If you're anything like me, your dog's health and well-being are top priorities. I’ve heard a lot about raw feeding but didn’t know much about it, so I decided to give some raw food products a try and learn more about the pros and cons. Below is a summary of what I learned based on experiences from raw feeding enthusiasts and reviews of many raw food products. For a more in-depth explanation, read on to the end of this article.

Pros of Raw Feeding:

1. More efficient nutrition. Translation: better for a dog’s health.

2. Healthy skin and coat. Translation: fewer skin problems such as itching and allergies.

3. Improved digestion. Translation: fewer tummy issues.

4. Stronger immune system. Translation: fewer trips to the vet.

5. Better dental health. Translation: less costly natural teeth cleaning.

6. Increased energy and stamina: Translation: appropriate energy to meet daily needs.

7. No excess calories. Translation: improved weight management.

8. Allergy relief. Translation: Reduced itching, licking and sneezing

Cons of Raw Feeding

1. Nutritional Imbalance. Translation: Supplements are necessary. A raw food diet may lack some essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies or imbalances.

1. Risk of bacterial contamination. Translation: Raw meat can carry harmful bacteria. Use protective gloves and disinfect meal prep area thoroughly when handling raw food. 

2. Potential choking hazard. Translation: To be safe, purchase natural bones from a reputable raw pet food source, such as Raw Paws Pet Food.

3. Higher cost and prep time. Translation: Raw food costs more and requires more planning and preparation.

4. Dental risks. Translation: To be safe, supervise dogs when chewing on raw bones, especially aggressive chewers.

we tried some raw food dog treats. Here’s what happened.

Raw food is straight from nature's pantry: raw meat, bones, fruits, and veggies. It's always sounded a bit wild to me, but dog owners who are committed to raw feeding say the benefits are worth it. Even though I know pet owners rave about the amazing benefits of switching to a raw diet, I've never actually embarked on that journey. That's why I decided to dip a paw into the world of raw feeding by introducing some raw food dog treats, bones, and food topper to Kai and Byrdie.

The result? They absolutely went crazy over these healthy treats and natural chews from Raw Paws Pet Food. I also found them to have an added benefit: my furry friends will do just about anything for raw treats. For that reason, I think they are a great option in smaller pieces to use as training treats. The large natural bones kept them busy for hours, which was great for preventing dog boredom and the behavior that goes along with it!

They loved the freeze-dried treats, natural bones, and Whole Goat Milk food topper so much, I decided to look into the pros and cons of raw feeding and how it works. 

What is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?

A raw food diet is a feeding regimen that focuses on providing dogs with fresh, uncooked ingredients that mimic what they would eat in the wild. This typically includes raw meat, bones, organs, fruits, and vegetables. The concept behind a raw food diet is to offer dogs a diet that is more biologically appropriate and closely aligned with their ancestral diet as carnivores. Advocates of the raw food diet argue that it offers numerous health benefits for dogs, including improved digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, healthier skin and coat, and stronger immune function. Remember to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist before changing your dog's diet to a raw food diet to ensure it meets their nutritional needs and to address any concerns or potential risks.

What are the benefits of a raw food diet?

Natural raw dog food offers several potential benefits, including:

Enhanced Nutrient Absorption:

One of the biggest perks of a raw food diet is that it's packed with bioavailable nutrients. Unlike processed kibble, which can lose some of its nutritional value during manufacturing, raw food retains all the goodness that nature intended. This means your best friend can absorb essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes more efficiently, leading to better overall health and vitality.

Healthy Skin and Coat:

Say goodbye to dull fur and hello to a shiny, luscious coat! A raw food diet provides essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat. Say goodbye to pesky itching, hot spots, and dry skin – your pup will be glowing with health and happiness.

Improved Digestion:

Does your pooch have a sensitive stomach or suffer from gas, bloating, or diarrhea? A raw food diet can be an ideal choice to help a dog's digestive system. Raw meat contains natural enzymes and probiotics that promote optimal digestion, while the absence of fillers and artificial ingredients helps to reduce gastrointestinal issues. Get ready for fewer bathroom breaks and more quality time with your furry companion.

Stronger Immune System:

Just like us humans, dogs need a strong immune system to fend off illness and disease. A raw food diet is chock-full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immune function and help your pup stay healthy and happy. Say goodbye to sniffles and vet visits—a raw-fed dog is a healthy dog!

Dental Health:

When it comes to your dog's teeth, raw meaty bones can minimize costly dental cleanings and promote fresh breath. In addition to providing essential nutrients, natural bones make great dental chews to keep your pup's teeth clean and gums healthy. 

Increased Energy and Stamina:

Is your pup a bundle of energy or a couch potato? Either way, a raw food diet can help to balance energy levels and promote overall vitality. With a balanced diet rich in protein and essential nutrients, your furry friend will have the fuel they need to run, jump, and play to their heart's content.

Weight Management:

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your dog's overall well-being. Unlike processed kibble, which can be high in carbohydrates and fillers, a raw food diet provides a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. This helps to keep your pup feeling full and satisfied without unnecessary calories, making weight management a breeze.

Allergy Relief:

Is your dog constantly scratching, licking, or sneezing? Food allergies and sensitivities are a common culprit behind these pesky symptoms. Switching to a raw food diet can help alleviate allergy symptoms by eliminating common allergens like grains, artificial additives, and preservatives. Say goodbye to itching and hello to a happy, allergy-free pup!

What are the possible negatives of a raw food diet?

While there are potential benefits to switching your dog to a raw food diet, I learned there are a few potential negatives. These downsides can best be minimized by purchasing raw pet food products from a reputable manufacturer with high quality standards. Human grade raw meat is not necessarily appropriate for animal nutrition. The best raw dog food companies, such as Raw Paws Pet Food, ensure your pet's diet is minimally processed and is pasture raised with no additives or preservatives. In addition, their meat is locally sourced with humane treatment of their animals. 

1. Nutritional Imbalance: Without proper planning and supplementation, a raw food diet may lack essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies or imbalances that could harm your dog's health.

2. Risk of Bacterial Contamination: Raw meat can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can pose a risk to both your dog and your family members, especially those with weakened immune systems. For this reason, it's important to use protective gloves when handling raw food. It's also important to disinfect meal prep areas and wash hands and utensils thoroughly with soap after handling raw food. 

3. Potential Choking Hazard: Feeding bones, especially cooked bones, can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed whole or splintered. For peace of mind, it's best to purchase the highest quality products and natural bones from a raw pet food company.

4. Increased Cost and Preparation Time: Raw food diets can be more expensive and time-consuming to prepare compared to commercial dog foods, as they often require sourcing high-quality ingredients and careful meal planning. Although prices may vary, the price guide from Raw Paws Pet Food says you can feed a 30 pound dog for about $4.70 a day. They also have a convenient autoship program and rewards program.

5. Difficulty in Meeting Nutritional Needs: Some dogs may have specific dietary requirements or health conditions that make it challenging to meet their nutritional needs on a raw food diet, requiring additional supplementation or veterinary guidance.

6. Zoonotic Diseases: Handling raw meat and bones increases the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans, especially if proper hygiene practices are not followed. For this reason, it's important to store raw pet food separately to avoid cross-contamination.

7. Potential for Foodborne Illness: Consuming raw meat increases the risk of foodborne illness for dogs, which can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. However, it's important to know that dog's can handle a much greater bacterial load than humans because they have more antibacterial saliva and a gut that deters bacteria.

8. Dental Health Risks: While chewing on raw bones can help clean dogs' teeth, it also carries the risk of dental fractures or injuries if not supervised properly or if dogs are aggressive chewers.

Before switching your dog to a raw food diet, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to discuss your dog's specific nutritional needs, potential risks, and the safest way to transition to a raw diet.

All in all, the bones, treats, and food topper are a great addition to Kai and Byrdie’s diet, and they love them!! If you’d like to give Raw Paws a try with 10% off, use code KAIANDBYRDIE10.

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