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Effects of Feeding Raw Food to Dogs
by Rohana Chomick
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Overview
Effects of Feeding Raw Food to Dogs
Feeding dogs a raw food diet, as opposed to traditional commercially manufactured dog food, is an alternative espoused by many dog owners concerned about the health of their canine companions.
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Healthy Effects
Most dogs have healthier, shinier fur; diminished dog odor; cleaner teeth; enhanced digestion; decreased shedding; reduced allergies; firmer stools; increased physical stamina; and better weight control.
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Side Effects
When your dog is first introduced to the raw food diet, diarrhea is a possibility due to your dog's immediate inability to process the new food. Also, some dogs may have allergies to certain meats.
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What to Feed
Chicken, turkey, bison, lamb, Cornish game hens, rabbit, beef, pork, liver, kidney, venison, raw meaty bones. Followers of the BARF ("Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods" or "Bones and Raw Foods") diet-- add vegetables and fruits too.
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Warnings
There are concerns about bones splitting when chewed and splinters being swallowed. Never give a dog cooked bones; raw bones are more pliable and far less likely to splinter.
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Nutritional Value
Dogs require a variety of raw meats because each possesses different nutritional qualities. Raw food proponents are split between dogs also needing vegetables, fruits and other supplements. Detractors say there's no way to know if dogs fed raw foods are maintaining overall nutritional stability.
