A Beginner's Guide To Raw Diet For Dogs
It’s a long-held belief that “you are what you eat”, so why wouldn’t the same principle apply to our furry friends?
Whether you're considering preparing meals at home yourself or purchasing from a reputable brand, you’re in the right place! A raw diet can offer a variety of health benefits for your dog, from shinier coats to stronger teeth, but it’s important to ensure it's not only balanced and safe, but be aware of the potential risks.
What is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?
The raw food movement for dogs began in the 1980s, led by Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst. His research linked pet health to diet, leading him to create the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet, which mimics the natural diet of wild ancestors and includes raw meat, bones, offal, and fruits and vegetables.
Another popular option is the Raw Meat-Based Diet (RMBD), or the Prey-Model, which focuses solely on animal-based ingredients like raw organs, muscles, and bones, excluding grains, fruits, and vegetables.
What's in a Complete and Balanced Raw Diet?
A complete and balanced raw diet is more than just a slab of steak or a bone. It’s all about providing your dog with the nutrients they need to thrive. A proper raw diet usually consists of:
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Muscle Meat: This is your main ingredient, providing your dog with high-quality protein.
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Organs: Think liver, kidney, or heart. Organs are nutrient powerhouses, packed with essential vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
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Bones: Raw, edible bones (never cooked!) supply calcium and other minerals while keeping those pearly whites in top shape.
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Vegetables & Fruits: Some dog-friendly veggies (like sweet potatoes or leafy greens) and fruits (think berries!) can boost antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins.
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Supplements: Fish oil, kelp, or even eggshells may be added to ensure your dog gets a well-rounded diet.
The Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) method recommends using 70% muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bones, 10% organs (with at least 5% being liver), 10% fruits, vegetables, or dairy (such as kefir, goat's milk, or other suitable dairy sources, but avoid cow's milk products)
Balance is key! Your dog's diet should have the right ratio of meat, bone, and organs to avoid deficiencies or overloading on any one nutrient.
Making your Own Raw Diet for Dogs
If you're thinking about making your own raw dog food, it's a fantastic way to control exactly what goes into your pup’s meals and tailor it to their specific needs. But it’s essential to get the right balance of ingredients to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met.
While making your own raw food gives you control over the ingredients, there are risks involved. Improper handling of raw meat can lead to bacterial contamination (like Salmonella or E. coli), which can be harmful to both your dog and your household. Additionally, ensuring that your dog gets all the necessary nutrients can be tricky, as an imbalance in muscle meat, bones, or organs may lead to nutrient deficiencies over time.
This is why many dog owners choose to use pre-made raw products. These are carefully formulated by experts to meet all of your dog’s nutritional requirements while ensuring that food safety standards are met. Pre-made raw meals are often frozen or freeze-dried to reduce bacteria, providing peace of mind that your dog is getting a balanced and safe diet.
The Benefits of a Raw Food Diet for Dogs
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Shinier Coats and Healthier Skin: A raw diet is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (think fish or flaxseed), which can help give your dog a glossy coat and reduce skin issues like dryness or itching.
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Stronger Teeth and Fresher Breath: Those raw meaty bones do wonders for keeping plaque away and maintaining healthy gums. Say goodbye to bad breath!
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Better Digestion and Smaller Poops: Yep, you read that right! Raw-fed dogs often digest food more efficiently, leading to less waste—so smaller, firmer poops. (Less clean up for you!)
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Increased Energy Levels: Many dog owners report seeing their pups perk up with increased stamina and energy once they make the switch.
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Weight Management: Since raw food is more natural and less processed, it can help maintain a healthy weight, especially for breeds prone to packing on the pounds.
The Risks of a Raw Food Diet for Dogs
As great as raw feeding sounds, there are some risks to consider.
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Bacterial Contamination: Handling raw meat means dealing with bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. It’s important to store food properly, clean surfaces, and wash your hands after prepping your dog's meals.
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Nutritional Imbalance: Without the right combination of muscle meat, bones, and organs, your dog might miss out on key nutrients. Make sure you're feeding a well-balanced diet or consult a vet to double-check your meal plan.
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Bone Safety: While raw bones can be great for dental health, they can also cause choking or damage to teeth if they're too hard or too large. Always supervise your dog when they’re enjoying a bone.
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Parasites: Unfrozen or improperly sourced raw meat can contain parasites. Always buy from trusted suppliers and freeze meat for a few days to reduce risk.
How to Transition Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet
Switching to a raw diet isn’t an overnight process—your dog's tummy needs time to adjust this can take weeks or even months!
- Start Slow: Begin by mixing a small amount of raw food with your dog’s current kibble or cooked diet. Gradually increase the raw portion over a week or two while decreasing the old food.
- Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on your dog’s stool, energy levels, and overall demeanour during the transition. Some dogs may have soft stools or a mild upset tummy at first, but that should clear up as their digestive system adjusts.
- Variety Is Key: Once your dog is fully on raw food, introduce a variety of proteins over time (think chicken, turkey, beef, and fish) to ensure they’re getting a wide range of nutrients.
Is a Raw Diet Right for Your Dog?
A raw diet can be great for many dogs, but it’s not ideal for every pet. Here’s what to consider:
Best Suited For:
- Healthy, Active Dogs: These dogs often thrive on a raw diet, benefiting from high-quality protein and natural ingredients.
- Dogs with Allergies: Raw feeding helps eliminate common allergens like grains or fillers.
- Weight Management: Raw diets can support healthy weight maintenance.
When to Be Cautious:
- Puppies and Seniors: Growing pups and older dogs have specific needs and may require more carefully balanced diets, they also may have trouble digesting the high fibre and protein.
- Health Issues: Dogs with kidney disease, pancreatitis, or weakened immune systems might not handle raw food well.
Should I feed Half Kibble and Half Raw?
Mixing kibble and raw food can offer the best of both worlds for your dog, providing variety and balanced nutrition. By combining the two, you give your dog the excitement of a diverse diet while supplementing kibble with the fresh, nutrient-packed benefits of raw ingredients. It can also be a more cost-effective option, allowing you to enjoy the perks of raw feeding without fully committing to the higher cost of a 100% raw diet.
To ensure you're meeting your dog's nutritional needs, choose reputable brands that offer high-quality, balanced kibble and raw options. Some owners prefer to feed kibble and raw at separate meals to help with digestion, giving your dog the advantages of both without the risk of upset stomachs.
