Common benefits of feeding a raw diet include:
• cleaner teeth
• a shinier & softer coat
• less shedding
• less doggy odor
• less gas
• more defined muscles
• decreased weight maintenance
• a shinier & softer coat
• less shedding
• less doggy odor
• less gas
• more defined muscles
• decreased weight maintenance
Additional health benefits can include:
• A stronger immune system (based on less illness & parasites)
• Less aches and pains (based on limping less & being more active)
• Overall better health (based on fewer and cheaper vet visits)
• Since a raw diet is high in moisture, you’ll also find your pet will be more hydrated and require less water.
• Your dog’s poop piles will be smaller and they will crumble and decompose quickly -- no more cow piles!
Frequently Asked Qs:
Why feed Raw?
“The domestic dog is an extremely close relative of the gray wolf, differing from it by at most 0.2% of mtDNA sequence…” Robert K. Wayne Ph.D. This means dogs have the same physiological and nutritional needs as wolves.
Why Not Kibble?
This highly cooked and processed food has only been around for about 100 years. For thousands of years before that pets ate scraps and hunted small critters. Evolution takes much longer, so your dog’s nutritional needs haven’t changed much since being domesticated.
Is a Raw Diet Balanced and Healthy for my Dog?
Both humans and dogs benefit from fresh unprocessed foods. Dogs and cats require about 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ, just like their wild cousins consume naturally. They do not require perfection in every meal, but rather balance over time.
Should I Worry About Bacteria?
Dogs are equipped to handle bacteria. Their saliva has antibacterial properties, their digestive tracts are short to push food through quickly and they have a highly acidic gut. Wash your hands and surfaces as with any raw meat.
Are Bones Safe?
Bones are safe and necessary as long as they are not cooked or smoked, Large meatless bones can cause cracked teeth.
Will Raw Food Make My Dog Blood Thirsty?
Feed a dog meat isn’t going to change it’s personality or prey drive.
Is Cooked Food Better?
No, cooked foods destroy many valuable nutrients which may lead to nutritional deficiencies. And, cooked bones are very dangerous since they will splinter.
What About Parasites?
Normally very unlikely, but wild game should be frozen for about a month.
But My Vet…
Not all vets are created equal. An average vet has a very limited education on nutrition. Many raw feeders have found that Holistic Vets fit their needs much better and often have more effective solutions for their pet’s needs. We highly recommend, as do many MN raw feeders, Dr. Jessica Levy, Holistic Veterinary Care, Ham Lake, MN www.holistic-vet-care.com
Don’t take our word for it...
As we always say, do not blindly follow anyone. Do your own research and make your own informed decisions. We are happy to support you along the way. Our goal is to educate pet owners because we want all pets to benefit the same as we have seen hundreds of others.