Feeding your dog a raw diet
In the wild, dogs like wolves and coyotes obviously do not have the means to cook their food. They happily eat raw meat, and consequently, the canine’s digestive system is perfectly capable of handling the bacteria found in uncooked meats. Today, the diets of domestic dogs revolve around processed commercial foods. Some people speculate that it is more natural and healthier for dogs to revert back to their wild roots and eat a diet of raw food.
When dogs eat raw food, they do not miss any of the nutrients or benefits that are lost through cooking and processing. Because raw food is closer to their natural and wild diet, their digestive system usually functions better with a raw food diet. Your dog will probably have fresher breath due to the better digestion. Additionally, your dog’s coat and skin may benefit from the raw food.
When feeding dogs a raw food diet, be sure to include raw bones. In fact, raw meat still on the bone is probably one of dog’s favorite meals. Be careful not to feed any cooked bones. Cooked bones can easily splinter and cause serious harm to your dog’s health.
Variety is your best bet when planning a raw food diet. Feed a mixture of poultry, beef, pork, and even rabbit. Do not forget to include organs of these animals. The organs are essentially nutritional powerhouses. Most dogs take to kidneys and livers the best. Add yogurt and eggs for variety. Vegetables and carbohydrates can be included in the diet but should not make up a large percentage of it. They do not add nutritional value or benefit your dog’s health.
When feeding a raw diet, be sure to account for the time it will take you to clean up after each feeding. You will need to wash your dog’s food dish after each meal, as you would your own. You should rinse and re-fill the water dish throughout the day. Scrub the water dish with hot water and soap at least once per day.
Talk to your veterinarian about feeding your dog a raw food diet. He or she should be able to guide you through the process of transitioning your dog to raw food and provide further advice specific to your dog’s needs and lifestyle.
