Many clients have been asking me for advice on what to feed their dogs. In my previous blog I discussed what to look for when choosing what brand of pellets to feed your dog. In this blog I will be looking at the very controversial “Raw” diet for dogs.
Despite being domesticated, our dogs are carnivores and are meant to eat a variety of meats. B.A.R.F (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) or Raw food diets are designed to mimic what our dogs would have naturally eaten in the “wild”. Carnivores are unable to break down complex carbohydrates and so they have no use for corn, wheat, soy, or grain which is the base ingredient for most dry and canned dog food.
Benefits of Raw:
- Healthy, shiny coat
- High energy levels
- Cleaner, healthier teeth
- Reduction in allergies and skin problems
Making your own
When feeding your dog, it is important to remember that an adult dog will need to eat just over 2% of its body weight per day (however each dog is different and some may need more/less than others). A skinny dog that needs to gain weight will need more, as will a puppy.
Your Raw food diet should consist of 75% – 80% meat and 20% – 25% vegetables.
Meat
Always use organic meat where possible and make sure all meat used is fit for human consumption. A Raw food diet should include plenty of Meaty Bones.
- Beef
- Chicken
- Offal
- Game Meat
- Duck
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Fish
Fruit and Vegetables
It is important to steam, chop or grind your fruit and veg as a dog’s digestive system can’t absorb the nutrients of raw fruit and veg.
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Sweet Potato
- Green Beans
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Squash
- Apples
- Pears
- Bananas
- Mangoes
- Watermelon
Do Not Use:
Grapes/raisins; onions or potatoes with skins; mushrooms; cucumbers; garlic; tomatoes; cabbage or peppers.
Other Foods to include:
- Plain Yoghurt
- Raw Eggs with shells
- Cottage cheese
- Bone Meal
- Sunflower seeds
- Kelp
Recommended Suppliers of Raw Food for pets:
Doggobone
021 704 6026
Doggychef
Raw Love
072 328 1253
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this blog is not intended to replace medical advice or direction obtained from a licensed veterinarian