The debate over feeding your dog a raw diet is ongoing. However, historically, dogs survived on a raw diet, proving it’s both safe and natural for our furry friends to consume.
Fast forward to the modern day, and dry commercial dog food is considered the most popular option - but why? If you’ve been considering a raw diet, read on to learn whether a raw food diet is good for dogs.
What’s Raw Dog Food?
Raw dog food, also known as the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), typically consists of meat, organs, and bones - often derived from poultry, beef, pork, and lamb.
Occasionally, some raw foods contain other dog-safe ingredients and supplements, including fruits, vegetables, and fish oil. Raw dog food can either be bought or prepared at home. For convenience, it’s best to purchase raw feed from a reputable raw dog food supplier.
Why Would a Dog Be on a Raw Diet?
Why wouldn’t a dog be on a raw diet? Dogs have evolved eating raw meat, and it's completely in their nature to consume a raw diet! Unlike humans, a dog's pH level is much higher, ranging between 6.5 and 7.5. This means their stomachs are more acidic than ours, allowing them to safely digest and tolerate raw meat.
Benefits of Raw Dog Food
There are several key benefits of feeding dogs a raw diet:
- Improved dental hygiene
- Better digestion
- Shiner coat
- Healthier weight
- Controlled energy
- Firmer stool
- Less odour
- Enhanced immune system
- Less chance of reactions
Although some argue there are pros and cons of a raw food diet, we can’t argue with the fact that dogs have survived for centuries eating raw protein. Dogs only began eating cooked meat to evolve alongside us humans - but ultimately, it’s natural for them to eat a raw diet!
5 Raw Dog Food Myths
Many pet owners remain apprehensive about feeding their dogs a raw diet. Often, this is due to misleading information and myths about raw dog food. Choosing the right diet for your dog can be difficult, especially when you care about their well-being. Luckily, we can debunk some common myths to help you feel at ease.
1 - Raw Dog Food is Expensive
Dog food, whether it’s raw or not, varies in price depending on the brand. In our opinion, paying for a raw diet is worth it, especially knowing your pooch won’t be missing out on key nutritional benefits. That’s also not to mention the potential vet bills coming your way from issues caused by feeding cooked meat and dry kibble.
Cooking meat alters its chemical structure, and cancer-causing compounds known as Acrylamides are often found in dry dog food - a popular choice for pets in the UK. Why not play it safe and feed a species-appropriate diet? There are plenty of affordable raw meals to consider, such as ours - which start at as little as £2.75.
2 - Raw Dog Food isn’t Suitable for Senior Dogs
If you have a senior dog, rest assured that you can switch them to a raw diet. Adjusting your dog to a new diet may take a little longer, but we’re sure they’ll be thankful. With its many benefits, a raw diet could potentially help aid the many health problems that older dogs face.
3 - Raw Dog Food Has Too Much Bacteria
Raw meat for dogs contains no more bacteria than the meat we prepare in our kitchen for dinner. Wash your hands, disinfect your surfaces, and ensure your dog's raw meals are stored and prepared correctly as instructed. Remember, your dog's stomach can safely digest raw protein. If issues do happen to occur, we suggest reaching out to your raw food provider or local vet.
4 - Raw Dog Food Makes Dogs Aggressive
Feeding a raw diet will not make your dog aggressive. If anything, feeding your dog a balanced diet will change their behaviour for the better. You might even find that by feeding your dog raw protein, they become happier and more energetic, wanting to happily interact with more humans and dogs.
5 - Raw Bones Are Dangerous
Raw bones are safe for dogs to eat, unlike cooked bones, which can splinter. Giving your pooch a raw bone won’t only help break down plaque and improve overall dental hygiene, but it’ll provide a natural exercise to strengthen your dog's jaw and keep them mentally stimulated. At Mersey Raw, we provide individual meaty bones as the perfect snack - all of which undergo strict quality control measures.
How Much Raw Food Should You Feed Your Dog?
Knowing how much raw protein to feed your dog is based on two main factors - age and weight. Each dog is different, and it’s important to feed the recommended amount. Use our handy raw feeding calculator to find out how much raw food your dog should be consuming.
Key Takeaways
- Raw food is natural and beneficial for dogs
- Dogs can safely digest raw protein
- How much raw food to feed your dog depends on age and weight
Premium Raw Dog Food for Your Furry Friend
Are you looking for premium raw dog food? At Mersey Raw, we pride ourselves on our high-quality raw mince meals for dogs. Each meal is made in-house and packed with all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive. Our aim is simple - feed as many dogs the best species-appropriate diet. We deliver 7 days a week, having helped many dogs return to their most natural diet.
If you have any questions about feeding a raw diet, don’t hesitate to contact us here. We look forward to speaking with you!