Is A Raw Food Diet a Good Idea for Your Dog?
As more families are trying to adopt healthier lifestyles and eat better, many are now trying to do the same for their pets. The past few years has seen an increase in health conditions in our furry, four legged family members. This has resulted in some pet owners starting to look for alternative ways to feed and care for their dogs. One of these alternatives is a raw dog food diet.
How Much Raw Food Should Your Dog Eat?
The average amount of raw food you should feed your pet is around 2% of their body weight. Larger dogs generally eat less and smaller dogs generally eat more. However, this is just a basic guideline. You should keep an eye on your dog’s waistline to see if you are feeding them too much or not enough. If you cannot easily feel your dog’s ribs, you may be feeding them too much.
Obesity in animals causes the same problems as it does in humans like:
- Cancer
- Bone disease
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Bone disease
- Heart problems
Maintaining your dog’s weight is one of the best things you can do to keep them healthy. You can also supplement your dog’s diet with things like coconut oil and probiotics. Learn more at PawCastle.
How Many Times a Day Should Your Dog Eat Raw Food?
It is best to gradually transition your pet from their regular diet to a raw food diet. You can start by switching one meal a day with a raw food meal. If your dog only eats one meal a day, incorporate some raw food with their regular meal until they become accustomed to the change.
Wild dogs and wolves have the same digestive system as your dog. This means that dogs can eat a lot of food at one time and then fast for an extended period of time. It has been documented that wild dogs have eaten up to 20 pounds of food in one sitting. However, always use common sense when feeding your dog, monitor their food intake and do what is best for your pet.
Raw Food Diet and Puppies
The nutrition that a puppy receives in the first weeks and months of his life will directly impact his health as he gets older. Bone disorders in dogs often begin when they are puppies.
When you feed your puppy a raw bone, you are helping their health in several ways. For one, you will help prevent joint and bone disorders. A raw food dog diet has nutritional balance, and the levels of fat, protein and calcium is suitable for their muscles and bones.
Kibble often contains a lot of fat, synthetic calcium and protein. Thus, puppies can experience uneven growth and the synthetic calcium can prevent their bodies from absorbing critical nutrients.
What About Bacteria?
Unless your dog’s immune system is greatly compromised, any bacteria that is in the raw food diet should not pose a problem for them. Dogs have stomachs that have a very low pH, and this creates an environment that is not welcoming to bacteria like salmonella and E. coli.
Always handle your pet’s food in the same manner as you handle the food you eat. Wash your hands before preparing the food and immediately clean any surfaces that come into contact with the raw food. Raw food should never be left out for more than two hours before being refrigerated or discarded.
Also, know that your dog may experience detox symptoms like lethargy or ‘doggy smell’ when switching to a raw food diet. This is normal, and the benefits your dog experiences will outweigh the initial discomfort.