Food is an important aspect of the daily lives of both humans and animals. We humans can choose what to eat, but it’s not always the same with dogs. We choose food that we think is the best for our canine companions. We want our pets to be healthy, have a good energy level, and even enjoy the food. One of the biggest controversies is pet nutrition. Is raw food diet for dogs a good option or should you feed your dog kibble?
Raw diet for dogs consists of muscle meats organ meats, bones, dog-safe fruits and vegetables, grains, and even some dairy. Kibble, on the other hand, consists of grains, starches, protein sources, fruits, and vegetables. The diet is also supplemented with vitamins and minerals to ensure it meets your dog’s nutritional needs.
There are pros and cons to each diet. So, read on to discover more about these diets and what’s really best to feed your canine friend.
Raw food diet for dogs
We all want the best for our pets, and you might be wondering, “Is a raw diet good for dogs?” well, we’ll find out in a while.
As aforementioned, a raw diet for dogs is one that typically consists of muscle meat, organ meats, dog-friendly fruits such as apples, vegetables such as celery, spinach, and broccoli, dairies such as yogurt, bones, and raw eggs.
Dogs have sharp teeth that are used for tearing and slicing meat, and that’s why they are classified as carnivores. However, this doesn’t mean they are limited only to a carnivore diet. Dogs can produce taurine, an amino acid found in meat, on their own, which could mean they don’t need a strict carnivore diet.
Benefits of a raw diet for dogs
Supporters of raw dog food say that this diet is more beneficial than processed foods. They site benefits such as healthy skin, healthy and shiny coats, higher energy levels, better dental health, and smaller stools. Fresh and uncooked food can help the body fight off aging, improve cell metabolism, oxygenation and renewal. This diet can also help fight diseases and is easily digested.
A variety of food is always essential when it comes to raw food diet and to ensure your pet is getting a wide range of nutrients. You can achieve a balanced diet by feeding your dog a series of meals. A raw food diet contains all the vitamins and minerals in their natural form, numerous enzymes, and antioxidants. The nutrients play an important role in protecting your pet against many illnesses.
Considerations for raw food diets for dogs
Here are some important points you need to keep in mind when considering raw food diet for dogs:
Go for quality ingredients
Different types and quality of ingredients are used in the preparations of raw food. So, if you’re considering buying commercial raw dog food, you need to look at the ingredient list or contact the manufacturer to learn more about the ingredients.
You can also prepare raw diets for dogs at home. This allows you to control the ingredients you include and also the quality of those ingredients. It’s crucial to ensure you include the right ingredients in the proper amounts.
Ensure balanced nutrients
With raw food diet for dogs, you’re at risk of not achieving a well-balanced meal for your dog’s nutritional needs. Your canine will be at risk of suffering nutrient deficiencies and diseases, especially if you feed him a diet that’s so high in muscle meat and not enough of other animal parts that bring about nutritional balance.
Bacterial contamination
Bacterial contamination is one of the huge concerns when it comes to dog food. Is raw meat good for dogs? Well, there are always some potential risks when you consider raw meat for dogs and even for humans.
Raw meat and raw meat-based products may be contaminated with bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, which cause illnesses. Commercially produced raw meat diets or raw meat obtained from the grocery store are at an increased risk for contamination.
While freezing the meat may help reduce the amount of bacteria present, it does not help kill all of it.
To avoid harmful bacteria from raw meat, it’s important to cook all the food before feeding it to your canine companion. Also, you will need to disinfect your dog’s feeding bowl immediately after feeding to prevent bacteria from growing.
To include bones or not to
Bones in a raw diet for dogs can provide additional nutritional benefits such as calcium and phosphorous. Bones are also good for your dog’s dental health, as they help prevent tartar buildup.
However, not all bones are safe for your pooch. Cooked bones are especially not good for your pet as they can easily break causing injuries to your dog’s mouth and even the digestive tract. Bones can also obstruct the esophagus and constipation if there are a lot of bone fragments in the colon.
Kibble
Kibble has always been the go-to dog food for decades among many dog owners, especially due to its convenience. It requires no preparation and can be easily stored and fed to your dog. The ingredients in kibble or dry food vary by brand, but all the kibble formulas are made to be balanced and to meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
All the ingredients in kibble are processed and cooked together. Kibble is linked to potential benefits such as healthier gums, easier storage, reduced dental plaque, reduced risk of spoilage, and cost-effectiveness.
What to look out for in kibble
It’s important to note that not all kibble brands are equal. Some brands have involved themselves in some sinister activities, so you need to be careful. Some pet foods may be containing euthanized, roadkill, or diseased livestock. Some may even contain dog or cat meat.
When it comes to feeding your dog kibble, read the label and always go for a brand that names all ingredients on the label. Be sure to avoid pet food with common allergens like wheat and corn.
Both raw food diet for dogs and kibble have their pros and cons. Your choice comes down to what you think is the best for both you and your pooch. If you’re considering feeding your dog raw food diet, it’s important to talk to a veterinarian who knows your dog’s health and is familiar with dog nutrition. When it comes to feeding your dog kibble, ensure you’re getting high-quality food that meets all your dog’s nutritional needs.
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