts longer than raw food
• You dont have to feed your dog as often

Cons

• Your dog may poop more
• Does not have the health and longevity benefits of raw food

What Are the Differences Between Them?

Health Benefits

One of the most commonly held beliefs is that a raw diet is more natural for dogs and that their digestive systems are better able to digest and absorb the nutrients from raw food. Many owners report benefits to feeding their dogs a raw diet, as opposed to a cooked diet. However none of these claims have been definitely proven.

Cooked dog food is a great way to add some variety to your dogs diet. By cooking the food yourself, you can control the ingredients and make sure that your dog is getting plenty of healthy nutrition. Cooking also destroys harmful bacteria that may be present in the food.

Health Risks

Raw dog food is becoming a more popular option among pet owners, as it is seen as a more natural way to feed their dogs. However, there are health risks associated with feeding dogs raw food. One such risk is the presence of bacteria in raw meat. Dogs that eat raw food are at an increased risk of developing a number of illnesses, including salmonella and E. coli poisoning. In addition, unless owners take pains to educate themselves, raw food diets can also lead to nutritional excesses and deficiencies in dogs. For these reasons, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before switching your dog to a raw diet.

Cooked dog food is seen as a more convenient alternative to raw dog food. However, there are some health risks associated with cooked dog food that pet owners should be aware of. Cooked dog food can often be high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. If obesity is a concern, try finding a commercial brand that is lower in fat and calories.

Availability & Price

There are pros and cons to both cooked and raw dog food diets. While some people may swear by the benefits of a raw diet, others find that it is too risky, expensive, and inconvenient.

Cooked dog food is widely available at most pet stores and supermarkets. It can also be ordered online. The price of cooked dog food ranges from around $0.50 per pound to over $2 per pound, depending on the brand and quality of the food.

Raw dog food is also available at most pet stores, but it may be harder to find pre-prepared raw food than cooked food. It can also be ordered online, but it tends to be more expensive than commercial tinned or dry food.

What the Users Say

Raw dog food users say that there are key benefits to feeding their pet this way. First, they say that raw food is more digestible than processed kibble, so pets get more nutrients from it. Second, many people believe that raw food helps keep dogs teeth clean and healthy. Finally, many owners appreciate the fact that raw food is a natural and unprocessed diet, which they feel is better for their pets overall health.

Advocates of cooked dog food say that it is more digestible than raw food, which can cause problems like gas and diarrhea. They also say that it is a more complete diet, providing all the essential nutrients dogs need. Additionally, cooked dog food is often considered more appetizing to dogs, leading to better eating habits. So far, the science tends to support this view that cooked food is preferable.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to both raw and cooked dog food. There are many owners who tout the benefits of feeding their dogs raw food. According to raw food advocates, raw food is beneficial for a dogs weight, skin, and coat. However, there is, as yet, no research to back up these claims. If you are not comfortable feeding your dog raw food, you can cook their food yourself, or buy pre-cooked commercial food from a reputable source and make sure that you are feeding a balanced diet.

It is important to do your research and decide what is best for your pet. Some things to consider are your dogs age, health, and activity level. Whichever route you choose, make sure to talk to your veterinarian to make sure that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition. Regardless of the diet you choose, be sure to provide plenty of water and exercise for your canine friend.

Featured Image Credit: Hyper-Set, Shutterstock