Raw Pet Food Diet

With the recent scares regarding the ingredients in commercially packaged pet foods, is it any wonder that many people are beginning to research other feeding options for their best canine or feline friend? Fortunately, there are many other alternatives to the standard bag of dog or cat food, which is often filled with preservatives, fillers, by-products, and in some cases, protein sources from condemned animals. Morever, many packaged foods, especially those that are not considered "premium quality," are much higher in carbohydrates, as well as lower in protein, than is normally required by the animal. In nature, canines and felines do not consume such high levels of carbohydrates, but instead pursue a protein-rich diet, with a small amount of fruit and/or vegetation to supplement their dietary needs. However, the high level of carbohydrates in many packaged pet foods has translated into an increase in obesity levels, as well as other health conditions and diseases associated with an inappropriate diet. Lifespan may also be reduced, rather than extended.

In contrast, raw foods can do wonders in healing our cats and dogs from a variety of maladies. While great care must be taken to handle raw food appropriately, the benefits of feeding your pet a full or even a partial raw food diet can be substantial. Dogs and cats are both carnivores by nature, and their digestive systems are most suited to consume raw food that is high in protein. This is not to say, however, that you should just go out and buy raw meat to give directly to your pet. Raw meat alone is not sufficient for their dietary needs, so it is recommended that you choose one of a number of raw pet food diets on the market today, which are formulated to also include the other nutrients your pet needs. There are many forms of raw pet food diets available, including dry kibble, canned, frozen, and freeze-dried. You can also find a number of raw pet food recipes on the internet if you would like to create your own healthy raw food meals for your pet. This, although more time-consuming, is also the best option when it comes to freshness. After all, who doesn't enjoy a fresh meal prepared at home, as opposed to a frozen entree? If you do take on the challenge of preparing your pet's raw food meal from scratch, a basic guideline is to have it consist of 65-80% raw meat and bones, 5-10% raw organ meat, 20-30% raw vegetables, 0-10% cooked grain, and 0-5% nuts and fruits. Whenever possible, organic raw ingredients are preferable for the healthiest raw pet food diet.

Most dogs are very excited about raw food, and take to it very well because they are finally getting the "real food" that they instinctively crave. A note of caution, however, about switching your pet to a raw food diet. Always do it gradually, at first mixing it in with their regular diet in small portions, and gradually increasing the portions until a complete switch is made. You may also need to initially cook the raw food slightly for greater acceptance, and then make a transition to raw food for your pet. This is especially important with cats, as they can be much more finicky than dogs. If their diet is switched too drastically, their system may not be able to handle it, and they may suffer nausea, diarrhea, and may even refuse to eat altogether, which can lead to other complications. Also, keep the portions small with cats, and feed more frequently, or your cat may overeat, which can then cause vomiting and result in your cat avoiding the raw food in the future because of the association of getting sick.

Some of the benefits you may see within the first few weeks of switching your pet to a raw food diet is weight loss, increased muscle tone, a more natural and slim body line, higher energy level, a healthier coat, and a happier pet in general. If your pet once had allergies or skin conditions, you may find that they are diminished or disappear. You may also find that there is less waste to pick up after your pet in the yard, as more of the nutrients are absorbed. However, despite these benefits, you may also have adverse effects of a raw pet food diet if you do not handle raw food properly, especially with raw meat. Turkey, chicken, beef, lamb, venison, and fish are all appropriate raw protein sources for your pet, but you should take great care to make sure your pet consumes raw food before it spoils, usually within 15 to 30 minutes of being placed out. This is why small portions are preferable, to ensure that your pet does in fact eat all of what is given quickly. Add a little variety as well by rotating these raw protein sources, but again, not too drastically. Keeping all these guidelines in mind will ensure a successful transition to a raw pet food diet for your four-legged friend!