Reasons For and Against a Raw Food Diet for Dogs

Many people are feeding their dogs a raw food diet. It is becoming increasingly popular. This consists of raw meat and bones, organs and raw fruits and vegetables. (Not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs. Be sure to do your research.) While there are many purported health benefits to feeding a raw food diet, there are disadvantages too.

Benefits of a Raw Food Diet

1. You know what you’re feeding your dog. You make it yourself and can source it however you like.
2. It’s easy to customize. Another benefit of homemade food is small adjustments are no problem. Preparing your athlete for a sporting event or bulking up for the winter are easy changes with this diet.
3. There can be physical and mental benefits…

• Enhanced Joint and Bone Health – There is no better way to support healthy bones than with all the body building sources like calcium, phosphorus, chondroitin, glucosamine, collagen and marrow.
• Softer, Shinier Coat & Better Skin Condition – Raw diets can be rich in omega-3 fatty acids most notably from salmon, chia seeds and flax seeds.
• Reduced Stool Volume – With highly digestible food comes less waste. The food is absorbed and used with better efficiency so there is less coming out the other end.
• Mental Benefits – There have been reported cases of shy dogs becoming more social, aggressive dogs more personable, and grumpy dogs more playful. People’s guts are tied to our emotions, why not our dogs?

Disadvantages of Raw Food

1. It’s expensive. Raw meats twice a day, not to mention organic, grass fed, free-range, ethically raised raw meats, can get expensive fast.
2. Preparing the food is time consuming. Don’t forget to include disinfecting of the space and research to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrition from his raw food diet and it almost becomes a full time job.
3. It takes up a lot of freezer space. You will need more room than just your refrigerator’s freezer. For many apartment dwellers adding a chest freezer is just simply not an option.

There are benefits to a raw food diet such as health benefits and of course knowing exactly what you’re feeding your pet. However, the cost may not be worth it for your situation in the end. Perhaps another flyball class is a better choice for you and you’ll keep feeding Fido the kibble. Every pet parent must make their own decisions based on what’s best for their dog and themselves. It’s just good to know there are options available.