Canine Natural Health : Food
Tips for a Safe Raw Food Diet
Feed your dog the way nature intended
Before starting your dog on a raw-food diet, explore our tips for planning a safe, well-rounded menu of protein-rich meats, vegetables, and dairy products.
Once dismissed by many as a transitory fad, the practice of feeding dogs a raw-food diet is now embraced by millions of pet owners across the world. Widely known as "BARF" (an acronym for "Bones and Raw Food"), the diet caters to canines' carnivorous side with a nutritional regime of raw, protein-rich foods, including chicken, beef, fish, and lamb, among others. Raw bones, eggs, and dairy products are also components of the diet.
Advocates of BARF herald the many benefits enjoyed by dogs who partake of the raw-food diet, including:
- A reduction in food-related allergic reactions
- A decrease in flatulence and an overall healthier digestive system
- A glossier, more lustrous coat
- Cleaner teeth and more pleasant breath
- Fewer carbohydrates, which can help to reduce weight gain, diabetes, and other problems
- A preservation of beneficial nutrients that are often removed during the cooking process
Before implementing a raw-food diet for your dog, observe the following tips to ensure your pet's safety and well-being:
- Start out slow. Introduce small amounts of raw food in combination with cooked meat at first, and then gradually increase the ratio of raw to cooked. This gradual introduction will help eliminate potential digestive problems.
- For best results, opt for organic meat and vegetables. Remember that pork should never be served raw.
- Serve raw meat in small, easily digestible pieces.
- To ensure that you're always serving your pet the freshest possible meat, freeze it in small pieces and defrost only as much as you'll need for each meal.
- If raw meat is discolored or has a questionable odor, never feed it to your dog.
- Eating sessions should be kept to a maximum of 15-20 minutes. Any unconsumed portion of the meal should be disposed of immediately.
- To prevent allergies and keep your dog's diet interesting, try feeding him different raw foods each day. Provide samples of various meats and vegetables for a healthy, well-rounded menu.
- Supplement your dog's raw-food diet with a daily multi-vitamin that provides the recommended amounts of minerals. Be sure to choose a vitamin tailored to your dog's age, size, and activity level.
With a little foresight and planning, you can dramatically increase your dog's appearance, energy levels, and overall health by sticking to a raw-food diet. It may take a few extra minutes each day, but your pet's well-being is well worth it.
Be sure to visit our trusted friends Drs. Foster & Smith and Only Natural Pet to buy products mentioned here.
We hope you find better living for your dog, natually.
John & Heidi Walsh
Pet lovers for over 20 years.
Natural & Organic Dog Food...
|
 |
|
