Feeding a raw diet to dogs should be looked upon as a worthwhile venture instead of a hassle. There are many reasons why it’s beneficial to switch, not the least of which is the fact that dogs thrive on a raw food diet. It’s ideal for all dogs and especially for older dogs, those with health issues, or dogs who have a poor appetite.
Raw diets contain more enzymes and antioxidants, which help to protect our dogs from illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, allergies and autoimmune diseases. Dogs fed a raw diet are less likely to develop food allergies, and if they do, it will be much easier for their bodies to heal and for them to recover.
Keep in mind that you can’t just simply give any raw food to your dog, and it’s important to make the switch properly so your dog doesn’t end up with nutritional deficiencies. Here are some essential facts to know about transitioning your fur baby to a raw diet:
Tip #1: Be Sure to Balance the Fat and Protein Content
credits to The Balanced Canine Sydney
The key to success when feeding a raw diet is to make sure you feed the correct amount of protein and fat for the dog’s condition, size and energy level.
When transitioning to a raw diet, consider the amount of meat that is in the can or bag of kibble you are replacing. If you’re feeding a 27 kilograms dog, find out what brands are feeding a 27 kilograms dog and look at the percentages of protein, fat, and bone. If you feed the same amount of the raw diet, you’re going to be adding way too much protein.
As a general rule of thumb, the fat content should be between 10 to 20 per cent, so the foundation will mostly centre on protein-rich foods.
Tip #2: Be Sure to Consider the Appropriate Calcium and Mineral Content
When transitioning to a raw diet, you also need to focus on a healthy balance of calcium and minerals. The high amount of bone and calcium in a raw diet can lead to too much calcium and too much phosphorus, which can be very harmful to your dog’s health.
With that in mind, 10 to 15 per cent of your canine buddy’s raw diet needs to be bone. As for puppies, they’ll need higher amounts between 12 to 15 per cent. If your furry friend struggles to eat bones, then you can use eggshell powder as an alternative.
Tip #3: Don’t Forget About the Organ Meats
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids fight inflammation, and many dogs are deficient in Omega 3. This is where organ meats come in. Organ meats are loaded with anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for dogs with arthritis and our senior canines.
Tip #4: Add Vegetables to Boost Your Fur Baby’s Immune System
Adding vegetables to your dog’s raw diet is one of the best ways to cleanse the body. Vegetables are the “cleanest” of the food groups, and you won’t need to worry about adding supplements to balance the diet.
The Bottom Line: Important Things to Know When Transitioning Your Furry Friend to a Raw Diet
There are many benefits to feeding a raw diet to dogs, and there are many ways that this form of diet can improve the well-being of your dog. However, before you try switching over to raw, there are a few things to keep in mind.
You may even end up making mistakes and will have to tweak the balance or the food you’re feeding. It’s not the end of the world, though. It’s all part of the learning process. The most important thing to remember is to never put your dog’s health at risk.
How Can We Help You?
If you’re thinking of giving your puppy a dog present box for Christmas, Frankie Loves Bakery is here to help. We offer raw dog food in Perth and healthy treats handmade dog accessories and lovingly made in Australia.
Of course, we only use the best natural ingredients, so it’s kind to your puppy’s tummy. Check out our puppy goods today!
Frankie Loves