Raw Dog Food

Before the era of commercial dog food, dogs ate homemade and raw dog food diets. Raw food is a controversial issue, and many veterinarians argue that it may be unsafe. However, veterinary experts who support raw diets claim raw foods are superior to commercial formulas. Is a raw pet diet a safe and healthy food option?

In the wild, dogs hunted and foraged for food. Their diets did not include cooked meats, grains or today's commercial formulas. Veterinarians and dog owners argue for both types of food. When determining whether to begin a raw diet, consider the following arguments.

Dogs on raw foods are eating a similar diet to their ancestors in the wild. Raw diets include fresh meat with bones, vegetables and fruits. The cooking process in many homemade diets and in commercial dog food preparation may reduce some of the natural nutritional value of the ingredients. However, the food retains its full nutritional benefits when served raw. Raw foods also are generally very appealing to dogs in natural aroma, appearance and taste.

Veterinarians who endorse raw diets argue that dogs receive more nutrients from raw food. Some dogs with allergies to common ingredients in commercial diets, such as corn or gluten, can thrive on raw diets.

At RateItAll.com, many dog owners have reported positive changes in their dogs when switching to raw food plans such as Nature's Variety. The pet owners noted that after switching to a raw diet, their dogs have improved energy, skin and coats. Many issues with ear infections or stomach problems were eliminated through raw diets.

Dog owners can prepare raw diets at home or buy prepacked raw food diets at holistic pet stores and online.

Commercial dog food formulas that come in kibble or cooked canned food forms are preferred by many veterinarians because formulas are scientifically developed to provide a balance of nutrients for a dog's different life stages and health conditions.

Veterinarians who support commercial dog food say that it is also healthier than raw diets because each daily serving contains the right amount of daily vitamins and other nutritional requirements for a dog. A pet owner does not have to play a guessing game to figure out how to feed his dog a balanced diet.

Some veterinarians who prefer commercial dog food point out that raw meat is potentially dangerous to dogs due to bacteria and parasites. They also express a concern over allowing dogs to consume bones because of the potential for choking or bone splintering.

A raw diet essentially means fresh food that is not cooked. Raw diets for dog include the following:

• Homemade: Dog owners can prepare raw pet food recipes at home using a selection of meats, vegetables and fruits. Some homemade diets are modified to include cooked meat with fresh produce.
• Prepared Raw Food Plans: A number of holistic pet food companies offer pre-packaged raw food diets. Some preparations include bones while others do not.
• BARF Diet: The BARF diet plan was known for years as "bones and raw food". However, the acronym is now commonly referred to as "biologically appropriate raw food" and the famous Barf Diet pet food line based on the recipes of Dr. Ian Billinghurst.

Dr. Ian Billinghurst created a grain-free raw pet food diet based on living enzymes. The living enzymes in raw food allow dogs to receive all the natural nutritional benefits of raw food that are often cooked away in processed dog food.

Since the products are grain-free, they do not contain fillers and typical allergy irritants. BARF diet recipes contain meat, organs, ground bones, vegetables and fruits. The bones are finely ground for safe consumption.

Raw diets should contain the following types of food:

• Source of protein: Include a source of protein from meat. Many raw pet diets contain chicken or beef. Raw bones are generally easier to chew than cooked bones. Pet owners can also grind up the bone.
• Vegetables: Vegetables such as carrots, beans, broccoli and spinach are also good additions to a raw diet to provide beneficial nutrients. Leafy green vegetables supply calcium, iron and niacin. Carrots provide vitamin A.
• Fruits: Dogs generally love fruits such as apples, pears, bananas or watermelon. Fruits supply many beneficial vitamins ranging from vitamin C to potassium.

Wash all raw food thoroughly before serving them to your dog to eliminate any residue of contaminants such as E. coli or pesticides.

Keep raw food refrigerated as needed. Make sure to use fresh ingredients in recipes. Do not mix old food with fresh foods to avoid bacterial contamination. Use fresh food within five to seven days of purchase.

The following online resources provide helpful information about raw pet food:

• BARF World: Browse the official website of Dr. Billinghurst's Barf diet. The site provides information on the diet plan and sells raw food products.
• Dog Owner's Guide: Read an overview of raw food and BARF diet plans.
• Vet Info: Review a raw pet food discussion that examines safety issues.
• K9 Magazine: Read an article on raw food diet's link to behavioral issues.
• BNET: Consider the safety concerns of raw pet food diets in Ann N. Martin's Better Nutrition article.
• Barf Meetup Groups: Find groups of people who also feed their dogs raw dog food and share experiences.

Dog owners considering raw dog food should carefully research all diet options before implementing a diet change. Many pet owners will not be comfortable with the potential raw food safety concerns. However, dog owners should still consider raw pet food as an option. When prepared properly, raw pet food is an excellent nutritional source and may be the answer for many dogs who do not thrive on common commercial dog food.

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