People are really passionate with regards to the topic of what they feed their dogs, and with good explanation. A very good diet plan can contribute to a long and healthful life and even psychological well-being for our pets. The question is, what’s the very best food to feed domesticated dogs? Though the majority of individuals feed a commercial kibble or canned meals, several owners right now are looking for other options.
A raw food-based diet is one particular approach that has grown in reputation more than the last decade, but together with this expanding recognition has come developing controversy concerning the benefits of feeding a raw diet program.
Certainly one of the greatest challenges in deciding whether or not to feed a raw eating plan could be the overwhelming quantity of conflicting facts, plus the truth that significantly of this information and facts is anecdotal in nature. There are actually a lot of sites and message boards extolling the virtues of a raw diet program and you’ll find other people condemning raw diets as unsafe and unhealthy. When selecting how and what to feed your dog, you will need balanced information that outlines each the excellent and poor in order that an educated option can be made.
The Rewards
Safety. Over the past couple of years, there have been several pet meals recalls. When preparing your dog’s meals at household, you’ve got total handle of what you incorporate in your dog’s meals and exactly where those ingredients are from.
Overall health. Raw diets (particularly home-made diets) enable you to meet your dog’s certain requirements. Raw diets could be prepared to prevent foods that your dog is allergic to and may be made to meet your dog’s distinct nutrient requirements. The high water content material present in raw food may allow you to feed a lot more though nevertheless keeping the calories low for portly pooches.
Processed foods frequently have added preservatives that enhance product shelf life. Meals which has been freshly ready and has not been processed or had preservatives added is normally considered a healthier decision. Industrial raw diets are usually frozen, which indicates they do not demand added preservatives.
The bones which can be a portion in the raw diet are anecdotally deemed to become very good for dental hygiene, which may be good for overall well being.
Other. Feeding a raw diet may well give your dog with an all-natural outlet for her chewing tendencies; this may aid to enhance her all round behaviour.
The Risks
Raw diets can expose dogs to Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinum, and Staphylococcus aureus, all of that are identified human and canine pathogens. These bacteria are shed in dog stools and may be transferred to carpets and furniture because the dog moves about the property, causing yet another concern.
Feeding dogs bones may cause choking, intestinal blockage or perforations, and chipped or broken teeth.
Raw vegetables are generally poorly digested by dogs. Many of the nutrients in raw vegetables are rendered a lot more readily available when they are lightly cooked and then ground.
Raw diets are particularly inconvenient if you travel regularly, no matter whether your dog goes with you or stays behind. Numerous hotels aren’t equipped to cope with raw food storage, not all commercial brands are obtainable everywhere, and a few boarding facilities charge a premium for dogs on raw diets due to the space essential for meals storage.