Unleashing the Benefits and Myths of Raw Feeding for Dogs: A Natural Path to Canine Wellness

Introduction:

Raw feeding for dogs has grown in popularity recently and for good reason. As pet owners become more conscious of what goes into their furry friends' bodies, they're turning to natural, ancestral diets as a means to promote optimal health and vitality. 

Raw feeding, which involves providing dogs with uncooked meats, offal, bones, fruits, and vegetables, offers benefits that align with their biological needs. But there are plenty of people, including vets ready to tell you that it is not a good diet and will cause behavioural problems and harm to you and your dog.

This natural, healthy diet, is unprocessed and contains no additives, which can help your dog become strong and healthy.

Who is right?

Let's explore why raw feeding has become a popular choice for many pet parents seeking to enhance their canine companions' well-being.

The benefits of raw feeding are plenty! Dogs have been described as omnivores. This is not strictly true. They can eat both meat and plant-origin foods, they thrive better on a meat diet, therefore a facultative carnivore is a more accurate description.

Improved Digestive Health:

• One of the primary advantages of raw feeding is its positive impact on canine digestion and more specifically their gut microbiome. Raw diets are rich in natural enzymes and nutrients that support the digestive process, making it easier for dogs to absorb essential nutrients. Unlike processed commercial foods, which may contain fillers, artificial additives, and grains that can be difficult for dogs to digest, raw foods are closer to what their ancestors consumed in the wild, leading to better gastrointestinal health and fewer digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. This has been a subject of contention as the dogs have evolved from their ancestors the wolf, however, their gut, teeth, lack of amylase (an enzyme that breaks down carbs) in their saliva and the length of their gut and low PH of the gut, suggests that a meat diet is appropriate. Studies show that raw-fed dogs have better gut health than those fed on a diet of dry food. 

Enhanced Dental Health:

• Feeding raw bones is a natural way to promote dental hygiene in dogs. Gnawing on raw bones helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing dental issues such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. Additionally, the act of chewing on bones provides mental stimulation and promotes healthy jaw strength. Raw feeding advocates often report that their dogs have cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and overall better oral health compared to those fed commercial diets. 

• Raw meaty bones give your dog the essential nutrients that they need to stay healthy.

 Vets may tell you that bones can cause issues with teeth can perforate the gut wall and cause health issues. 

The size of the bone given to the dog is important. Avoid weight-bearing bones, never give cooked bones. Ribs, chicken carcasses and wings can be good choices which are less likely to break the dog's teeth. Always supervise your dog when they have a raw bone.

Shinier Coat and Healthier Skin:

• One thing that I noticed straight away when I switched my dogs to raw food was that their coats became softer and much more shiny. 

• The saying "you are what you eat" holds for dogs as well. A balanced raw diet that includes quality proteins, essential fatty acids, and vitamins promotes healthy skin and a lustrous coat. Omega-3 fatty acids found in raw fish, for example, help reduce inflammation and itching associated with skin allergies and conditions like atopic dermatitis. 

• By nourishing the skin from within, raw feeding can help alleviate common skin problems and leave dogs with soft, shiny fur that's a joy to touch.

Increased Energy and Vitality:

• There was a noticeable increase in my dogs' energy levels and overall vitality when I switched to raw. Providing dogs with a diet rich in bioavailable nutrients and proteins supports muscle development, endurance, and cognitive function. Many pet owners report that their dogs become more alert, playful, and eager to engage in physical activity after transitioning to a raw diet. This surge in energy can lead to a happier, more vibrant canine companion who is better equipped to enjoy an active lifestyle.

 This does not mean that your dogs are going to become hyperactive when fed raw meat. When you eat a poor diet you can feel sluggish. But when you switch to a good diet, you feel better and able to tackle the day head-on. It's the same for your dogs. 

Potential Weight Management Benefits:

• Obesity is a common concern among dogs, leading to various health issues such as joint pain, diabetes, and heart problems. Raw feeding allows pet owners to have greater control over their dogs' calorie intake and nutrient composition, making it easier to manage their weight effectively. By feeding species-appropriate portions and avoiding unnecessary fillers and additives, raw feeding can help dogs maintain healthy body weight and lean muscle mass, reducing the risk of obesity-related ailments.

Commercial dog food can contain hidden sugars which affect their teeth and their weight.

An Improvement in Your Dogs Behaviour.

A high protein diet has been linked to causing behavioural problems, so why would feeding raw meat help their behaviour?

Dopamine and serotonin are released from the gut to the brain. These affect the dog's behaviour. Dopamine is connected to motivation. When training dopamine is released and learning occurs. Serotonin is a mood stabiliser and helps relieve anxiety and depression. If the gut microbiome is compromised the release of these neurotransmitters may be affected, which will have a direct impact on behaviour.

Feeding a raw diet improves your dog's gut microbiome and therefore can help your dog's behaviour. A high-protein dry food does not digest in the same way, so the gut microbiome will not be as good and hinder the release of neurotransmitters.

A two-year study in 2010 found that raw food contained more disease-causing bacteria and identified a potential health risk for the pets eating the raw food and for the owners handling the product.” Owners who feed their pets a raw diet may have a higher risk of getting infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

Test on raw meat will find the same tests. When handling raw meat you should follow strict hygiene routines to reduce the risk of contracting bacteria from handling raw meat.

• Wash your hands with soap and water  after handling raw meat, or after touching surfaces or objects that have come in contact with the raw food. Potentially contaminated surfaces include countertops and refrigerators, kitchen utensils, feeding bowls, and cutting boards.

•  Disinfect all surfaces and objects that come in contact with raw meat. 

• Freeze the raw meat for at least two weeks to kill pathogens. 

• Keep in a sealed container away from other food. 

• Don’t kiss, or allow your dog to lick you after eating 

• Wash your hands if your dog licks you

If you follow these simple hygiene examples there should be no reason why feeding a raw meat diet cannot be safe for you or your pet. 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, raw feeding offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance the health and well-being of dogs. From improved behaviour,  digestion, gut microbiome and dental health to a shinier coat, increased energy, and potential weight management benefits, the advantages of feeding dogs a raw diet are undeniable. However, pet owners need to do their research, consult with veterinarians, and ensure that their dogs' nutritional needs are met through a balanced and properly formulated raw diet. By embracing the principles of raw feeding, pet parents can provide their canine companions with a natural, wholesome diet that supports optimal health and longevity.