Raw food is a much more convenient option than feeding your dog kibble, especially if you have a fussy eater or live with other pets.
Instead of forcing your pup to chow down on bland, tasteless kibble, give them raw food instead. You can easily purchase raw dog food at any well-stocked supermarket; it's just that not many know about it.
Many different types of diets are available for dogs today; some are better than others, depending on your pup's individual situation and needs. Thankfully, more pet care experts are starting to catch on as well.
After all, raw dog food is the best way to feed your pup if they have sensitive stomachs or if they tend to become ill often from eating other foods. Here's everything you need to know about what raw dog foods are and which ones are the best options for your pet!
What is Raw Dog Food?
Raw dog food is a diet made from ingredients that are not processed and are unrefined, such as meat or fish. It's the best option for dogs with sensitive stomachs because it doesn't contain grains, gluten, soy, preservatives, and other chemicals.
In fact, raw dog food is actually the only thing that can be fed to a dog with a sensitive stomach; there are no other options. Feeding your pup this diet helps them recover faster when they get sick or maintain their health daily.
Types of Raw Dog Foods
There are plenty of options for raw dog food, but there are three basic categories:
Raw Meaty Bones (RMB): This option is a good option if your pup has a sensitive stomach or if they have a hard time digesting other foods.
Raw Meat and Vegetables (RMV): This option is great for dogs who are picky eaters. It includes meats like beef, chicken, and fish mixed with vegetables like peas, carrots, and green beans.
Raw Cooked Dog Foods (RCD): These options are the most common type of raw dog food. It includes ingredients that would be found in kibble, but it's cooked at a lower temperature so as not to destroy the nutritional value of the food completely. The downside to these types of raw dog foods is that they still don't contain much nutritional value for your pup; they're mostly just filler ingredients with little protein content.
Which Raw Dog Food Should You Feed?
Within the three categories, there are six types of raw dog food options you can feed your pup. They include raw meat, bone, and organ; holistic raw dog food, which is made from grains, vegetables, and fruits; raw fish or seafood-based diets; homemade raw dog food; and high-quality commercially prepared wet or dry kibble.
The best option depends on the individual needs of your pup. If they have a sensitive stomach or tend to become ill often due to eating other foods, then high-quality commercially prepared wet or dry kibble would be a good idea. If they eat well with other pets in the house or you want to give them a highly nutritious diet that has all their nutrients in one bowl, then holistic raw food would be the best choice for them. It's up to you to decide what's best for your pup!
Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Raw Diet for Dogs
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Raw Diet
Why is it Important for Dogs?
Dogs are carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive. While most people think dogs can and should eat a diet that is made up of kibble or canned food, a raw diet actually contains more nutrients for your pup. A raw diet is important for a few different reasons:
- Increased Nutrient Intake: Raw food contains more vitamins and minerals than kibble. Your dog will get all the necessary nutrients they need with this type of diet and won't have to rely on outside sources of nutrition.
- Digestion Difficulties: Raw food doesn't require as much chewing as other types of food, which makes it easier for your pup to digest. Additionally, some raw foods help regulate digestion issues such as gas and diarrhea, again making it easier for your pooch to digest their meal!
- Less Expensive: Kibble is often more expensive than raw food options because you have to feed them even when they aren't eating! Many times a raw diet is less expensive just because you don't have to break out a bag or can every time your pup needs something to eat!
- More Control: You know exactly what ingredients are in your pet's food; there's no guesswork involved! When you feed your pet with an expensive brand name, you don't know if the company uses quality ingredients or not.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Marie's Magical Dinner Dust
Protein Rich, Grain Free Dog & Puppy Food Topper – Cage-Free Chicken Recipe – 7 oz Bag
How to Make Raw Dog Food at Home
Raw dog food is just like raw food for humans. It consists of uncooked or unprocessed foods that are still in their original state. You can make your own raw food, but you'll need to know what ingredients to use and how long to cook them.
Raw meat, bones, and vegetables are the best ingredients for making a homemade raw meal for your pup. The cheapest way to prepare this treat is by cooking it in a crockpot on low heat for 6-8 hours. Another option is to freeze the serving you want to serve at a later date. Now that we have the basics down let's go over some of the best raw dog foods out there!
Conclusion
There are many options for choosing the best raw dog food for your pup. From the most affordable to the most premium option, it is important to find the right balance of quality ingredients. While there are many good options out there, you must choose one that will best suit your pup's individual needs.