Whether a raw food diet is good for dogs is a highly contentious subject that tends to elicit strong opinions. Some people argue that feeding your dog all-natural foods produces the same positive feeling as in humans who prefer the same. On the other hand, there are those who believe that the risks involved, for example, bacteria exposure, choking hazards, and vitamin deficiencies outweigh the benefits.

This article takes a look at the various risks and benefits associated with a raw food diet for dogs.

Everyone loves and adores their furry companions, and we strongly believe that you do too. That's why you want to ensure that you are feeding her the best quality food, and keeping an eye on ways that you can upgrade your dog food so that you can make sure she is getting the best sustenance possible. After all, a healthy diet is one of the fundamental steps to ensuring that your pets live a long and healthy life. However, deciding on the best types of food for your dog can be quite a challenge. Much the same as CBD oil for pets, a popular trend in raw food diets.

Potential benefits and risks of a raw dog food diet

A Brief History of the Raw Dog Food Diet

In 1993, Ian Billinghurst, an Australian veterinarian, was one of the key early proponents of raw food for dogs. He lobbied that domestic dogs could also benefit from raw diets same as with sled dogs and racing greyhounds. Billinghurst pointed out that, from an evolutionary standpoint, dogs would thrive on raw, meaty bones, and vegetable scraps. These are all food items they used to live on before being domesticated. He noted that grain-based commercial pet products posed a threat to dogs' health.

The publishing of Billinghurst's book, Give Your Dog a Bone, gave impetus to the introduction of new types of raw dog diets. This includes frozen or freeze-dried commercially processed food diets and combination diets that mix raw meat with a blend of vegetables, grains, and vitamins.

What is a raw dog food diet?

Generally, a raw dog food diet comprises of:

- Muscle and organ meat

- Eggs

- Bones

- Yogurt

- Apples and other fruits

- Spinach, celery, and broccoli

- Chicken hearts

Potential benefits of a raw dog food diet

Proponents of raw diets for dogs report seeing the following positive changes in their pets:

- Shinier coats

- Boosted energy levels

- Better breath and cleaner teeth

- Smaller stools

- Healthier skin

Critics of raw food for dogs argue that the reason behind the shinier coats is the high-fat content in raw meats. There are supplements and high-fat commercial food products that produce similar effects while ensuring a balanced diet. An extremely low-fat diet leads to a dull dandruffy coat while consuming too much fat without enough protein can lead to mild anemia.

Potential risks of a raw dog food diet

For people who feed their pets manufactured dog food products, the risks of raw food diets far outweigh the benefits they bring. Here are some of the potential risks of raw food diets:

- Risk to both dog and human health due to the bacteria found in raw meat.

- The risk of choking on whole bones, breaking teeth, or suffering an internal puncture.

- An unbalanced raw food diet can put the dog's health at risk if given for extended periods.

- An excessive intake of Vitamin from eating too much liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity.

- The risk of puppies not getting enough phosphorus and calcium, both of which are essential for healthy bones.

Researchers advocating for raw food diets for dogs claim that even though exposure to bacteria is a lingering risk, E.coli is also present in processed foods. Thus, it is up to moms and dads to decide.

The cost of a raw food diet for dogs

How much it will cost you to put your dog on a raw food diet will vary depending on the ingredients and preparation. For example, for a 60-pound dog, it will cost you about $5 for a one-day supply of one variety of a frozen, commercially available raw chicken diet, but it may also cost you up to $10. A super-premium commercial dry dog food will cost you around $2 per day. Keep in mind that you also have to factor in the costs of vitamins and supplements in the overall costs of any diet for dogs.

Many pet owners also include healthcare for their pooches when determining the overall costs. If you've determined that feeding your dog a raw food diet will keep her healthier, you can expect to pay less in terms of veterinary care over the life of your pet than you would if you fed your pet commercially processed dog food products. Some people are more concerned about short-term savings and would rather not worry about future food-related health care costs.

What to do if you don't want raw or commercial foods

If you think that both commercial and raw food diets aren't good for your dog, you can consider a cooked homemade diet designed by an American College of Veterinary Nutrition-certified nutritionist. This not only helps to minimize the risk of bacteria but also vitamin imbalance.