Raw dog food diets have become increasingly popular, however, they’re not without their fair share of controversy. A dog food diet may consist of everything from Romney, bones, to vegetables and fruits. Pet owners turn to raw food diets for many different reasons. Sounds like the idea of a raw food diet because they feel like its natural. After all, canines in the wilderness do not eat grain-based kibbles. Other pet owners have had trouble finding a store-bought dog food that works for their pet. sometimes this is due to allergies, well some dogs are just pickier eaters another.

Proponents of raw food diet claim that there are many benefits to steering clear of store-bought dog food. Some of these benefits include better energy levels healthier coat and better skin. However, before you decide to switch your pet to a raw food diet there are some things that you need to consider. If done properly, a raw food diet can work perfectly fine for many dogs. However, there are also some health risks that come with feeding your pet raw.

Risks of Raw Food Diets

First and foremost, if you’re going to feed your pet raw meat you have to take special safety precautions. While dogs are not typically susceptible to the same food base bacteria that can make people sick, the raw meat that you feed your dogs could cause you and the other people living in your home to become ill. It’s very important that you make sure that no raw meat touches any surfaces that humans may come into contact with. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after preparing your pets food and never leave a bowl out that has had raw meat in it Once your pet is done eating.

If your pet will be eating raw meat with bones attached, never allow them to eat unsupervised. Bones of all sizes are susceptible to breaking and splintering which can be a serious safety hazard for your pet. Even a small piece of bone can cause a puncture inside of your dog’s digestive tract. What’s more, bones are a potential choking hazard. If possible, avoid giving your pets bones as part of their raw food diet.

Finally, if you are going to feed your pet a raw diet, it’s important to make sure that they’re getting the balanced nutrition that they need. A good raw food diet will consist not only of meat but as other nutritious items such as eggs, vegetables, fruit, and maybe even a little dairy such as yogurt. The exact right mix of different food groups will vary from dog to dog. If you decide to choose a raw diet for your dog, it’s helpful to enlist the advice of a professional pet nutritionist.

Alternatives to Raw Food Diets

If you simply want to minimize the number of processed foods that you feed your pets there are other options. Raw food diets can be expensive, time-consuming and, as we’ve seen, are not without their health risks. In reality, a completely raw food diet may not be right for everyone, however, there is a way you can feed your pet a “semi-raw” diet. Today, there are a number of freeze-dried raw dog food products available in major pet supply stores. These products are typically made of high-quality ingredients and allow pet owners to feed their dogs “raw” without the risks. But remember, before you make any major changes to your pet’s diet, it’s a good idea to first seek the advice of a trusted veterinarian.