Raw feeding has gained momentum in popularity in recent years, although the theory has been around for quite some time. Just as we need a balanced, nutritious diet, so do our pets. Not only will they be happier, you’ll also notice a number of benefits as the owner.
Australian Vet Ian Billinghurst proposed the idea of raw feeding, with his BARF diet (Bones and Raw Food diet). This idea was based around the idea of feeding 60% raw, meaty bones and the balance of the diet being a wide variety of food including vegetables, grains and legumes.
Superior Bone & Joint Health
A quality raw diet will provide the anti-inflammatory properties that your pet needs for bone and joint health. Raw bones are a source of calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, collagen and marrow. If your pet suffers from sore and painful joints, omega oils are also great to help ease their pain.
Strengthened Immune system
Just like us humans, having a balanced diet that is full of natural, healthy foods play a big part in having a strong immune system. When using a raw food diet for your pet– including meat, fruit and vegetables and superfoods – you’re feeding them natural immune boosting ingredients, giving them the best possible chance to fight off infections.
Better Digestion
Commercially made pet food often contain a lot of filler ingredients, including carbohydrates, which are harder for the stomach to digest. With a raw diet, you are providing you pet with all the goodness that it needs and nothing else. Their digestive system will absorb and utilise much more of what you feed them meaning less easier digestion for them and less to come out the other end!
Better Dental Hygiene & Stronger Teeth
Gnawing away on bones is probably the closest you’re going to get to having your pet brush their teeth. The way they gnaw and chew on these bones (the teeth and jaw movements) act as a scrubbing and flossing action to help get into those hard-to-reach places and remove food and plaque. This will drastically reduce the chances of dental issues and improve your pets breathe!
Shinier, Softer Coat & Healthier Skin
Not many people realise the vital role your pets coat and skin play in their health. Yes, it’s nice to have a soft, fluffy coat but they also provide protection, immunity, thermoregulation, hydration and nutrient storage, so it’s important to look after them!
A raw diet contains all the ingredients needed to support good skin and coat health for your pet. Diets that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed), Linoleic acid (foys, flaxseed and other nuts), Zinc (meat, broccoli, eggs) and vitamins (fruit and vegetables) are the best way to ensure a healthy coat.
Reduced Allergies & Intolerance
Over recent years, there has been an increase in dogs and pets suffering from allergies. And, again, much like us humans, diet plays a bit part in this. Certain foods, especially those made using fillers and preservatives, can trigger allergies.
By feeding your pet a raw diet, you can try to eliminate what could be causing their allergies and intolerances. A raw diet will help to rebalance their immune system and can have a big impact on their overall health and wellbeing.
Weight Control
It’s very common for pets to be overweight these days and once they are overweight, it can be hard to take action and get your pet back to a healthy weight. When raw feeding, you’re able to control the amount of fat intake for your pet which, of course, means you are better able to control their weight.
Stabilized Energy Levels
All the extra, non-raw ingredients that are added to standard, off-the-shelf pet food can really affect your dog’s energy levels. You’ll notice their energy spikes and dips from these added ingredients.
A raw diet offers all the macronutrients they need to sustain their energy levels. Fats and proteins are the most effective sources of energy. So, when you include these in their diet daily, you’ll notice a dramatic increase in their energy levels over time.