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- Gum disease epidemic in pets fed store pet food
- the form of the food we feed our pets is crucial
- degenerative disease rampant in conventionally fed pets
- #1: stronger, healthier gums
- #2: clean white teeth
- #3: improved nutrient assimilation
- #4: weight control
- #5: less stinky stools
- #6: fresher breath
- #7: reduction in yeasty ear gunk/infections
- #8: softer, shinier coats
- #9: friendlier, more affectionate demeanor
- #10: healthy mental, psychological and physical stimulation
- Raw Fed Puppies
Is the concept of raw pet food a little too out of the box for you? How about homemade dog food or cat chow in general?
Have you been incorporating raw unprocessed foods into your own diet and that of your children to improve health, vitality, and immunity but are still buying store pet food for your furry friends?
If so, consider that Dr. Weston A. Price’s groundbreaking research on diet and its connection to human health has profound implications not just for our own health but for our pets’ oral and systemic health as well!
Gum disease epidemic in pets fed store pet food
Just as with human beings, one of the biggest health issues today in pets is that of poor oral health. The sad truth is that the majority of domestic cats and dogs fed a diet of commercial pet food these days develop either gingivitis or full-blown periodontal disease by the age of 3.
This is due in large part to the fact that all commercially available pet food is highly processed, and as such is extremely unnatural for our beloved animal companions to eat. This is because the pet food industry is all about profits, not our pets’ health!
Cans and bags of pet food usually contain large amounts of cheap GMO soy, grains and/or other starchy plant-based foods that are neither nutrient-dense nor are they natural fare for carnivores. So whatever nourishment these products may contain is not well assimilated by the animals consuming them.
the form of the food we feed our pets is crucial
Another factor is that the form of the food our carnivorous pets eat is critical to their oral health. And unfortunately, neither extruded, cereal-like kibble, nor mushy, ground, cooked canned pet food are the natural form of food for a carnivorous canine or feline to consume.
Here are some graphic photos demonstrating the difference between the oral health of conventionally fed pets as compared to that of properly raw fed pets:
http://rawfed.com/dental/dental.html
http://rawfeddogs.net/Term/Meat-Grinder/Photos/
degenerative disease rampant in conventionally fed pets
Once we begin to understand how inferior and downright damaging these highly processed diets of commercial pet food can be, their potential connection to the dramatic rise of chronic ailments in pets we’re seeing today becomes abundantly evident.
Such health issues include things like obesity, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, respiratory infections, ear infections, skin rashes, digestive issues like IBD, IBS, food allergies, constipation, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, urinary issues including cystitis, struvite crystals (common in cats) and CRF (chronic renal failure), among others.
In contrast, many people who feed their pets a diet of whole raw foods, which includes raw meaty bones, hunks of raw meat, and raw organs, often notice a variety of benefits and improvements to their pets’ health.
** It’s important to note here that although I wholeheartedly support and promote raw feeding for dogs and cats, in no way am I suggesting here that raw diets for pets are a panacea, or that feeding your pet raw will assuage or resolve any or all maladies. **
Here are just a few of the many great benefits reported by people who feed their pets a diet of whole raw foods:
#1: stronger, healthier gums
When carnivores eat hunks of raw muscle meat and raw meaty bones, including attached sinew, tendons, cartilage, and other connective tissues, the ripping, tearing and gnawing they’re compelled to do with their teeth and jaws provides these animals’ mouths with a naturally beneficial scrubbing and flossing action.
The consumption of the proper, natural form of food for carnivores, along with all its scrubbing benefits, as well as the bioavailable nutrients such minimally processed foods contain all help to promote both superior gum health as well as excellent overall oral health.
#2: clean white teeth
The plaque and tartar that develop on the teeth of most conventionally fed domestic pets is due largely to the starchy, carb-rich ingredients found in almost all kibble, and/or the unnatural (for carnivores) mushy texture of canned pet food. Conversely, the consumption of whole, minimally processed raw foods does wonders to keep a carnivore’s teeth clean, healthy and white.
No more expensive pet teeth cleaning bills at the vet!
#3: improved nutrient assimilation
Since the digestive systems of carnivores like cats and dogs are specifically designed to digest and derive their nourishment from the raw meat, bones, and organs of other animals, it’s this food that supplies them with the most ideal, bioavailable, and easily assimilated nutrients.
#4: weight control
Overweight and even obesity in pets, especially those that eat mostly kibble, is an increasing problem. But most all pets that are started on raw very early in life as puppies or kittens have no problems with their weight, and many overweight animals that are transitioned to raw tend to lose excess ounces and pounds with time.
#5: less stinky stools
The stools of cats and dogs fed commercial pet food are usually unnaturally large and extremely foul-smelling. They also seem to take forever to break down. By comparison, a raw fed pet’s poop is much smaller, has very little odor, and rapidly crumbles to ash, quickly and easily biodegrading back into the earth – just like the natural scat of a wild carnivore.
#6: fresher breath
Most dogs and cats that eat nothing but junk pet food day after day have notoriously and often seriously nasty “doggy/kitty breath.” However just about anyone who has a totally raw fed dog or cat will tell you that their pet’s breath is MUCH less offensive than that of pets that eat nothing but conventional pet food.
#7: reduction in yeasty ear gunk/infections
When carnivorous canines and felines eat starch-filled kibble day after day, this can often trigger the accumulation of dark, rank-smelling gunk in the ears, or perhaps even contribute to chronic ear infections. Starting pets on raw early in life as puppies or kittens can often prevent such conditions outright, and switching adult pets to raw has been known to help mitigate or even heal them.
#8: softer, shinier coats
Many people whose pets are conventionally fed are unaware that their animals’ coats actually have a slightly greasy feel to them, and may even be somewhat dull in appearance. By contrast, most everyone who switches their pets to raw is amazed at how much softer and cleaner feeling and glossier their pets’ fur becomes.
#9: friendlier, more affectionate demeanor
Many folks who switch their pets are pleasantly surprised to discover that their animals suddenly seem to get friendlier and more interactive, and some even become more sociable and affectionate!
#10: healthy mental, psychological and physical stimulation
When a dog or cat eats some whole raw food, they’re compelled to use their minds, psyches, and bodies in ways they never would just mindlessly lapping up a bowl of kibble or canned food. Feeding our pets raw puts them in touch with their natural, innate, dynamic instincts in a way that feeding them junk pet food simply never can.
If you’ve only ever watched cats and dogs eat kibble or canned pet food, and have never seen one dive into and enthusiastically tackle a meal of whole raw foods, please check out the videos and photos below.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well once you’ve seen these pictures, I think you’ll agree that witnessing these animals eat first hand the way nature intended them to, truly does say it all – infinitely better than any words ever could!
Raw Fed Puppies
Raw Fed Kittens
Reference
http://rawfeddogs.net/Recipes/
I know this is the best way to feed dogs as I’ve done tons of research on it, but there are hurdles. As the poster above stated, it is far more important for myself and my family to eat healthy than my dogs- my dogs are a part of this family, but I won’t even mince words about it, they are not my kids. I have never considered them my kids. And I never will. I love and respect them, but in a different way. But I can’t let them take food out of my kids’ mouth, and feeding them raw would be EX.PENS.IVE. It makes me wish I had one small dog instead of one medium and one MONSTROUS dog, who is still a puppy technically. I have toyed with the idea of feeding them raw once the puppy is grown, since puppies need to eat 10% or more of their body weight on a raw diet (hello 8lbs of meat a day…) whereas adults only eat like 1-2%, so even if he hits 100lbs he’ll only need a lb or two a day. And I’m toying with the idea of asking my dad, who raises cattle, what he does with his cows once they’re too old to bear calves- if he says he sells them for dogfood (or something similar) I may buy one from him and have it very crudely processed (not crude as in bad, crude as in not carefully cut into steaks and the like). Depending on what he wants me to pay him I may be able to get a whole cow for like $400… that sounds like a lot, but that would feed my dogs for over a year (estimated) and actually cost less than kibble. But I would need to buy a second freezer just for their food…
My other hurdle is my medium dog… she won’t touch raw meat. She’s a really super picky eater no matter what, although she loves anything she’s not supposed to eat (table scraps, chicken feed….). And while I’m fine with feeding my dogs raw, I will not cook for them every day. I have enough to do!
Unlike cats, which should never be forced into switching to raw, (due to their risk of contracting a dangerous liver ailment called hepatic lipidosis) dogs *can* be ‘cold-turkeyed’ into making the transition from pet food to raw.
Many experienced raw feeders actually say this is the best way to go about it.
There’s some good info on how to do this here:
rawfeddogs.net/FAQs/
and here:
preymodelraw.com/how-to-get-started/
Funny you should mention this today. Since our family began following WAPF recommendations, our 12 year old dog has gotten more spunky. She’s walking stairs for the first time in years. Why you ask? She gets to lick bacon grease and eat leftover omlette from my 7 year old and other real food scraps.
I didn’t notice my #1 reason for feeding raw… no ticks! When we used to feed our dogs conventional dog food I was constantly on the lookout for ticks. Gross!! With raw feeding, no ticks.
We’ve been feeding raw for six months. I’ve heard about no ticks, but our dog does get a few ticks and several fleas. She’s in the woods every day, and she plays with our neighbor’s dog, which is kibble-fed and evidently flea-ridden. I do give our dog garlic once a week and a tea tree oil rub, but it isn’t working 100% against fleas and ticks. Any ideas for me?
We do all homemade with some raw since that is what my dog seems to do best on. We have moved several times in the last few years and I have learned NOT to tell the vet this when I bring her in for her rabies shot each year, or I will get a long lecture on how I’m probably not meeting her nutritional needs. If I am vague about it and don’t admit to the raw/homemade diet they will ALWAYS tell me how incredibly healthy she is for her age, and comment that she obviously gets regular teeth cleanings, which she had never had. I just smile and nod, smile and nod….
Your post made me laugh Tina! I have had the same type of experience as you. I’ve been feeding raw for about 15 years now. When we moved I got lectured from the new vet. He accusingly questioned, ” Do you send your dog’s diet to the lab to make sure it contains all of the nutrients it needs like bought food???” My thoughts we, “Gosh, I don’t send my family’s meals to the lab either!” Unbelievably this was from a holistic vet! Needless to say we don’t see this vet anymore. Actually we haven’t had a dog to a vet in probably more than 6 years.
Love these comments!
I switched a year ago and I’ll never go back. My dog has never been healthier
My pets eat raw, but to be fair they are rabbits and they eat raw veggies 😀
Would you recommend starting raw with a 14 yr. old dog? I have had her for 4 years. She was a mess when we got her. She has digestive problems so I have to be careful what I feed her. When I get liver for us, I cut off little bits to feed her raw with her regular meal. She does well with that. When I tried to do the same with raw beef heart she had diarrhea. I have been feeding her canned mackerel with veggies which she handles well, but maybe isn’t the healthiest. I worry that changing over will cause more diarrhea.
Linda,
It is possible that switching her completely to raw would make her have diarrhea but it is not likely in my experience. Organ meats by themselves are pretty rich and can cause diarrhea with a sensitive animal. Buy the cheapest chicken you can find and try feeding her that. The chicken in the 10# bags is very inexpensive but I would trim some of the fat until you see how she handles it. I suspect she will dive right in and not look back 🙂
Feeding canned fish is fine and is good for her too. If your family or friends go fishing you can try her on whole raw fish as well. Some dogs love it (once they figure it out! LOL) and some dogs don’t. Raw or lightly cooked eggs, raw ground meat, and yogurt or kefir are also good things to add once in a while. If you begin feeding her raw now you probably see a healthier “younger” dog emerge.
Thank you. I’m glad to know the fish is alright for her. She does get a raw egg daily with her meal, with a little homemade yogurt and kefir as well. Sounds like I’m on the right track. Now to find chicken.
I would definitely recommend transitioning your dog to a raw prey model diet!
If you’re interesting in doing this, IMO the very best thing for you to do first is to get educated and informed about both why and how to do this by reading and researching as much good information on the subject as you can find.
When I first came across information on raw feeding, I was like most people in that I’d been programmed and conditioned my whole life to think that feeding my pets commercial pet food was the best way to go. But once I began to realize that feeding raw was a MUCH better way, I still didn’t have a clue how to get started. I had lots of questions and there were many things I needed to get clear in my mind, and like most everyone I even had some fears and apprehensions. So before I even started giving my cats any raw food, I did lots and lots of homework so that I had a good foundation of knowledge, which gave me the confidence and know-how to help my pets make the transition to raw with a minimum of doubts, fears or trepidations on my part.
This is why I originally created my website over 6 years ago, because at the time there was no good resource like it, and I knew others could benefit from what I had learned along the way.
So I really think that doing our own research, getting well informed, and learning as much as we can about raw feeding BEFORE starting to help our pets make the transition to raw is one of the most important steps any of us can take on behalf of our furry friends. Getting our minds right and deprogrammed first, is an invaluable step which without a doubt makes switching our pets to raw much easier and smoother all around, both for them as well as for us.
Here’s a great site to start with:
rawfeddogs.org/
This is a fantastic online forum where you can learn just about anything you need to know about transitioning your dog to raw:
Reading the book “Raw Meaty Bones” by Dr. Tom Lonsdale is another good place to start:
rawmeatybones.com/
You can also check the links section of my website here:
rawfedcats.org/links.htm
Please feel free to contact me directly if you’d like more information on feeding raw to dogs specifically, as I have a collection of good resources that are not on my site.
Thank you for this article. It’s great. We had our dogs on a raw diet for about a week. Before that they were on a home cooked diet. It’s true about their stools on raw. But I just couldn’t afford to feed three Siberian Huskies raw. I realized that the money I save by putting them on the best kibble I could find (grain-free) could be spent on our food budget. Healthy eating for us is so much more important because we are hoping to try to conceive next year. My dogs’ health is certainly important, but our health and our future baby come first.
I’m wondering if the author could share ways to feed dogs raw more inexpensively. Every time I feed them kibble, I feel so guilty. They are always SO thirsty now. They get constipated more often and are often eating grass. This was never the case on raw or home cooked. One of my dogs has completely turned up her nose at the kibble now. It’s getting frustrating.
Once a dog’s had a taste of raw, they often don’t want to go back.
Do you have a local farmers’ market? Ask one of the vendors about their chicken or beef hearts, livers, feet, etc. – the parts that don’t sell well. They may give you a discount, especially if you buy from them consistently. If you don’t have a farmers’ market, find a farmer in your area. They’re out there!
I would try supplementing their kibble with some good, raw meaty bones or something. It doesn’t cost to pick up a few raw bones from the butcher, and I think it’s a good compromise to ensure your dogs get some raw meat. Ideally I guess our pets would all be raw food, but I don’t think it has to be everything or nothing!
I am trying to get my cats to eat raw at the moment, but they prefer the grain free kibble I give them. I believe grain free kibble is superior to the regular stuff (certainly costs more), but I’d love it if they’d happily nom on some chicken legs or something! I’ve thought of witholding their kibble and giving them say, a chicken wing… but the fear is if they take ages to get to the wing it will start to go off (and we all know how raw chicken can go bad!).
Please be on the lookout for my next guest post, which will be published here next month, and will address ways to feed raw as economically as possible.
In the mean time, something to ponder is that many pets that are fed a lifetime of commercial pet food end up suffering from chronic illnesses, which can make for some very hefty vet bills.
Many people who feed their pets raw consider doing so as a long term investment in their pets’ health.
Thank you for your reply. Yes, I understand I save money on vet bills, etc. in the long run, but unfortunately it’s the upfront cost I cannot afford. I am very much looking forward to your next post.
Oh, thank you so much, Linda! I have been wanting to start my 9 month old puppy on a raw died and the only thing holding me back is that I am afraid I will deprive her of nutrients. I see that you wrote a book on cats; any suggestions for balanced dog diet resources? I am also looking forward to your next post. As it is, we are spending $80 a month on what I considered, after much research, to be the best grain-free and locally sourced kibble. We also feed her raw marrow bones, but beyond that, I feel rather clueless on how to go about this raw diet business, although it’s where I want to be! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for this article; it’s the push I need to start thinking seriously about the topic again.
I’d suggest that you visit rawfeddogs dot net, rawfeddogs dot org for information on the nuts and bolts of feeding your dog a diet of whole raw foods. Another helpful resource is thewholedog.org/artTansition.html
If, as you say, you’re totally new to the business of raw feeding, it’s also really important to educate and familiarize yourself generally with the whole concept of how and why to feed your pet raw. Please check the links section of my website under the heading “Raw Feeding” where you’ll find a number of excellent resources that will help you become more knowledgeable about this subject.
One other note – if when you say you feed raw marrow bones this means you’re giving your dog large beef bones such as femurs, I’d strongly encourage you to stop doing this asap. The reason is because the large weight bearing bones of adult cattle are extremely dense and hard – so much so that they’re harder even than teeth! Therefore allowing dogs to gnaw on such bones can end up cracking their teeth. Instead you want to feed raw meaty bones that are of a size that your dog can consume them in their entirety.
My cat comes running when she smells me taking raw meat out of the fridge to cook. I give her a couole of pieces raw and she.gobbles.it up. After its cooked,.she is not as interested in eating it anymore and.will usually sniff it and walk away. My dogs are different in that they will eat anything. Another raw food they love is milk….will not even go near the pasteurized crap…lol. Guess I spoiled them…lol
Maybe this is silly, but my one fear with feeding my pets raw food is that their saliva will contain some kind of bacteria that could then sicken one of my kids. Would it possible for a child to get salmonella or Ecoli from being licked on the hands or mouth by a raw-fed pet?
While I suppose anything’s possible, frankly I don’t believe the scenario you describe here is at all a very likely one.
Here’s an excellent article addressing this very subject:
rawfed.com/myths/zoonotic.html
And a snippet from the above article:
“…bacteria does not persist in the mouth of a raw-fed canine. Canine saliva contains lysozyme, an enzyme that lyses and destroys bacteria, but more importantly, the absence of plaque means the dog’s mouth is no longer a hospitable place for bacteria to inhabit. A kibble-fed dog’s mouth, however, provides the perfect environment for bacteria growth: plaque-covered teeth with sugary and starchy complexes provide both food and shelter for bacteria. The bacteria thrive in the mouth of a kibble-fed dog because it provides both a perfect atmosphere and a good food source (Lonsdale, T. 2001. Raw Meaty Bones.).”
Another consideration is that any number of commercial pet foods have been recalled in recent years due to contamination with salmonella, (among other things) which have caused sickness in thousands of pets, and even death in some cases.
wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_pet_food_recalls
I’d strongly suggest doing a search on “pet food recall+salmonella” to see what a terrible problem this has become.