Is Raw Food Good for Dogs?: The Benefits
The controversial topic of raw feeding isn't quite as prominent as it once was, and more owners are seeing the true benefits this type of diet offers to dogs. However, with many dog owners reconsidering how to feed their pet, a common question continues to loom - is raw food good for dogs?
If you’ve recently considered a raw food diet for dogs and want to learn more about whether it's a good option, continue reading.
What is Raw Dog Food?
Raw dog food, also known as the ‘BARF’ diet, standing for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, is a type of diet consisting of raw meat, offal, and bone.
Typically, meat is derived from poultry, beef, pork, lamb, and fish. Most raw food for dogs is purchased from reputable suppliers, but it can be homemade if you’re knowledgeable about canine nutrition. For overall convenience and safety, raw food for dogs is best purchased already made.
Raw vs Dry Dog Food
At Mersey Raw, we’re not shy of the raw vs dry dog food debate - it’s part of our job to make sure potential customers are aware of the key differences before encouraging them to choose raw. In conclusion, a raw food diet for dogs is the more suitable and species-appropriate option compared to a dry food diet, offering everything your dog needs to lead a healthy life. Most adult dogs are generally fed between 2% and 3% of their body weight in raw food per day, depending on their age and weight. Every dog is different, and it’s important to feed to correct amount to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients and calories they require for their individual needs. To find out how much raw food your dog should be eating, use our raw feeding calculator tool. There are several key benefits of feeding dogs raw food: Feeding a raw diet benefits all dogs, regardless of their size. According to a UK Pet Food study, roughly 50% of dogs are overweight. We believe that sticking to a minimally processed, all-natural diet consisting of fresh and healthy ingredients can have a great impact on your dog's health, including their weight. Choosing raw allows the body to function how it should, storing less fat and building lean muscle. Dogs have survived on raw meat for centuries - it's what's most natural to them and their species. The natural enzymes, moisture, and high-quality protein remain intact when feeding raw, as they don't undergo the harsh cooking process. With such natural and fresh ingredients, your dog's overall gut health benefits most, allowing for easy, steady digestion. Raw dog food contains fewer carbohydrates and sugars than kibble, which are both known to cause dental problems and bad breath. With less to stick to their teeth, dogs fed raw meat are potentially less likely to develop plaque, tartar buildup, or general tooth issues. For improved dental health, a raw diet should be considered. Feeding a raw food diet to dogs means firmer, less smelly stools. You heard right...raw food is both high in protein and rich in fibre, helping the microbiome bacteria in your dog's stomach to form firmer stool. Compared to dry kibble, raw dog food is packed with gut-friendly ingredients, leaving you with poos that are much easier (and less messy) to pick up! A raw meat diet for dogs has the potential to prevent allergies and intolerances, helping improve a range of issues from itchy skin to ear infections. This is down to the fresh and unprocessed ingredients found in raw food, which are free from nasty fillers, carbohydrates, and additives. Feeding a raw diet generally poses minimal risks. However, it remains essential to follow key safety precautions, just as you would with any other diet type. Raw meat contains various bacteria, and although safe for our dogs to consume, it's important to prevent cross-contamination through proper handling. Luckily, most pre-made raw meals for dogs are securely packaged and sized to suit your dog, meaning there's little chance of having to handle the meat itself, as it's ready to feed. Both gradual and instant transitions to raw feeding are safe. However, it’s common for some dogs to throw up during these initial transition stages. While this doesn’t happen to every dog, throwing up during transition is normal - the potential stomach upset occurs as their digestive system adjusts to the new diet. Many owners decide to create homemade raw diets. In our opinion, this could lead to nutritional imbalances and poorly formulated meals, which could potentially lead to several health issues. Unless you’re extremely knowledgeable about canine nutrition, the safest option for your dog is to buy raw meals from reputable suppliers - such as ourselves! Switching your dog to a raw food diet has the potential to cause shock to their digestive system, which may cause stomach upset in the initial few days - but don’t worry, this is completely normal. We totally understand the worry you may have about switching your dog's diet, but rest assured, you’re making the right choice. At Mersey Raw, we recommend following a safe and simple three-week transition routine to get started. Once your dog has successfully completed their gradual transition, they've officially made the switch to raw! Yes, raw bones are considered safe for dogs when fed correctly, and cooked bones should be avoided completely. Raw bones - Safe Cooked bones - Not safe It’s important to understand the risk factors that come with feeding cooked bones, which can splinter and cause serious injury. Ultimately, raw bones should only be fed to dogs. Yes, raw food is good for dogs. It offers many potential benefits, providing a highly nutritious and healthy option to improve digestion, dental hygiene, allergies, and overall well-being. At Mersey Raw, we often get asked the same questions… 'Is raw food good for dogs?' 'Is raw food better for dogs?' And we proudly answer them every time was a massive YES! Our aim is simple - to educate customers about the potential benefits raw diets can offer, while providing high-quality raw food to support our statement. We have a varied selection of raw minces to choose from, with protein options to suit all preferences. Additionally, we offer a super-convenient subscription service that allows you to sit back while we provide your pooch with the best-suited meals tailored to their needs. If you have any questions about feeding a raw diet, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Raw
Dry
Unprocessed
Processed
Nutrients aren’t lost as there’s no processing
Nutrients are lost during processing
Easy to digest
Hard to digest
Appetising
Less appetising
Free from fillers and additives
Contains fillers and additives
Offers more potential health benefits
Offers fewer potential health benefits
Frozen storage
Cupboard storage
How Much Raw Food Should You Feed Your Dog?
Benefits of Raw Dog Food
Weight
Digestion
Teeth
Stool
Allergies
Risks of Raw Dog Food
Handling
Transition
Nutritional Imbalance
Switching Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet
Are Raw Bones Safe for Dogs?
So, is Raw Food Good for Dogs?
