Raw Feeding - Is it worth it?

     I'm sure all of you have heard about raw feeding, the dog diet that's been taking over the internet. Many people have been implementing this method of feeding, but it has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, I'll discuss whether it's worth carrying out and whether or not it'll benefit your dog. 

    Raw food diets consist mainly of raw, meaty bones and vegetable scraps. They can be organ meats, muscle meats, raw eggs, dog-friendly fruits and vegetables, or dairy products like yogurt. The theory was coined by an Australian veterenarian Ian Billinghurst, who thought that adult dogs would flourish on the diet they ate before they became domesticated. Many conventional veterenarians disagree, but there is no doubt that it has gained lots of popularity. 

  

BENEFITS OF THE RAW DIET 

A shinier coat 

Better skin 

Enhanced dental health

Increased energy levels 

Smaller stools

Strong immune system

Lean muscle tone 

Longer life expectancy

POTENTIAL RISKS OF THE RAW DIET 

Risks to human and canine health due to bacteria present in raw meat 

It is an unbalanced diet (Proteins, Fats, Carbs, Minerals, etc.) and so may be harmful to the dog's health if given for an extended period of time. 

Whole bones can choke, break teeth or create internal puncture.

It costs much more than regular dog food (kibble)

Skin allergies

Ear infections 

Bad breath 

Gingivitis  (an inflammation along the gumline)

Irritable bowel syndrome

The American Veterinary Medical Association states that feeding your dog any animal-source protein that has not been first subjected to eliminate pathogens (bacteria and virus) is discouraged as it can cause illness. However, consulting the right veterenarian or nutritionist can help eliminate the health concerns. There are certain meats or bones that are healthy and beneficial for your dog, and some that can harm him/her. 

       One fact that we should keep in mind is that dogs are descended from wolves. Their ancestors have been hunting in order to survive, and eating raw meat. However, wolves have been doing so since birth, and so their digestive and immune systems have gotten used to the raw meat . This is why they do not develop infections from the bacteria present in the meat. If you want to try raw feeding, instead of making an abrupt change, start out slow. Put some raw meat in one meal, and then gradually increase the quantity as your dog starts to get more comfortable. At the end of the day, they are domesticated animals. Their bodies have gotten used to the comfort and food that they have had since their birth, and we never know how they might respond to a sudden change in diet.

    

    Remember to spend some time selecting the right meat as well. In today's day and age, the toxic waste produced by humans litters the environment around us. Fish carry diseases. Cows and chickens are dying of various illnesses as they are stuffed into tight enclosures by workers and fed chemicals to produce milk and eggs faster. In fact, the dead bodies that are laid out in the Fire Temples are consumed by scavengers such as vultures. This practice has gone on for many years. But now, due to the harmful chemicals from the medicine that humans are consuming, the vultures are dying. Hence we must be careful when we think about what type of meat to choose. 

    Even when choosing kibble, one should always consult a vet or a nutritionist. Each dog's body type is different and so they might be suited to a different type of food. Most processed foods have a high quantity of 'crude' fibre which has no nutritional value. It also contains preservatives, which have chemicals in them. Processed food has also been linked to health problems such as dry skin, liver, heart and kidney disease, and allergies. 

    So now the main question arises : Should I go ahead with raw feeding? Now, there is no right or wrong answer to that question. It depends on your dog and his or her health. If your dog is still quite young and hasn't reached the full height and weight requirements, then you should go ahead with kibble as it makes for a balanced diet. If your dog has sensitive skin or is prone to eczema and allergies, then raw feeding will be highly beneficial. And if you want to mix it up, you can make one meal raw, or simply mix chicken and rice, and make one meal kibble. 

For example, Barfi is almost two years old now and has kibble for two meals, and rice for one. This way, he has a balanced diet and has extra protein so that he is healthy. If one of your meals is rice-based, I would recommend adding lentils as well as lots of vegetables. Make sure to give your dog lots of yogurt in the summer, as it has a cooling effect. 

I hope you found this post helpful!

please email blissfulbarfi@gmail.com for any queries.

Thank you,

Sneha.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

What Is Raw Feeding?

What Is Raw Feeding?. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.thenaturalvet.co.uk/blogs/news

Gingivitis and Stomatitis in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital

Gingivitis and Stomatitis in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital . (2022). Retrieved , from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/gingivitis-and-stomatitis-in-dogs#:~:text=Gingivitis%20is%20an%20infl

Raw Dog Food: Dietary Concerns, Benefits, and Risks

Raw Dog Food: Dietary Concerns, Benefits, and Risks. (2022). Retrieved 2 June 2022, from https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/raw-dog-food-dietary-concerns-benefits-and-risks#:~:text=Potential%20risks%20includ

NPR Cookie Consent and Choices

NPR Cookie Consent and Choices. (2022). Retrieved 2 June 2022, from https://www.npr.org/2012/09/05/160401322/vanishing-vultures-a-grave-matter-for-indias-parsis