Raw Dog Diet

Due in part to recent commercial dog food product recalls, many dog owners are looking to alternative diets for their pet friends. The raw food diet, containing raw meat, raw bones, eggs, fruits, vegetables and dairy, is one such alternative advocated by more and more holistic veterinarians. Some dog owners and pet care professionals swear by the raw diet while others are hesitant to feed their pets raw foods, especially raw meat and bones.

What's In It

Ingredients in a raw food diet often include raw meat, poultry, fish, bones and organ meats. Fruits and starchy vegetables like carrots, spinach and broccoli are often shredded or ground. Raw eggs, cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt round out this protein-rich feed. Although these ingredients are found in raw diets offered by several pet food companies, many pet owners and dog professionals prefer to make the meals ahead of time and freeze.

What's in it for the Dog?

The raw diet offers a natural, nutritious feed based on what dogs have eaten for thousands of years. Some of the benefits cited by dog owners include healthier coats, cleaner teeth, better digestion, weight control, healthier immune system, more energy and improved disposition. Carbohydrates--often the cause of digestive and allergy problems--make up a very small part of raw diets as opposed to common commercial foods which are heavy on high carbohydrate ingredients, preservatives, sweeteners, additives and fillers.

Disadvantages of Raw Diets

The alleged benefits of the raw food diet tend to be based primarily on owners' testimonies and are not necessarily scientifically proven. Bones included in raw diets may cause choking, and there is potential for the growth of harmful bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. Raw diets are time consuming and many of the ingredients can be costly.

Making the Transition

There are a few different ways to transition your dog from commercially produced kibble to a raw food diet. Many owners prefer a gradual approach--slowly switching over by mixing some raw food into the regular feed. By increasing the raw ingredients slowly, your dog will get used to the new taste and the dog's digestive system has time to adjust to the change. Some owners have reported success in simply switching over cold-turkey.

Keep a Diary--Consult Your Vet

It is advised that you keep a diary of the raw foods you feed your dog, observing and recording his likes and dislikes, as well as any signs of allergies, diarrhea or gas. Before making the switch, take your dog in for a physical and consult the vet about a raw diet.