For years, commercial pet foods have always been the go-to for pet owners. However, in recent times, feeding pets a raw food diet has become a popular alternative. As pet owners become better informed on pet food nutrition, many are seeking for a more natural diet instead of traditional kibbles and wet canned food. But what exactly is a raw diet, and why are so many pawrents making the switch?
What is a Raw Diet?
As the name suggests, a raw diet consists of raw and uncooked ingredients. This includes ingredients like meats, bones, fruits, vegetables and sometimes dairy products. The concept is to replicate the natural diet of our pets’ undomesticated ancestors, providing a more natural and nutrient-rich meal.
Benefits of a Raw Diet
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Improved Immune Function
A raw diet is free from artificial preservatives and additives that are found in usual commercial pet foods. Raw meats and bones will provide the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals that supports and ensures optimal immune function for your furry pals. On top of that, raw foods are naturally rich in moisture, enhancing hydration for your pets.
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Improved Digestive Health
An improved digestive system is perhaps the most prominent reason why pet owners are choosing raw over commercial. Its natural and unprocessed ingredients contain enzymes and beneficial bacteria that aids in the breakdown absorption of nutrients. Commercial pet food often includes grains, artificial additives and common fillers that can be difficult for pets to digest. By excluding these irritants, gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, gas and bloating can be avoided.
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Enhanced Dental Health
Raw meaty bones provide a natural way to keep your pets’ dental health in check. The chewing and gnawing action required to eat these raw meaty bones creates a scrubbing and flossing action for their teeth. It helps to scrape away plaque and tartar, reducing the likelihood of dental issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Additionally, the gnawing offers mental stimulation and caters to their natural chewing instincts, enhancing their overall well-being.
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Healthier Skin & Coat
Raw diets contain essential Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids which are vital in maintaining a healthy skin and coat in pets. By excluding additives, fillers and common allergens found in commercial pet foods, raw diets are less likely to trigger skin issues in some pets. Many pet owners observed a reduction in problems like dryness, itching, excessive shedding and other skin allergies after choosing raw diets for their pets.
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Weight Management
A raw diet is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates compared to commercial pet food. Having a diet with higher protein content helps prevent your pets from overeating by keeping them feeling full for longer periods of time. Also, with lower carbohydrates present, it prevents high blood sugar levels and weight gain.
Opting for a raw diet sure does come with numerous benefits for your pets, but it also comes with certain disadvantages.
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Risk of Contamination
Raw meats are prone to contamination which can pose a serious health risk to your pets and yourself. Pet owners should always follow the proper storage and handling guidelines to reduce the likelihood of contamination.
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Risk of Nutritional Gaps
With home-prepared raw diet meals, it is critical to ensure that meals formulated are complete and balanced for your pets. To achieve this, it is important to consult an expert in animal nutrition to ensure that the diet is safe and your pets get all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
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Cost and convenience
Raw meals require extra preparation time, unlike the convenience of kibbles and wet canned food. Raw meats have to be stored in the freezer and thawed before serving it up to your pets. Furthermore, raw meals with high quality ingredients can be quite costly.
With the growing interest in pet nutrition, it's no surprise that many pet owners are now opting for a raw diet over commercial options. If you’ve done your research and are considering this switch for your pets, remember that a diet transition needs to be a slow and gradual process to prevent any potential adverse effects.
If you don’t already know, here at Polypet, we offer a wide range of frozen raw pet food brands like Petcubes, Naturedog, The Grateful Pet, Underdog and many more!
