Raw Food and Your Dog

It's not for everyone. It's an often hotly debated topic, with holistic vets on one side of the table and traditional vets on the other. It is said to be everything from a health and safety risk to a panacea for all that ails your pet, depending on the source. Raw food is not without its controversy, but for those of us who have seen its benefits first-hand, it's definitely worth consideration.  

Why Raw?

Dry and canned dog food is, quite simply, processed food. And, as with human processed food, there are varying degrees of quality to dry and canned food. It is certainly possible to get good quality dry or canned food that supplies the needed nutrients for your pooch. And most certainly, if you have a baby in the house, have limited time or a tight financial budget, raw food may not be the best answer for your situation. But raw food is a top-grade nutritious alternative - or supplement - that might be well worth the effort, especially if your pet suffers from:

• Allergies
• Arthritis/Joint problems
• Bowel/Urinary problems
• Cancer
• Dental/Breath problems
• Ear ailments/Discharge
• Eye ailments/Discharge
• Lack of energy/Enthusiasm
• Obestiy/Weight problems
• Parasites/Fleas and mites
• Poor skin and coat
• Weakened immune system

Columnist, author and holistic vet Dr. Randy Kidd DVM, found in his practice that many typical canine maladies, such as arthritis, obesity, skin and gastrointestinal conditions, and immune-related diseases all improved - or were even completely eliminated - when owners introduced raw meat into their dogs' diets. Surprisingly, they did not have to switch to a fully raw diet; just including 1 tablespoon per 10 to 20 pounds of dog was enough to do the trick. "Raw meat is the single most effective "remedy" I have used, which I admit, sometimes makes me feel a little insignificant."   

Here at Wag Zone, it's no secret that we are fans of raw food. We have seen dramatic results in our own pets as well as in our four-legged clients who have made the switch. The benefits we tend to see most often include:

• Soft, shiny coats
• Bright eyes
• Healthy weight
• Firm, small poops (gotta love those!)
• Reduced coprophagia (poop eating)
• Reduced itchiness in ears and skin
• In some cases, a calmer more stable demeanor
• Lack of finicky eating - even in stressed boarding dogs  

Why Not Raw?

As strongly as veterinarians like Dr. Kidd believe in the healthful benefits of including raw food, there are others who believe it may be harmful and are concerned in particular with the following risks: 

• Loose stools. This can be transitory as the dog adjusts to the change in his diet but can also be caused by bacterial infection.

• Bacterial infections. We humans cook our food to avoid illnesses like Salmonella and E. Coli; feeding a raw food diet could theoretically expose pets to similar diseases. However, this is relatively rare in healthy dogs and it is believed that their digestive tracts are designed to handle the risks associated with raw meat consumption. It is, however, extremely important to exercise caution when handling raw meat and to keep counters and hands clean and sanitized as our digestive tracts do a far poorer job of managing such bacteria.

• Parasites. It is possible for a dog to be infected by parasites as a result of eating raw meat. Pre-freezing and purchasing packaged and prepared raw meals can reduce the likelihood of this occurring.

• Incomplete nutrition. This is a genuine concern for those who choose to feed raw exclusively. Store-bought pet food has been designed to meet all of your dog's nutritional needs. Unless you are prepared to include vegetables, and at an appropriate ratio with protein, or purchase pre-packaged meals formulated to the optimum nutritional ratios, it's best to simply supplement your dog's diet with raw meat, rather than replace it entirely. Exclusively raw diets are also not recommended for puppies. The healthy development of their bones depends on the proper balance of calcium and phosphorus and getting that exact balance can be tricky. Many foods like meats, that are low in calcium are high in phosphorus, and in addition, many foods high in calcium are also high in phosphorus. Therefore extra care and attention is required in order to provide the proper ratios in their diet.

• Risky bones. Cooked bones can be very brittle and can splinter and injure intestines, and are NEVER appropriate to give to your pet. Raw bones are significantly safer but not entirely without risk. Proponents of raw food argue that wolves and wild dogs eat full carcasses, bones and all, and the canine digestive system is built to accommodate them. As true as this may be, if your dog tends to inhale his food instead of crunching the bones down into little pieces, it may be safer to stick with large meaty bones or packaged raw food that has ground bones mixed into the meat instead.

The Winner Is...