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Raw food diets have become increasingly more popular for dogs. The BARF diet, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods, is especially popular among working dogs like greyhounds and sleigh dogs. The idea behind the BARF diet is that dogs would be healthier living off a diet that is closer to what they ate in the wild. BARF diets can have many great health benefits, however there are also many risks associated. So it is best to speak with your veterinarian before implementing a raw foods diet.
What Is A Raw Foods Diet For Dogs?
A raw foods diet for dogs is made up of ingredients that have not been processed. A raw foods diet is made up mainly meat, including organ meats and bones, as well as raw eggs, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. Some raw foods diets include whole grains. These foods are made at home and fed to your dog. There are several recipes online for raw foods diets, however it is best to work with your veterinarian to determine a raw foods diet plan that is best for you dog.
What Are The Benefits Of A Raw Dog Food Diet?
Raw foods diets for dogs have many benefits. A raw food diet can increase energy and lead to healthier muscle, bones, teeth, skin, and coat. Raw foods diets can be better for a dog’s digestive system so it is a great diet for dogs with digestive problems or allergies. Also raw foods diets have been shown to help dogs with chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes.
What Are Safety Considerations Of A Raw Foods Diet?
Though there are many possible benefits, there are several safety considerations when switching your dog to a raw foods diet. First because all the meats are raw, there is a possibility of food contamination. Meat can be a source of salmonella, E. Coli, and other dangerous pathogens. It is possible for both your dog and you to get very sick from the raw meats used in a raw foods diet.
Secondly, unless the diet is put together by a dog nutritionist, there is a risk of nutritional imbalance. There are several vitamins and minerals, as well as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats your dog needs to stay healthy. A raw foods diet can lack these things and ultimately lead your dog to become malnourished.
Finally, certain dogs will not be able to handle a raw foods diet. Dogs with certain illnesses and digestive issues should not be on a raw foods diet. For example, a raw foods diet will exasperate the symptoms of liver or gallbladder disease. So you want to make sure you consult your veterinarian before implementing a raw foods diet.
Manufactured Raw Dog Foods May Mitigate Risks
A great compromise for a raw foods diet is to consider some of the manufactured raw dog foods. There are several companies making a great variety of raw foods that are safely processed, nutritionally balanced, and easy to find. These raw dog foods can be a great solution if you want to transition your dog to a raw foods diet.
Our Top Three Favorite Raw Dog Foods
Stella & Chewy’s Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Stella & Chewy’s makes a full line of raw dog food. The food is made from raw meat, with organs and bones, along with fruits and vegetables that are unprocessed and freeze-dried. The freeze-drying keeps the food raw while protecting your dog from any food contaminants. Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food is also fortified with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and antioxidants. What’s great about Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food is it can be served as a dried kibble or rehydrated as a wet food.
Primal Frozen Grinds
Primal Frozen Grinds are found in the freezer section of the pet food store. They are tubes of raw meats, including organ meat and bones, that have been ground and fortified with vitamins. Primal Frozen Grinds come in a great variety of flavors including beef, chicken, lamb, pork, sardine, and turkey for your discerning dog. Primal Frozen Grinds are not a primary food, but rather they are a raw foods supplement. They are great product if you want to test how your dog will respond to a raw foods diet.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Dry Dog Food
Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost is a high protein kibble that contains freeze-dried raw food bits. Nature’s Variety Instinct is grain free kibble, made with whole foods that is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. The freeze-dried raw food bits are made from meat, including organ and bone, and are formulated for easy digestion. Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost comes in chicken, beef, lamb, duck, and venison and is formulated for all life stages. Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw is a great choice for dog owners who want to try to transition their dog to a raw foods diet, because their raw food is specifically formulated right into the kibble. Nature’s Variety Raw Boost is a great option for transitioning.
A raw foods, or BARF, diet has many benefits for dogs. However, there are several safety risks to consider when switching your dog to a raw foods diet. Fortunately, if you are really concerned about incorporating raw foods into your dog’s diet safely, there are some great options out there. Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dog Food, Primal Frozen Grinds, and Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost all offer a variety of ways to introduce a raw dog food diet to your pet, without all of the risks. However, with any change of diet, you want to consult your veterinarian first to make sure that you transition your dog safely.
