A few years ago, I was in Las Vegas traveling in a taxi and my driver started discussing his raw food diet. I’m not sure how we got on this discussion as we made our way to the trade show I was attending. I honestly never heard of a raw food diet. He was extremely educated on it and discussed how his dog was on the same diet. Of course, the man didn’t eat the raw meat but he ate raw fruits and vegetables only. A raw dog food diet normally consists of raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables.
I’ll admit, I was intrigued. I have done research on the diet, which has many mixed opinions. I was surprised to find many different benefits of the diet, raw dog food Canada, and a variety of brands in the United States. Since our pets are a part of our family, it’s only natural that we want them to be on a healthy diet.
Here are a few of the benefits of feeding your dog a raw dog food diet.
Shinier Coats and Healthier Skin. The high fat composition of typical raw diets can help produce a shinier coat and healthier skin. The raw food diet consisting of meat and fresh fat is much easier for them to digest, leading to a gorgeous coat.
Cleaner Teeth. Gum disease can be a big issue for dogs, which can lead to other health problems. Instead of giving your dog supplements or treats for cleaner teeth, a change in their diet can make a huge impact and even give them fresher breath.
Higher Energy Levels. What your dog consumes has a big impact on their energy level and behavior. Foods high in easily digested carbohydrates can create high blood sugar. Think about when we have a large intake of sugar. Our energy level spikes for a short time and then we’re sluggish. The same goes for your dog. A food high in grains and lots of carbs can make them have a lot of energy for a short time.
Smaller Stools. A raw dog food diet can help with digestive problems and, oftentimes, dogs can tolerate a raw diet better. Normally the diet can help with liquid stools as well and make that poo pile firmer and much easier to clean up. And, it usually eliminates that stinky gas.
No More Allergies. Wheat and corn are the top food allergens for dogs, which are often found in commercial dog food brands. Oftentimes, a raw diet can help eliminate or minimize food allergies. What we consume can lead to so many allergies for both humans and dogs. It’s incredible how much food can impact our health and wellness.
Not sure what to feed your dog for a raw diet? A raw diet gives your dog natural, real ingredients. You can even find it in a variety of ways such as store-bought, freeze-dried, dehydrated, or homemade. Select a variety of foods such as beef, chicken, lamb, peas, and fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs. Here are some suggestions:
- Bones–whole or ground
- The meat organs such as livers and kidneys
- Muscle meat, which can still be on the bone
- Dairy products like yogurt and cheese
- Broccoli, spinach, and celery
- Apple and other fruit
Always be careful when offering bones to your dog. Not only can your pooch choke but they can also break a tooth or even cause an internal injury.
My only concern with the man’s diet for his dog was that he did not feed him any meat. If you think way back before dogs were domesticated, they ate raw, meaty bones, and vegetable scraps. Meat is an extremely important part of a dog’s diet. However, as long as your dog is happy and healthy, I am all for everyone doing what’s right for them.
As you can see there’s a lot of great benefits of a raw food diet for your dog. You’ll find a variety of raw dog food Canada and United States brands. Or, try making your own which can be more cost effective but much more time consuming. Do your research and find what works best for you and your dog. A visit to your veterinarian is always a great idea when changing their diet but should be done slowly over time.