Raw Food Diets

Trends and fads in diets have always garnered attention in the media and, at times, even sparked debates. Considering this, it was probably just a matter of time before pets got pulled into the fray.

Believe it or not, a major movement called feeding raw is becoming popular with pet owners across the country.

What is Feeding Raw?

Basically, this refers to a diet comprised entirely of natural foods. In other words, it excludes any kind of commercial pet food. For example, instead of a cup of kibble, you would serve your dog a raw egg or a piece of a (raw) chicken. The idea here is to mimic how an animal would eat in the wild. So instead of cooked and processed food, it would be food in its most natural form.

Is Feeding Raw Safe?

Not all pet owners and vets will support the feeding raw movement. There are several possible reasons for this. First, it can be a burden on your lifestyle and on your pocket. It's not always easy to find a supplier of chicken carcasses or organ meat, and it can be expensive to purchase these things. Obviously, buying pre-packaged foods is an easier and cheaper solution.

Next, some vets have a personal stake in the foods they offer. For example, they may earn a percentage on every bag of food they sell to their clients. In addition, since feeding raw is a relatively new trend, not all vets learn about it in their schooling.

But those who have jumped on the raw food bandwagon will be the first to tell you that most packaged pet food, even the "natural" brands, have altered ingredients and components that are unnecessary and potentially harmful to animals. For example, many claim that dogs and cats do not need to eat grains, fruits, or vegetables and, in fact, these ingredients may upset an animals' digestive system. They would go on to say that by following a raw food diet and controlling exactly what your animal eats you are bound to have a healthier, happier pet.

What are Benefits of a Raw Food Diet?