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Making the dog take raw food is great since it will provide all the essential nutrients to your furry friend as per his size and weight.
However, it involves a lot of planning and information on various foods that are required to ensure that the canine receives all the nutrients required by his or her body. With this blog, you will learn how to feed your dog raw, from the fundamentals to how it works, its advantages, drawbacks, and guidelines on the process.
Is a Raw Diet Worth it for Dogs?
Yes, a raw diet has many benefits for dogs. Raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables are included in the diet. Many dogs that eat a raw diet have more energy and produce fewer feces. However, to guarantee an adequate diet, careful planning is necessary. Additionally, there’s a chance of bacterial infection and imbalanced meals if you provide a raw diet to your pet dog.
The Basics of Homemade Raw Dog Food
When preparing your dog for a raw diet, there is a need to ensure that your dog gets all his nutrient needs as per its size in a single sitting.
Ideally the meat and offal should be 60-80 %, vegetables 10-30% while bones should only be 10%. But, these proportions may differ with the age, size, activity level, and general health conditions of your dog. It is also advisable to consult a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to help him or her develop a dog’s feeding schedule.
When purchasing meat and offal, use different types of meat like chicken, beef, turkey, and fish to increase the diversity of protein sources. It may require addition of various organs like liver and kidney in order to provide necessary vitamins and minerals.
Carrots, spinach, broccoli and other vegetables are equally good for adding fiber, vitamins and antioxidants to the diet. Bones, if given raw and those containing some meat on them, are good sources of calcium and enhance dental health.
Preparing homemade raw dog food can be both affordable and beneficial for your dog’s long-term health, provided it is done correctly and thoughtfully.
Benefits of a Raw Diet for Dogs
- Improved Digestion: Raw diets may help improve digestion and smaller, firmer stools in dogs.
- Enhanced Coat Condition: It is found that due to this meal, dogs have a shinier coat and have also observed better skin health.
- Increased Energy Levels: The dogs may also become more energetic and get engaged in activities that they may not have been doing previously.
- Better Dental Health:Eating raw bones is also very beneficial for the dog’s dental health, specifically for getting rid of the tartar.
- Weight Management: Raw diet is beneficial for dogs in preventing cases of obesity due to its high protein content and low levels of carbohydrates.
Potential Risks of a Raw Diet for Dogs
- Bacterial Contamination: While consuming raw meat, your dog is exposed to the possibility of getting infected with Salmonella or E-coli.
- Nutritional Imbalance: Raw diets can be nutritionally deficient if not well-planned for as per the pet’s body weight and age.
- Choking Hazards: Bones are not safe if they are not properly sized or are not chewed well before swallowing.
- Transition Issues: Some of the dogs may develop gastrointestinal issues when they are fed raw foods.
Tips to Create a Balanced Raw Diet for Your Pet Dog
Consult Your Veterinarian
Always seek your vet’s permission before changing your dog’s diet, since a raw diet might be ideal for your pet.
Calculate Nutritional Needs
Consult your vet to find out the number of calories and nutrients your dog needs to consume on a daily basis, depending on age, weight, breed, and activity level.
Select Quality Ingredients
Make sure that you use fresh and quality ingredients for your meals. Stay away from meats that are processed, cured, or smoked.
Balance the Diet
Protein: Should constitute 70 – 80 percent of the diet. It is advisable to incorporate a range of muscle meat and organs into your diet.
Fat: Fats are an important nutrient and should be consumed in the range of 10-20%. The best sources include fatty cuts of meat and fish oil.
Carbohydrates: Although not necessary, 5-10 % of vegetables and fruits offer more nutrients and fiber to the diet.
Incorporate Bones Safely
Give your dog raw, meaty bones which should not be too big for the size of your dog since they may choke on large bones.
Supplement Wisely
Add essential supplements to the balanced diet, like fish oil, multivitamins, and probiotics. VetGen Pharmaceuticals offers premium natural supplements to enhance your canine health.
Prepare and Store Properly
It is important to be careful when handling raw meat so as to reduce instances of contamination. Divide leftover meals into portions appropriate for a day’s feeding and store them in the refrigerator.
Transition Gradually
Gradually accustom the raw diet to lessen the chances of upsetting the dog’s stomach. Begin with a little amount and build up over the course of one or two weeks.
Simple Recipe for How to Prepare Raw Dog Food
Here’s an example of a balanced raw diet plan for a 50-pound adult dog:
Ingredients –
- 200g of chicken breast, which consists of lean muscle meat
- 50 grams of chicken liver
- 1 raw egg (extra advantages in the form of protein and nutrients)
- A few pieces of chopped spinach and carrots (vegetables)
How to make –
- The meat should be chopped into small pieces.
- Roughly cut the veggies.
- Mix the meat, chicken necks, vegetables, and beef liver in a large bowl.
- Stir moderately so that the mixture is well blended and all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Finally, divide the mixture into smaller portions for your meal and freeze.
- You can also freeze a piece before serving by placing it in the refrigerator for several hours or even a whole night.
Conclusion
To prepare a raw balanced diet for your dog, then you must make proper planning and consult the vet to ensure that your pet gets all the necessary nutrients. Some of the benefits that could be associated with the benefits include digestion health, coat health and also dental health. However, there are certain risks associated with this; for example, bacterial contamination and the possibility of an improper nutrient ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to Make Raw Dog Food Balanced?
You can make raw dog food by adding raw meat, bones, organ meats and a few fruits and vegetables. It is advised to seek advice from a vet to ensure that all the nutrients are included.
2. How to Feed Your Dog a Balanced Raw Food Diet?
Feed your dog a balanced raw food diet by offering diverse ingredients: meat, organs, bones and vegetables. Proper ratios and regular checkups are crucial for your dog
3. How to Start a Dog on a Raw Diet?
Begin a dog’s raw diet by gradually adding raw meat and bones. Replace one meal every day with raw foods, gradually increasing the quantity. Monitor your dog’s reaction and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a seamless transition.
4. What Should a Dog's Raw Diet Consist Of?
A dog’s raw diet should be composed of 80% meat, 10% bones, 5% liver, and 5% other organs. Add a tiny amount of fruits and veggies for extra nutrition. Maintain diversity and contact a veterinarian for a well-balanced diet.
