Our pets deserve the very best, which is why many dog owners are searching for the optimum diet they can feed their dogs. Many people choose to feed their dogs kibble or biscuits because of convenience and cost, however, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that a raw food diet is the best choice for your furry friend. Some dog owners are intimidated by raw dog food, thinking it will be messy and expensive. However, there are many practical options on the market such as raw beef mince for dogs or natural raw treats for dogs. If you’re looking for reasons to start your dog on a raw food diet, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve put together this helpful blog to help you learn how and why raw dog food is such a great option. Keep reading to discover more.
The benefits of raw dog food
Easier to digest
Dogs find raw food easier to digest because it is naturally what their bodies are built to consume. Dog’s ancestors, the Canids, would have eaten a completely raw diet. As they evolved into the animals we know today, they would have been domesticated and fed scraps from the farms that used them for hunting and tracking. Dogs are able to absorb nutrients better from raw whole foods, so they need a diet that is rich in quality protein but low in carbohydrates and sugar. A lot of kibble and canned food contains fillers, additives or preservatives which are hard for your dog to digest.
Lower odour
When dogs consume these artificial foods high in carbohydrates, sugars, fillers and preservatives, it can lead to some not-so-pleasant smells. This is because your dog’s skin and coat produce odour-filled oils that can lead to some smelly dogs. You’ll also find that your dog’s digestive system and gut health will be better supported on a raw diet, so they will be less gassy.
Healthier skin and coat
A dog’s skin and coat are a direct reflection of how good their diet is. If they are getting a poor diet you will notice their coat isn’t shiny and their skin may have issues. The nutrients in raw food are easier for dogs to absorb because the enzymes needed to break the food down are already in the food. Once the food is cooked, the enzymes are gone and they can’t absorb the nutrients in the food as easily.
Less poop
Once a dog switches to a raw food diet, they will poop a lot less. This is because they are using all of the food they are eating and less is going to waste. When a dog eats food filled with fillers, carbohydrates and sugars they are eating a lot of ingredients that they can't digest and aren’t good for them. A raw food diet is filled with meat, organ and bone which are all ingredients dogs are meant to digest. These ingredients will be used for fuel so they will not poop as much.
Less allergies
Dogs experience a lot of allergies that pet owners don’t always notice or pick up on. That doesn’t make you a bad pet owner, more so that the dog food that is sold to you is full of things that aren’t good for dogs. Some allergies can be environmental factors but a lot of allergies come from food intolerances that stack up on top of each other and eventually cause major stress on the immune system due to poor gut health. The ingredients in commercial dog food can lead to allergic reactions such as rashes, itchy paws, ear infections and joint issues. If you notice your pet experiences this, you may find swapping to a raw food diet can reduce and eliminate the symptoms.
Healthier teeth and gums
Sugar is what leads to bacteria growth in your dog’s mouth. Commercial dog foods contain more sugar than raw food which can lead to a number of dental issues. That’s why you should opt for natural raw treats for dogs to avoid plaque, tartar and bad breath. Raw food won’t stick to your dog’s teeth to help keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
Stronger joints and bones
Raw dog food contains bones that are great for your dog’s health. Crushed bone is a great source of calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, chondroitin, marrow and collagen. These nutrients are great for helping your dog’s joints and bones where commercial food is useless. A diet high in fats and sodium will cause inflammation which can lead to diseases such as arthritis. Joint supplements, such as bone broth, also contain probiotics, which will help balance your dog's gut.
More energy
When your dog eats commercial dog food, their bodies will spend more time breaking down excess ingredients that aren’t good for them. This will make your dog tired before they have even done any exercise at all. Rather than being tired and groggy, on a raw food diet, your dog will have bounds of energy because they are eating food that supports their body rather than fights against it.
Better weight management
There are many dogs that are overweight simply because they are eating the wrong types of food. Many dogs should be naturally lean, but because they are fed on an artificial diet made up of carbohydrates and sugars, it is harder for their pet to burn off. Switching to a raw food diet will ensure your dog consumes biologically appropriate ingredients and non-glycemic green vegetables.
Better hydration
If your dog is fed kibble or biscuit foods, they are not getting enough water through their diet. They will need to drink lots of water besides their food. However, on a raw food diet, it is much easier to get enough hydration through their food because raw food has a higher moisture content.
Greater enrichment
Being fed the same meal every day for your whole life would be quite boring, don’t you think? So why not give your dog a bit more variety in their diet? They are able to get such a broad range of nutrients from raw food, but it is also more stimulating for them to eat. If you choose to get natural raw treats for dogs such as duck necks or pig ears, they will gain a lot more from being able to smell and crunch through different textures and tastes - giving them a much more enriched mealtime.
How to incorporate raw food into your dog’s diet
Raw food can be incorporated into your diet easily through minces or raw dog treats. There are many companies that are able to help you introduce raw food into your dog’s diet. Don’t worry, you don’t have to take trips to the butchers and buy 10kg of pig hearts, raw dog food providers will provide you with the right raw food for your dog and help you discover how you can switch your dog to a healthier diet.
How much raw food should you feed your dog?
Each dog is different and comes in various sizes so will require different portions of food. It can be hard to determine how much raw food to feed your dog, especially because raw food has such different nutritional values compared to what you may already be feeding your dog. Take a look at our Mersey Raw dog food calculator to work out how much food you should feed your dog. You should weigh your dog regularly to determine if you are feeding your dog the right amount of food.
Mersey Raw - Raw Mince for Dogs and Raw Treats for Dogs
At Mersey Raw, we have a great range of raw food for dogs that makes it easy to switch your dog to a raw food diet. We offer raw beef mince for dogs in easy-to-feed packs so you can simply order online and receive your raw dog food when it’s convenient for you. Your dog will love our great range of delicious treats for your dogs including beef trachea, lamb bones, pig hearts and beef ribs that will taste good and offer your dog great nutrition. For more information, visit our website.