The RAW Truth — Raw Diet for Dogs

We firmly believe and wholeheartedly embrace the power of a RAW diet! We’re passionate about sharing the benefits of a RAW diet, also known as the BARF diet (Bones and Raw Feeding or Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding), and believe it holds the key to unlocking your dog’s ultimate health and longevity.  If you’re not yet convinced, keep reading to discover more and make an informed decision for your furry companion.

Table of Contents

• The Truth About Processed Dog Food
• Canine Nutrition and the Dog’s Inner Wolf
• Raw Dog Food Myths 
• Dispelling the Myths of a Raw Food Diet
• BARF Diet for Dogs
• Benefits of BARF Diet for Dogs
• Digesting the Raw Truth

The Truth About Processed Dog Food

We’re all well aware that processed convenience foods aren’t the healthiest choice for humans. So, why should we expect processed dog foods to be any different? In our fast-paced society, we’ve embraced the convenience of processed pet foods, but unfortunately, this trend has brought about significant consequences for our beloved canine companions.

A range of health issues, including obesity, allergies, dental problems, and even cancers, have become distressingly common since the widespread adoption of processed pet foods.

At the heart of this issue lies the unnatural nature of processed pet foods. They undergo cooking processes that harm essential enzymes crucial for proper digestion. These foods are laden with preservatives and additives. To compound matters, most commercial pet foods are rich in grains, which dogs are not biologically equipped to digest efficiently.

Canine Nutrition and the Dog’s Inner Wolf

To maintain your dog’s optimum health, it’s crucial to provide foods that align with their evolutionary history. Dogs share a common ancestry with wolves, and their internal anatomy and physiology reflect this closeness. They have short digestive tracts tailored for processing raw meat, powerful jaws, and teeth for tearing flesh. Dogs are fundamentally opportunistic carnivores, naturally inclined to eat meat.

In nature, a dog’s diet would consist mainly of raw meaty bones, not grains or cereals. Raw meat contains live enzymes, natural antioxidants, fully digestible proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, unlike modern processed dog food.

Raw Dog Food Myths

Let’s uncover the facts about raw dog food diets by dispelling these prevalent myths and misconceptions. In this list, we’ll debunk common misconceptions to provide you with a clearer understanding, enabling you to make well-informed choices for your beloved canine companion.

1. Bacterial Infections
   • Myth – Feeding raw meat will lead to bacterial infections in dogs. 
   • Debunked – Dogs have natural defenses against bacteria, including strong digestive juices and antibacterial properties in their saliva.
2. Omnivorous Dogs
   • Myth – Dogs are omnivores and can thrive on a diet heavy in grains and vegetables. 
   • Debunked – Dogs are primarily carnivores with omnivorous abilities, and their anatomy is best suited for a diet rich in raw meat and bones.
3. Inadequate Nutrition
   • Myth – Raw diets lack essential nutrients and can’t provide balanced nutrition for dogs. 
   • Debunked – Raw diets can be carefully balanced to meet a dog’s dietary needs, providing essential nutrients.
4. Bone Hazards
   • Myth – Feeding raw bones will lead to splintering and pose a danger to dogs.
   • Debunked – Raw bones are safe for dogs and provide dental benefits when given appropriately.
5. Digestibility
   • Myth – Dogs cannot safely digest raw meat and bones.
   • Debunked – Dogs are biologically equipped to digest raw meat and bones efficiently.
6. Expensive
   • Myth – Raw diets are prohibitively expensive compared to commercial dog food. 
   • Debunked – Raw diets can be cost-effective when sourced and prepared thoughtfully.
7. Behavioral Issues
   • Myth – Feeding raw food can make dogs more aggressive or cause behavioral problems. 
   • Debunked – Raw diets have not been proven to cause aggression or behavioral issues in dogs.
8. Complexity
   • Myth – Preparing raw dog food is too complex and time-consuming for pet owners. 
   • Debunked – With proper planning and resources, preparing raw dog food can be manageable for pet owners.
9. Commercial Dog Food Superiority
   • Myth – Commercial dog food is superior to raw diets in meeting dogs’ nutritional needs.
   • Debunked – Raw diets can provide balanced nutrition, and some dogs thrive on them.
10. Health Risks for Humans
    • Myth – Handling raw dog food poses significant health risks to humans.
    • Debunked – While precautions should be taken, handling raw dog food can be done safely with proper hygiene practices similar to when preparing food for your two-legged family members.

Dispelling the Myths of a Raw Food Diet

Raw dog food has been part of dogs’ diets for thousands of years, and if it were dangerous, dogs would have become extinct long ago. Concerns about bacterial infections are valid, but dogs are well-equipped to handle bacteria. Their saliva has strong antibacterial properties, and their short digestive tracts are designed to eliminate food and bacteria quickly.

While dogs can eat some vegetation, their anatomy and physiology are primarily geared towards a meat-based diet. They can survive on scraps and some vegetation, but to optimize their health, we should recognize their carnivorous nature.

BARF Diet for Dogs

What is the BARF Diet for Dogs? The BARF diet, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food, is a natural and nutritionally sound approach to feeding dogs. It’s all about feeding dogs the way nature intended. BARF mimics the evolutionary diet of dogs, which includes a variety of raw meat, bones, fruits, vegetables, and supplements. The goal is to create a balanced diet over time rather than a perfectly balanced meal each day.

The BARF diet consists of raw meat, bones, organs, fruits, vegetables, and supplements, all carefully balanced to meet a dog’s dietary needs. By mimicking the evolutionary diet of dogs, the BARF diet aims to promote better overall health, from cleaner teeth and improved digestion to shinier coats and increased energy levels. It’s an approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of our canine companions by offering them the nutrients and sustenance they are biologically designed to thrive on.

Benefits of BARF Diet for Dogs

The BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food) diet offers numerous advantages for our canine companions Here’s a list of the key benefits that this natural and balanced approach to feeding dogs can provide:

1. Cleaner Teeth and Fresh Breath
2. Better Weight Control
3. Improved Digestion
4. Shinier, Healthier Skin and Coat
5. Reduction of Allergy Symptoms
6. Harder, Smaller, Less Smelly Stools
7. Increased Mobility in Older Animals
8. Strengthened Immune System
9. Improved Liver, Pancreatic, and Bowel Health
10. Savings Due to Fewer Vet Visits

Digesting the Raw Truth

In our journey to discover the raw truth about feeding our beloved dogs, one thing becomes abundantly clear. The BARF diet is more than a dietary choice — it’s a holistic approach to nurturing our four-legged companions.

As we dispel the myths surrounding raw dog food, we unveil a natural and nutritionally sound path that aligns with dogs’ evolutionary heritage. The BARF diet stands as a testament to our commitment to their well-being. From cleaner teeth and shinier coats to reduced allergy symptoms and smaller, less odorous stools, it’s about fostering their overall health and vitality.