What is Raw Feeding?

Have you heard people talking about raw feeding and raw food diets for pets and wondered what it’s all about? Some would say it’s a controversial topic, but you simply need to look at the benefits of a raw food diet for your pet and the decide for yourself.

Now, before you go thinking it’s a matter of just feeding your pet some raw meat and you’re away, you need to look at it just the same as our own diets. As each animal is different, you need to work out your pets nutritional requirements and make sure the right balance of nutrients is achieved.

So, what does a raw feeding diet look like?

Typically, a raw diet means feeding uncooked meat, bones and organs as well as providing other natural components.

• Raw meat – sometimes still on the bone
• Bones – either whole or ground
• Organ meat – such as livers and kidneys
• Raw eggs
• Vegetables & fruit – this should be in moderation

Where did Raw Feeding originate?

Raw feeding has gained traction in the last few years, after originally being proposed by Australian Vet Ian Billinghurst in 1993. He proposed the BARF diet – Bones and Raw Food diet (since changed to Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) – which 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.

The concept of the diet is you’re trying to replicate what animals ate before becoming domesticated.

Why change to a raw feeding diet?

There are multiple benefits of changing your pets diet to one that is raw and follows the BARF concept. Not only are you emulating the diet and the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes that your pet would have naturally received if they lived in the wild, the health benefits are huge.

Commercial pet food is more often than not highly processed, where the vital nutrients are lost, and can be so full of fillers like grains and cereals that the actual meat content is much lower than you would think.

The health benefits include:

• Superior bone & joint health
• Strengthened immune system
• Better digestion (less waste coming out the other end!)
• Better dental hygiene and stronger teeth
• Shinier, softer coat & healthier skin

Other benefits you’ll likely experience:

• Reduced allergies and intolerance
• The ability to control weight with low fat options
• Stabilized energy levels

As you can see, offering a raw diet for your pet isn’t complicated, especially once you determine your pets nutritional requirements. And the benefits really do speak for themselves.

It is worth noting that there are potential risks that still come with offering a raw diet, so we always recommend people do their research before jumping in!
Some reported risks of raw feeding include bacterial contamination (for both the pet and owner), health risks based on an unbalanced diet (lack of research) and potential for choking, broken teeth or internal punctures from eating whole bones.

So, if you think you’re ready to jump on board with raw feeding, check out our wide range of food, treats, supplements and an extra natural environment our pet care products. If you still have questions or you’re unsure what your pet needs, get in touch today.