Raw feeding

What is Raw Feeding, and Why Do People Choose It?

Imagine a world where your pet’s diet mimics their natural instincts—raw meat, bones, organs, and all! This practice, known as raw feeding, has gained significant traction among pet owners who believe it offers numerous health benefits. But is it really the best choice for your furry friend?

Is Raw Feeding Just a Trend or a Necessity?

Some people feed their dogs and cats raw food because they think it’s healthier, more natural, and closer to what these animals would eat in the wild. But is this belief backed by science? Let’s explore some of the reasons why pet owners choose raw feeding.

The Benefits of Raw Feeding

Raw food can promote good bone and dental health by maintaining a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, which is essential for canine physiology. Uncooked bones are often recommended due to their potential as a source of calcium and phosphorus. However, finding foods with sufficient amounts of calcium while avoiding excessive phosphorus levels can be challenging.

Can Raw Food Really Improve My Pet’s Skin and Coat?

Raw diets also focus on promoting healthy skin and coat through the supplementation of essential fatty acids, such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are crucial for normal skin function and appearance, and their supplementation is often done in excess of AAFCO requirements to achieve improved coat sheen and skin health.

Challenges of Raw Feeding

The BARF diet was originally defined as Bones And Raw Food diets but is now Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, emphasizing 60% raw meaty bones and 40% other foods. The ‘prey model’ diet aims to simulate a prey animal’s diet, recommending 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs, with supplements added only for omega-3 fatty acids.

Is Homemade Raw Diet Preparation Really Worth the Effort?

At home preparation of raw food diets involves using wholesome ingredients easily accessible by owners. The main critique of homemade raw diet is that they are often formulated based on opinion rather than scientific research. Preparing a raw diet can be time-consuming and requires handling raw meat.

The Rise of Commercial Raw Pet Food

Commercial raw pet food has grown in popularity since the 2007 Pet Food Recall, with several manufacturers offering frozen raw diet products worth $169 million annually. These diets are often formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and are convenient for consumers due to their pre-packaged nature.

Are Commercial Raw Diets Really Safer Than Homemade Ones?

Commercial diets may be supplemented with High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) to extend shelf life. Supplements can aid in providing a high-quality, complete diet and improving an animal’s health, particularly when addressing specific health issues.

The Risks of Raw Feeding

Raw meats may contain bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli, which can be unsafe for dogs and cats. Studies have detected these bacteria in 20-64% of commercial raw diets, while the E. coli strain O157:H7 was not tested.

Can Raw Feeding Really Be Risk-Free?

The severity of bacterial contamination has been seen in cases like ‘Alabama rot’ in racing greyhounds, where severe vasculitis, cutaneous necrosis, and renal failure can occur. Bacterial contamination is more common in raw meat diets than commercial dry or canned foods.

Conclusion

Raw feeding offers potential benefits but also comes with significant risks. While it may seem like a natural choice for your pet, the nutritional balance and safety of homemade raw diets can be challenging to achieve without professional guidance. Always consider consulting with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure you’re providing the best diet for your furry friend.