Raw feeding is the fastest growing sector of the pet food market.
I have personally fed my basset hounds raw for over 10 years and I would NEVER go back to kibble or commercially processed food. It started when I looked over the ingredients in kibble and then I watched a documentary of the pet food industry and how pet food is made. It literally made me sick to my stomach. I love my pets so much they deserved so much better. I came to realize that kibble was invented for one reason….convenience for the owner. Kibble is highly processed at very high temperatures literally zapping a significant amount of any nutrients. The actual ingredients do not support optimum overall health and a healthy gut as most kibble is fully of fillers, starch and carbs, chemicals, dyes and synthetic vitamins and minerals. This is not a natural diet.
Before I made the switch I did a lot of research to fully understand what raw feeding is and what it is not. The pros/cons of feeding raw. What is involved and the associated costs. I spoke to people who fed raw to see their perspective. As well I wanted to have a clear understand of why many Veterinarians push back against a raw diet. I found that vets raise some valid concerns but an owner who fully understands what a balanced healthy raw diet is and how to prepare the diet many of these concerns can be addressed. I also learned that many vets do not themselves have a full understanding of nutrition as many vet colleges offer only one course on nutrition and it is often sponsored by a commercial pet food producer. My research took a few months. I believed this to be the healthiest diet I could feed my dogs and I made the switch. And I have NEVER regretted it.
I strongly stress the importance that anyone considering feeding their dog/cat a raw diet to research it. You must understand what it is and how it must be done in order that your pet is fed a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet. It is not just throwing some chicken in a bowl – doing this will lead to your pet getting terribly sick. Whether to feed raw or not is a personal choice for your animals. It should not be jumped into because it is popular. No, do your research and make an educated decision.
It is also imperative that you have blood work done on your pet before commencing with a raw diet and each year to ensure they are getting a fully balanced died.
Below are links from DOGS NATURALLY magazine.
WHY RAW?
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/why-feed-raw
IS KIBBLE SPECIES APPROPRIATE?
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/raw-feeders-why-are-you-feeding-your-dogs-like-cats
MAKE RAW FEEDING SIMPLE AND FULLY BALANCED!
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/make-raw-feeding-simple