Benefits Of A Raw Food Diet For Dogs

In today's economy every trip to the grocery store shows prices going higher and higher. Among the items costing more these days is pet food, in particular dog food. With many dog owners having to pinch pennies to get by, some are turning to a homemade raw diet for their pooches. Not only is this cheaper than commercial dog food but it can also lead to improved health while letting owners know exactly what their pet is eating.

There are many additional benefits of a raw diet. Dental health can improve if raw food is fed rather than commercial dry dog food. Dry food causes tartar buildup on teeth and if they are not brushed can lead to bad breath and gum disease. Raw food because of its moisture leaves little tartar buildup and produces whiter and stronger teeth plus cuts down on the dreaded "doggy breath."

Fewer bathroom breaks are needed for dogs on a raw diet. Dogs eating raw food have fewer and smaller stools. More raw meat or vegetables can be added to the diet if the dog is having loose stools or hard stools. The owner may have to experiment to find the best combination. The urine of dogs eating raw food is less concentrated, resulting in few if any burn stains on grass.

Dogs with skin problems like hot spots benefit from a raw diet because a proper diet has been shown to get rid of these better than most medications. The dog's body is better able to absorb the nutrients from the food than it can the medicine.

Raw food also provides dogs with a healthy amount of water daily. Like humans they only need a small amount of water daily to stay hydrated, but dry food dries out a dog's mouth and makes it more thirsty. This is inconvenient for the owner because the more a dog drinks the more it has to go to the bathroom. Raw food provides the moisture during the meal, resulting in fewer bathroom breaks.

Commercial dog food contains byproducts that induce bloating. Raw food does away with bloating and makes a dog more comfortable. In addition raw food sometimes eliminates effects of diseases such as heart conditions. A diet of mixed vegetables and certain supplements can potentially even reverse damage. So for owners wanting the best for man's best friend, a raw diet can be a great solution.