Is a raw food diet good for dogs?

We all want what’s best for our dog. When it comes to giving them the best, one of the most contentious issues is what to feed our dogs. Some people may prefer a certain brand of food while others prefer dry over wet or cooked over raw.

One such trend that is picking up in popularity is the raw diet for dogs. This doesn’t mean restricting your dog to a lifetime of crunchy vegetables – it’s actually very balanced and could provide many health benefits. However, you need to be aware of the dangers before switching your dog to a raw food diet.

Raw dog food for beginners

The raw food diet came to prominence in the early 90s when it was seen as a healthy alternative for racing greyhounds and sled dogs. Popularised by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst, the BARF diet – otherwise known as Bones and Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food – is based on the theory that dogs thrive with ‘evolutionary food’.

Similar to humans taking on a ‘paleo’ diet, the idea is that dogs go back to eating what they ate before they were domesticated. This means raw bones and plant scraps are totally natural to a dog, and are therefore what will suit them best.

Why nutritionists dislike cooked dog food

Likewise, there is also the theory that cooking dog food removes some of the essential nutrients. Some nutritionists claim that exposing dog food to high temperatures kills essential enzymes and fatty acids, and in extreme cases, can even turn them into ‘poisons’ by causing unnatural bonds between proteins and starches. The theory here is that much of the food becomes indigestible, leading to stomach upsets.

Another issue that some dog nutritionists have with dog food is the way in which it’s bulked up. Dog kibble and other additives may be high in stodgy carbohydrates, leaving less room for essential nutrients. This results in a cheaper, more convenient product, but may not be the best food for your dog.

What does the raw food diet for dogs include?

When prepared appropriately, safe raw dog food items include:

• Meat from the muscle, usually on the bone in its most natural form
• Ground or whole bones
• Occasional organ meats e.g. liver/kidneys
• Apples and other crunchy fruits
• Fish (raw salmon for dogs is just as yummy and popular as it is for humans!)
• Green vegetables high in iron like spinach and broccoli
• Raw eggs
• Occasional dairy, like yoghurt

What do I need to know before I switch my dog’s diet?

There are many dog raw diet benefits, which may convince you to make the transition. You may notice shinier coats and healthier skin, while your dog’s teeth will also be cleaner without having to resort to dental toys.

The benefits of a raw food diet for dogs extend to you, too. You might notice improved energy levels, great for when you’re running around the park, and smaller stools. It’s a small change that could have a huge impact on your life.

Are there any dangers to a raw food diet in dogs?

As with any big change to your dog’s life, introducing new dog food does have its dangers. The biggest concern is the preparation and storage of raw meat. If you do not buy high-quality meat, or if you serve it beyond its expiration date, you could be exposing both you and your dog to harmful bacteria or even worms.

Your dog’s diet also needs to be balanced. Many pre-mixed dog foods offer the nutritional benefits of fruit and vegetables as they’re fortified with vitamins and minerals. If you feed your dog meat and meat alone, it may suffer from a lack of nutrients.

Finally, there are also the dangers around eating bones to consider. You need to make sure your dog isn’t exposed to any sharp edges, as this could cause internal bleeding.

How can I make my own homemade raw dog food?

If you have time, the best raw dog food is food that has been prepared yourself. You can make easy raw dog food by mixing up some of the abovementioned ingredients to produce a tasty, balanced meal.

Here’s a great recipe to get you started. It includes a little bit of everything and is emulsified with ingredients you can find in your kitchen cupboard. Start with:

• Ground beef
• Livers (chicken is easiest)
• Carrots, cored apples and spinach
• Eggs
• Plain yoghurt
• Flaxseed
• Olive oil

You can vary the amounts depending on the size of your dog. Generally speaking, your dog’s meal should weigh no more than 2% of its body weight.

Start by blending the vegetables together in a food processor. Add everything else except the beef and mix well. Once it’s formed a fine paste, add the beef and mix together. Form the mixture into patties as one single serving each. You can also freeze these patties – just take them out and let them defrost in the fridge for 24 hours before serving.

What about raw dog treats?

You can usually find these pre-packaged, from fruits to dried meats. Just ensure that there are no bulking ingredients or other unnatural additives. The packaging should state that it is free of all GM or otherwise non-organic ingredients.

Changing dog food – side effects

Bear in mind that changing your dog food may produce some unwanted side effects in the short-term. Always consult your vet if you’re not sure. When switching over to a raw food diet, you may notice:

• Excess gas
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

However, this is most common if you transition your dog over to raw food too quickly. You should introduce the changes slowly, perhaps switching one meal per day and gradually weaning your dog off its previous diet. Consider smaller servings, too – meals with a high nutrition density may feel heavier for your dog. Don’t forget, pets spend years eating the same foods, so their bodies are not as used to change as ours.

So, is the raw food dog diet for me?

Only you can decide what’s best for your dog, but all nutritionists agree that what is natural is best for our pets. There are downsides to a raw dog food diet – for example, as an owner you may find that it’s more expensive and more time-consuming to prepare these foods.

However, when prepared properly, you should see myriad benefits in your dog. Keep an eye on your dog’s day to day behaviour. Monitor how it looks, for example the shine its coat, and take a note to see if its breath changes. Other developments may include smaller, firmer stools and more energy when you’re out for walkies.

Finally, only make the change if you can commit to a raw food diet. The worst thing you want is to make your dog used to one thing only to change it suddenly. Always ask your vet if you’re not sure, and if your pup is really struggling, it may be best to stick to what he/she is eating now. All dogs are different, and their reactions may differ based on age or breed. As the old saying goes…Mama/Papa knows best!

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Photo by Jan Landau on Unsplash