To Do or Not To Do: Adding raw to your pets diet.
By Carly Patryluk
You’ve likely heard our pets should eat a raw diet, but why?
There are multiple health benefits to feeding raw! We like to say, “any raw is better than no raw”, so don’t feel as though it’s an all or nothing situation. Providing even some fresh food in our pet’s bowls provides health benefits for them!
Why raw?
Raw food is the most biologically appropriate diet we can feed and is the least processed meal option for our pets. Heat used in processed food can change the composition of fatty acids, amino acids and enzymes used to support your dog’s body.
Raw meat in our pet’s bowls can help keep their teeth clean because it has the necessary enzymes to keep them nice and shiny. The enzymes work by combating bacteria in the oral cavity which cause stinky dog breath, plaque and tartar build-up, inflammation of the gums and other serious dental health issues. Feeding raw does not omit the need for regular teeth brushing and dental care, but it will prevent rapid bacteria build up in the mouth.
Minimal ingredients and high bio-availability allow your dog to digest raw meat and use almost all the food’s nutrients efficiently. Without the indigestible fibre content and the excessive carbohydrates of a kibble diet, poop will be firmer, less stinky, smaller quantities and this all benefits the health of their anal glands.
Any raw is better than no raw.
Even if your pet is primarily eating a dry diet, there’s no reason we can’t top with some fresh options, including raw. There’s an old wives’ tale that suggests you can’t serve dry and raw together because they digest at different rates. That’s kind of like saying we can’t eat a hamburger with a bun!
When we replace some of our pet’s ultra-processed dry diet with even just a little bit of raw or fresh food, we’re offsetting the dry diet with a healthier option. That’s never a bad thing.
You can top with a balance of raw or a raw food made specifically to complement an already complete and balanced meal. Whichever way you choose to incorporate raw food into your pet’s diet, they will love it and their gut will thank you.
Raw doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Feeding raw is a bit of a lifestyle change, and just like anything else, you can gradually introduce raw or fresh food into the bowl.
Now you know feeding raw is a safe and healthy alternative and you’ve got some great reasons to start.
Carly Patryluk
House of Paws Pet Boutique | Beyond the Bowl Blog
