RAW Diet For Dogs

A raw diet, also known as a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, has gained popularity among some dog owners. It typically consists of raw meat, bones, fruits, vegetables, and other uncooked ingredients. While proponents of raw diets argue that it’s a more natural and healthier option for dogs, there are several concerns and potential risks associated with feeding dogs a raw diet:

• Bacterial contamination: One of the primary concerns with raw diets is the risk of bacterial contamination. Raw meat can be contaminated with harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause illness in both dogs and humans. Proper handling and storage of raw food are crucial to minimize this risk, but it’s not always foolproof.

• Nutritional imbalances: Preparing a well-balanced homemade raw diet can be challenging. It requires careful consideration of the proportions of various ingredients to meet a dog’s nutritional needs. An unbalanced diet can lead to deficiencies or excesses in essential nutrients, which can negatively impact a dog’s health. In contrast, most commercial pet foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs.

• Choking hazards and injury: Feeding dogs raw bones can pose a choking hazard or cause injury to their digestive system. Bones can splinter and cause blockages or tears in the gastrointestinal tract. Some proponents of raw diets advocate for feeding raw, meaty bones that are less likely to splinter; however, the risk is not entirely eliminated.

• Difficult to digest: Some dogs may have difficulty digesting raw food, especially if they have pre-existing gastrointestinal issues. In these cases, a raw diet may not be appropriate and could exacerbate existing health problems.

• Potential for an imbalanced diet: Some dogs may have specific dietary needs due to health issues or breed-specific requirements. In such cases, a raw diet may not provide the necessary nutrients, and it may be difficult to tailor a raw diet to meet these individual needs.

Before switching your dog to a raw diet, consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutrition expert to discuss your dog’s specific needs and whether a raw diet is appropriate for them. Additionally, it’s essential to practice safe food handling to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.

In a two-year study spanning from October 2010 through July 2012, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) screened over 1,000 samples of pet food for bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. (The illnesses are called “foodborne” because the bacteria are carried, or “borne,” in or on contaminated food.) The study showed that, compared to other types of pet food tested, raw pet food was more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria.

Recent article published by Insider.com titled “Feeding your dog a raw food diet could be harmful and even life-threatening, according to vets” goes into additional detail about issues with the raw diet.

What should I feed my dog?

The best diet for your dog is a nutritionally balanced cooked diet that meets the standards set by veterinary nutritionists. “This may be a canned or dry commercial diet, a fresh-cooked commercial diet, or even one dog owners cook at home,” McKenzie says.

One way to tell if store-bought dog food meets these standards is to look for an “AAFCO” label on the bag, which stands for Association of American Feed Control Officials, Meindl says.

If you want to prepare your own dog food, make sure to consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, Meindl says.

Dog owners should avoid feeding pets homemade meals based on recipes that are not created specifically for their dog by veterinary nutritionists. “There are dozens of books and web pages providing recipes and feeding advice, some even by veterinarians, that are not based on sound science,” McKenzie says.

Insider’s takeaway

There may be possible benefits to a raw food diet, but so far we don’t have any reliable studies to show that it’s good for your dog’s health. There are, however, many studies showing possible health issues.

“If people want to feed a raw diet, they need to be aware of the risks to their pets, themselves, and other family members,” Meindl says. If you do choose to feed your dog a raw diet, look for recipes that are AAFCO-approved or work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, Meindl advises.

Overall, always make sure to check in with your vet before making any major diet changes. “Your veterinarian is always the best resource when it comes to questions about the best diet for your pet,” Meindl says.

This article was medically reviewed by Sorin McKnight, DVM, a veterinarian at Wellborn Road Veterinary Medical Center in College Station, Texas. 

Source; https://www.insider.com/guides/pets/raw-food-diet-for-dogs

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