Raw Food Diet For Dogs Pros And Cons
Pet owners are now increasingly becoming conscious of raw food diet for dogs. It was a notion popularized in the mid 90′s by veterinarian Ian Billinghurst. The diet aims to imitate the meals eaten by sled dogs s well as racing greyhounds who feed on raw meals. According to Billinghurst, the same can be fed to domesticated pets because it is a natural meal.
Through this diet, around 80% would be devoted to feeding dogs with actual raw meat and bones. But it should be noted that there are only identified types of meat that should be used. These are from chicken, beef, lamb, and fish only. The same goes for feeding bones wherein chicken and lamb are the two recommended sources.
Aside from this type of meat, internal organs are also recommended as part of the raw food diet for dogs. Among the internal organs that can be a good source of protein and iron are liver, kidneys, and even the heart of the animals from the meat groups mentioned above.
Pet owners who have switched into this new regimen do swear by the positive effects it brings. They say that their dogs finally exhibit shinier coats and also have better looking skin. They also say that even their teeth become noticeably cleaner from eating all these natural food items.
Despite of all these, there is still some debate surrounding this new phenomenon. Some experts are not keen to accept that this raw food diet for dogs really is as effective as some people vouch for that it is.
Some experts say that making dogs feed on raw food might do them more harm than good. Their argument is that this type of feeding only increases the possibility of cultivating bacteria. Salmonella can be passed on from the raw meat into the pets and even humans who handle the raw meat can get it as well, they say.
They are also not sold on the idea of feeding bones to dogs. They say that it can be harmful such that the broken bones can puncture internal organs. They also think that little splinters can end up being dangerous for dogs to swallow.
Because of the positive and perceived negative effects on feeding dogs with raw food diet for dogs, it is best to remain vigilant about it. You should also consult the veterinarian first before you give this to your dog.
Jamie is a pet health authority who specializes in organic dog foods.
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