Raw Food Diet for Your Dog There is currently a difference in opinion as to how to feed your dog among many pet owners and vets. The “Raw Food” or “Barf” (bones and raw food) diet or processed food… dry or wet. This article will examine both sides of the issue so that you can better decide what to do for your pet. The proponents of raw feeding as promoted by Dr. Ian Billinghurst in his writings and on the internet suggest that because dogs are carnivores a diet of raw meat, bones, and organs is best for them. They suggest that the raw food diet promotes better dental health involving clean teeth and healthy gums. There is also the theory that better dental health and clean teeth improve the dogs breath. The raw food proponents also feel the digestive system of the dog is best suited for raw foods and bones, as opposed to highly processed food, resulting in better stools and nutrition. Highly processed food can lose many of its nutrients and those replaced by manufacturers of processed food may leave the dog lacking nutrition. There is the possibility that parasites and or bacteria can be a problem with feeding raw meat. These can affect the animal and may even in some cases, be spread to their human companions. Proponents of raw feeding point out that in their opinion the risk is slight if the meat is good quality. The enzymes in the relatively short digestive track of dogs permit them to handle harmful bacteria before it causes problems. Parasites can be controlled but not entirely eliminated by freezing the meat before feeding. Opponents to raw feeding state that a nutritional balance can only be achieved with a processed food diet. Studies have shown that, over time, and with a variety of meats being used the nutrition of the raw diet can be essentially the same as the processed food diet. After the 2007 massive pet food recall, interest in raw feeding took off. As a result commercial raw food became available and as it was usually sold frozen, parasites and bacteria could be controlled. The veterinary community warned that these could be a risk to the animal and the pet owners. There is some feeling that their position is influenced by the fact that many vets sell processed dog foods in their practices. The pet food industry is closely tied to the veterinary profession through academic training and support of professional organizations. An unbiased opinion is difficult to obtain. Now you have a definite choice when considering how to feed your canine companion for a long and healthy life. Raw food diet or processed dog food…the choice is yours. You can read more about this subject in Dr. Billinghurst book, “Give Your Dog a Bone…the practical common sense way to feed dogs for a healthy life.” Share and Enjoy: