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.

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.

The first step is to decide which raw diet you will provide for your pet. The vote is split between whole prey diets and a diet with a combination of raw meat, vegetables and supplements. Some owners even raise their own animals organically to be sure their dogs are eating the purest diets.

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.

As always, the final decision is in your hands. You are responsible for the health and happiness of your pets. Regardless of your final choice, whether processed or raw dog food, your dog will love you and think that whatever you put into the bowl is the most wonderful thing in the world.