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.

Some owners feel that the only way they can protect the health of their pets is to switch to a raw diet, like their distant ancestors, wolves. Studies have been done on the wolf diet and the research shows that almost the only thing they will refuse is a toad. Their favorites are hoofed animals, but they also eat fish, fowl, wild fruits and berries, bugs and many plants.

Concern that raw meats contain pathogens has encouraged some people to feed their pets processed products. Regulations that are concerned with the amount of bacteria in raw meat have put stricter rules in place for raw meat sold in pet stores than that sold to humans. Perhaps it is a comment about our society that what is sold for dogs to eat is safer than what is sold to humans to eat.

The bacteria limits for raw meat differs between meat that will be consumed raw and that intended to be consumed after it has been cooked. There is no differentiation in requirements for human or dog raw meat. Some pet owners might end up thinking about doing their grocery shopping at the pet store, since the meat has fewer bacteria.

There are different types of raw diets and each type has a following. The two main options are whole prey diets, where the whole animal is fed to the dog. The other is a combination of raw meat and vegetables, with added supplements. Some owners choose to raise their own feed animals to make sure their dogs are getting healthy feed.

Regardless of the type you choose, introduce it slowly so your dog has time to adjust to the different diet. Switching to any type of diet suddenly can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. Your pet will become used to the new diet over time. It is a good idea to provide different types of meat, since dogs become bored. But introduce the different meats slowly, so the digestive system can catch up. Some dogs are fed both raw and kibble, with no adverse effects.

Feeding raw dog food or processed is a decision you must make. No matter how carefully you study the issues, by watching your dog on each diet, you can decide which works better. Do not worry if you are confused about making the wrong choice for your pet, your dog will love you no matter what.