Did you know that August is also Rawgust? This was made in support of and to raise awareness of the benefits of feeding raw food. But is that really a good idea for your pet? A Crown Point, IN vet weighs in below.
Benefits
One of the biggest draws of raw food is the belief that it does mimic the diets that Fido and Fluffy would eat in the wild. After all, they don’t exactly pop their prey onto campfires. Many people also claim that raw foods offer many tangible health benefits, such as shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and higher energy. That said, dogs have been domesticated for quite a while, and they’ve gotten quite used to cooked food. There’s also a bit of an overlap with the benefits of feeding your furry pal whole, natural ingredients, such as chicken, beef, and lamb, as well as veggies, like peas, carrots and corn. Ask your vet for more information.
Drawbacks
Raw food isn’t necessarily the miracle option some perceive it to be. The biggest risk is that of bacteria, which can make both you and your pet very sick. Your pet’s diet may also not be exactly what he needs. For instance, a big working dog is going to have very different caloric and nutritional requirements than a tiny lapdog would. With those who are feeding meat on the bone, there’s also a very serious risk of choking or internal injuries. Bones can break off or cause perforations of your pet’s digestive system. That sort of injury is painful, extremely dangerous, and potentially life-threatening.
Things To Consider
When you think of raw food, you may be picturing a bowl of uncooked meat. However, that isn’t necessarily the case. Raw foods can be freeze dried into kibble, for example, or dehydrated. They also don’t necessarily just include meat: you may find a mix of ground bone, raw eggs, fruits and veggies, and yogurt, as well as organ and muscle meat. There are even companies that specialize in raw food services.
Tips
At the end of the day, the best option is the one that’s right for your pet. In many cases, the benefits may not necessarily outweigh the risks. Don’t put your furry friend on a raw diet without consulting your vet.
Do you have questions about your pet’s diet or care? Contact us, your Crown Point, IN animal clinic, today!
