Blog The benefits of feeding raw
The benefits of feeding your pet a truly raw diet.
Kibble may be the most commonly known option when it comes to food that pet owners reach for, but that does not mean that it’s the best choice. Just as a fresh food diet is best for our health, the same is true for our four-legged friends. Feeding your dogs a raw diet is the best option to enable them to be their healthiest selves.
A raw diet for dogs consists primarily of raw meat, bones, and organs, as well as vegetables, fruits, and other whole foods. This type of diet is often referred to as a biologically appropriate diet or a species-appropriate diet because it is designed to mimic the diet that dogs would naturally consume in the wild. To us, a truly raw diet has to be balanced over time and contain a variety of protein sources that you rotate throughout your week.
As pet owners become increasingly conscious of what they are feeding their pets, they are turning away from highly processed kibble and canned food as they learn the benefits of feeding a fresh, raw diet.
Better digestive health and improved nutrient absorption.
Dogs’ bodies are built to handle raw meat, organs, and even certain bones; it’s actually easier for them to digest than highly processed pet food made with fillers and poor-quality ingredients. Making the switch to a raw diet reduces the likelihood of unpleasant digestive issues like constipation, excessive gas, and diarrhea. While it may take a bit of time for our dog’s digestive systems to adjust back to their ancestral diet, once they’ve made the switch their bodies will thank you for it.
Normal stools.
Similar to humans, the state of your dog’s poop can be a great indication of their health. With a raw diet, you are much more likely to see healthy number twos when you take your dog for their walks. Because raw food is more easily digested than processed foods, your dog’s body will absorb more nutrients from an all-natural, raw diet. This should result in smaller, firmer, less frequent stools that aren’t nearly as smelly. Imagine picking up less poop every day!
Supports a healthy weight.
Unfortunately, pet obesity has reached massive proportions, with 50-60% of dogs and cats being overweight to obese. This has far-reaching negative effects on our pets’ health. Obesity can cause arthritis, diabetes, heart conditions, renal disease, neoplasia, and shortened life span. Many overweight pets struggle to lose weight on a carbohydrate-laden kibble diet, even when free-feeding, over feeding, and treats are stopped. Made with all-natural products—real food—a truly raw diet is generally lower in carbohydrates, higher in protein and essential nutrients, and all around better for your pet than kibble. Think of a raw diet like a human diet that is full of healthy proteins, whole fruits and vegetables, and vitamins and minerals that your body needs…and then think of kibble as fast food, prioritizing convenience over quality and lacking in nutritional value. Which would you choose for yourself when you’re trying to achieve and maintain your healthiest body?
Alternatively, skinny dogs who are “hard keepers” on kibble tend to gain and maintain a healthy weight on higher-fat raw diets. A modified raw diet can provide the healthy raw fats, vitamins, and minerals that a hard keeper’s body craves to fulfill their high metabolism.
Reduced risk of allergies and food sensitivities.
Many dogs are allergic or sensitive to the fillers, excess grains, and artificial additives that are commonly found in kibble. With highly processed kibble, you can’t always be sure what exactly is in the food that you’re feeding your dog. This exposes them to greater risk of potential allergic reactions to contaminants and mystery ingredients. With a Truly Raw diet, you greatly reduce this risk. It’s also much easier to accomplish a proper elimination diet to identify trigger foods with a raw diet. Take control of your pet’s diet and health by feeding truly raw with whole, fresh foods.
Increased energy, less hyperactivity, and happier pets.
High-quality protein and nutrient-dense whole foods fuel our pets’ bodies, giving many pets bigger stores of energy to keep them feeling good and active for longer. Because raw meat, bones, and other natural ingredients are more easily broken down and absorbed by your dog’s digestive system, your dog’s body can use the nutrients and energy from raw foods more efficiently. In contrast, excessively hyperactive pets may experience a calmer and more satisfied state of mind on a raw diet, as sugar and artificial colors from processed foods are removed from their diet. Either way, a well-nourished pet is a happier pet.
Shinier coat and healthier skin.
Have you ever noticed a dullness to your dog’s coat? Or maybe even little flakes of skin in their fur that look like dandruff? Poor skin and coat health can have many potential causes, however many pet parents report an improvement in their pet’s skin and coat when switching to raw. By feeding them a raw diet that is free from artificial ingredients or hidden additives that their bodies may not tolerate, you’re giving your dogs the essential fatty acids and nutrients they need to have healthy skin and a sleek, shiny coat of fur.
Stronger immune system.
Just as a healthy diet supports stronger immune systems in humans, keeping us healthier for longer, the same is true for our pets. A large contributor to the immune system is the gut microbiome. Studies show that a raw diet promotes a more balanced microbiome in comparison to an extruded kibble diet. The essential vitamins and minerals that a truly raw diet provides can help nourish your dog’s microbiome and immune system, helping them to fight off diseases and infections more easily.
Improved dental health.
Eating raw food, especially raw meaty bones, can help improve the health of your dog’s mouth by removing plaque and tartar from their teeth and gums, and reducing the risk of dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay by reducing dietary sugar. However, dental health is also influenced by other factors such as genetics. While many pet owners report clean teeth on a raw diet, some dogs will still need regular brushing and dental care.
How to make the switch from kibble to raw.
Changing your pet’s diet from off-the-shelf kibble to a truly raw diet can be intimidating, especially if you’ve had no experience with raw food in the past. We’ve put together tons of resources – including a Feeding Guide – to help make the transition as easy as possible for all of our customers. And if you’re still not sure where to start, or get stuck somewhere along the way, our customer service team is eager to help.