Solving Dog Health Problems With A Raw Food Diet
Many dog owners put a lot of thought into what brand of dog food they should feed their dog in order to keep them healthy and happy. What they find might surprise them!
The truth is as much as dogs are, in fact omnivores, they descended from wolves, who live on a diet that is largely made up of meat.
Home Made vs Commercial Dry Kibble
Far too many owners, whether due to lack of knowledge or lack of time, feed their dog dry kibble only. Unfortunately for the dog, this is his only source of nutrition which often lacks what he needs most in his
diet.
The biggest problem with any brand of kibble is that it is a processed food and most processed foods lose any natural vitamins, minerals and enzymes during the processing itself. This is why it’s so important to provide an enzyme supplement if kibble is your dog’s only diet source. Many brands of commercial dry kibble contain large portions of filler and vegetable matter. While vegetable matter doesn’t seem to be a problem for many dogs, the fact remains that the most predominant ingredient in several commercial dry kibble brands are corn and soybeans, which are thought to be two of the leading causes for food allergies in dogs.
Compare this to a dog food diet that you prepare yourself from ingredients that you know are safe and nutritious for your pet. You’ll quickly realize why dogs kept on home made raw meat diets are so much healthier. A hearty mix of ground beef or ground turkey, carrots, apples and green beans are just a few examples of what can be included in a homemade healthy meal for your best friend.
Vary The Meal Sources
In the wild, wolves hunt elk, deer, bison and rabbit. Cousin to dogs, foxes hunt rabbit, mice, birds, worms, frogs and lizards. When switching to a home prepared diet for your dog, don’t stick to the same recipe all the time. Use a variety of meats, grains and vegetables.
Health Benefits
Most dog owners that make the switch to a home prepared raw diet for their dog are quickly amazed at the results. Allergies, skin problems, gas and flatulence, ear problems, irritable bowel syndrome and lack of energy are just a few conditions that can often be corrected with a home prepared raw diet. Dogs will pass less stool because their bodies are receiving what they need.
Many owners shy away from a raw food diet visioning themselves gathering raw chicken parts and bones, etc. However, there are raw diets and recipes that use raw ground meat, raw ground turkey or chicken and even canned salmon which has a lot of Omega Three Fatty Acids. Besides the convenience of working with ground meats, these meats can also be very economical.
Although preparing the meal is pretty simple, in order to get the most out of a home prepared raw diet for your dog, it’s critical to follow a specific recipe that includes the necessary ingredients to balance the meal. Never just toss things together on your own and assume because it’s raw and includes vegetables and grains that it must be good for your dog. The correct amounts of protein, fat, fiber and calcium are important and differ with each meat, grain and vegetable.
Dr. Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D has a wonderful book that includes many great recipes for dog owners switching to a whole food diet for their dog.
Although most dogs love this diet, more importantly they receive the benefits of a strong immune system and a vigorous mental state. Their bodies become lean and solid while their coats shine. Most owners report that their dog’s are happier, healthier and very content.
For dog owners themselves, most say that they have less trips to the Veterinarian.
Take time to learn more about a whole food diet for your best friend no matter what his age!
Janie resides in the Pennsylvania area. With over 25 years of dog handling experience, she shares many articles on the importance of dog care and canine nutritional health.
For More Tips On Dog Health Problems Visit
http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/dog-health-problems.html
A Guide To Caring For Older Dogs:
http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/old-dog-care.html
Tags: dog food diet, dog health issues, dog health problems, dog raw diet, feeding dog raw diet
Related Posts
May 28th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Great information on the raw diet and what to include in it. The enzymes in dry dog food was very informative. My website sells books on raw diet, homemade pet food recipes, natural pet wellness care and many other great products for pets. http://www.everythingnaturalpetfood.com/PetEducationBooks.html
June 4th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Hi,
Its a great information. From my opinion a homemade recipe is always the best way for us to ensure the food is high in nutrien and quality and most important is it is fresh and no preservatives.
June 5th, 2008 at 6:19 am
Good Information, Thanks. I ll def send this article to my uncle. He has one cute dog.:)
July 10th, 2008 at 5:18 am
[...] surprise them! The truth is as much as dogs are, in fact omnivores, they descended from wolves, whohttp://www.simplepetcare.com/pets/2008/05/28/solving-dog-health-problems-with-a-raw-food-diet/Read “Humans are not natural ‘omnivores’.” at Vegan Forum… Do you just chew on an ox?s ass, and [...]
August 6th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Dogs need raw food to maintain their natural health. Out in the wild, dogs kill other animals and eat their raw meat. There is no cooking or factory manufacturing as is seen in dog food today. And there is certainly no left over dinners – something many owners are guilty of indulging their dogs in!
August 18th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
There is a lot of confusion about a species appropriate diet for dogs. The “why” is that we have crossed the line between science and prolific industry propaganda. Since the 1950s vast sums of money have been poured into shaping public perception because the profits are enormous. Not to mention that “we the people” have a tendency towards anthropomorphism, and convenience is a driving force.
For unbiased scientific information see the article:
http://achinook.squarespace.com/journal/2008/8/11/ol-sheps-plight.html
September 20th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
There is a lot of confusion about a species appropriate diet for dogs.
The “why” is that we have crossed the line between science and prolific
industry propaganda. Since the 1950s vast sums of money have been
poured into shaping public perception because the profits are enormous.
Not to mention that “we the people” have a tendency towards
anthropomorphism, and convenience is a driving force.
For unbiased scientific information see the “Ol’ Shep’s Plight: Diet”
article at: http://achinook.squarespace.com/
There is also a “lighter” fabricated “Dr. P. Kibble Interview” :o)
My best to you and yours,
Lee C
May 12th, 2009 at 9:33 am
great article, getting enzymes is great. ever try raw vegan with superfoods for your dog? bless you.
June 27th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Just a further note to say that the articles I mentioned have been superseded by a book, which is much more comprehensive, and more thoroughly researched, referenced, and reviewed. In keeping with the site, it’s also strictly noncommercial :o)
The author Euan Fingal has offered up a free ebook (pdf) to try to help us understand how we might improve our well-being and that of our domestic animals in general, but especially that of our canine companions. The book brings together ample unbiased natural sciences evidence, and the experiences of many naturally oriented caregivers, to clear a convincing swath through the propaganda surrounding well-being, and the misguided understandings it fosters.
To learn more about the book, and to download it, see the journal entry:
“Ol’ Shep’s Well-being: A Natural Perspective”
http://www.achinook.com/journal/2009/6/18/ol-sheps-well-being-a-natural-perspective.html
What the book basically establishes relative to diet (among other aspects of well-being) is that: What it all comes down to is that to deny that a natural species appropriate diet is a necessary component for natural, optimal well-being, is to deny nature—i.e. the evolution of a species, and its optimal, natural diet [in the true scientific sense].
My best to you and yours,
Lee C