The Debate About Whether To Feed Your Pet Raw Dog Food Continues

Some dog owners believe the best diet for their pet is the processed food that contains the nutrients for a healthy diet. Those who believe dogs should be fed raw dog food claim it is their natural diet, therefore it must be best for them. When all is said and done, we must decide what we feel is best for our furry companions.

Processed food has meat and vegetable products, and is designed to provide nutrients determined correct for the age and breed of dog. It has gotten a lot of bad press recently, because contaminated products have been recalled. For those who have watched their beloved pets dig up and eat moldy bones covered in dirt, the possibility of harmful processed tidbits seems unlikely. But it can happen. Reports of renal failure alerted officials to investigate. The problem was wet product that included wheat gluten tainted with melamine, a chemical similar in structure to cyanide.

In an effort to protect pets, some pro raw people have decided to choose a more natural diet and opt to avoid processed ingredients altogether. They believe that dogs should have the same diet as their distant relatives, wolves. Wolves prefer to consume hoofed animals, but have been documented eating almost anything except toads, so they have a diverse diet.

Some people who prefer serving processed claim that raw can carry deadly pathogens and that the handling and feeding of it can be dangerous. Some research reveals that the raw products sold in pet stores is actually safer than the raw meat in grocery stores.

The regulations governing raw meat differs between what is to be eaten raw and those products purchased raw, but sold with the intent that it be cooked. These regulations also pertain to feed for dogs. Human meat, while fit for our consumption, is not fit for the raw diets for dogs.

If you choose to change your pets diet, first determine the type of raw food you want to provide. Once again, the vote is split. Some prefer whole prey diets, where the entire carcass is eaten. Others prefer raw meat, vegetables and supplements.

When changing the diet of your dog, it is important to do it slowly. The digestive system must have time to get used to the change. Switching foods too quickly can cause diarrhea and stomach problems. Some dogs take longer to adjust than others but some can eat any type of diet without repercussions. Many dog fanciers have found that their pets become bored with the same food every day, so variety in their diet is preferable.

Of course, the decision to feed processed or raw dog food is in the hands of the pet owner. That is who bears the responsibility for a healthy, happy pet. Your dog will love you no matter what your decision is. They will never stop believing that you are the best person in the whole world and that whatever you feed them is perfect.