Should I feed my dog a raw diet?

Hey everyone. I was recently asked by a close client of mine about a "raw meat" diet for dogs. I decided to post it here on the wall, rather than in the comments, so others could find it as well, on the off chance you have been considering it.

Raw meat diets are controversial, as are most things these days. There are advocates on both sides of the argument, and both have really good points. To explain simply, a raw diet includes things like raw meat, bones, fruits and vegetables.

An Australian Vet, Ian Billinghurst, suggested feeding older dogs a raw meat diet would help the animals thrive, because it brought them back to what they ate before they were domesticated. He contended that grain-based, commercial pet foods were harmful to your dogs’ health.

These days, many mainstream vets disagree, as does the FDA.

Here are a few of the potential benefits to feeding your dog a raw meat diet:

• Shinier Coats
• Healthier skin
• Cleaner teeth
• Higher energy levels
• Smaller stools

There are risks as well, such as:

• Threats to human and dog health from bacteria in raw meat
• An unbalanced diet that may damage the health of the dogs if given for an extended period of time
• Potential for bones to be swallowed, causing the animal to choke, break teeth or cause some internal puncture.

So here's my take. I'm on either side in certain categories. I chose a good, cost effective for dog food with high protein.

If you are on a commercial dog food, like what you buy in the bag at the store, I recommend you don't buy anything under 21% protein. The first ingredient, if not the first two or three ingredients, should be a meat product, NOT CORN OR WHEAT. I understand for some, myself included, budgets can be tough; however, there are good quality foods out there for decent prices.

I recommend shopping and looking at food on the website www.dogfoodadvisor.com. I like to stay 4 star or above on my food, but if your budget wont allow, I would never go below a 3 star food.

Now, let’s talk about raw-meat diets. I like them personally, provided you know what you’re doing, you are safe, and you do it the correct way. But, I also like commercial diets, again as long as it's done the proper way.

Before feeding any of my dogs raw meat, they ARE ALWAYS completely dewormed for the year. This is a no-tolerance policy for my dogs. Raw meat WILL give your dogs worms, if they are not properly treated for worms for the year. Anytime you are feeding raw meat, you need to watch their belly and make check for worms. Watch their eating. If they are eating a ton, and are losing weight, they have worms.

Raw meat can give your dogs a nice shiny coat, and good health. This is due to extra fat in raw meat that is not in commercial bags.

Raw meat can be expensive, but choose a good type of meat to give to your dog. Don't pick pork and plan to simply feed your dog pork. Pork is heavy in fats. Beef is a little better, but still contains a good amount of fat; however, some dogs might need this.

I like chicken, fish and elk meat or deer meat. I used to buy my dogs elk-meat when they were young pups. I would mix it in, with some regular store bought Science Diet food at the time. NO MORE SCIENCE DIET.

The big thing with a raw meat diet, especially in puppies because they are growing and developing their muscle structure and their skeletal structure, is proper balance nutrition. You've got to make sure they are getting the proper protein, fats, carbs, calcium ETC.

One thing to consider for your puppy is a puppy powder supplement, like Puppy Gold. I have and currently use it for my puppies, whether they are on a raw diet or commercial diet. It's LOADED with good stuff. LOADED.

Remember, your dog is still a considered a puppy until they are basically 2 years old (in human years. No cheating here). This means your dogs is growing, developing and designing its body for the rest of its life.

I try during this crucial time to give my dogs all the best stuff I can give them.

If you have an older dog, and you'd like to add some protein to a commercial or raw meat diet, try HARD DOG and a powder supplement. I have success in multiple ways. I'm not telling you which way to go, cause it's about your financial situation, your time, your knowledge and what YOU are most comfortable with. Again, I could make a great argument either way on the food.

As far as bones. I NEVER EVER EVER EVER buy cooked, boiled or baked bones. EVER. They are a huge choking hazard for your dog. Buy only raw, which we do sell. We sell them because we believe in them, and we like the convenience for our clients.

Make sure you buy size appropriate bones as well. Don't give your Jack Russell Terrier a bone from a dinosaur. On the other side, don't give your Mastiff a beef tendon. That's just not going to work. The bone should be big enough they can't swallow the whole thing. That's it.
Let me know if there are any questions or concerns. I hope you enjoy this information and find it useful.

Thanks Maligators

Russ
Maligator Kennels