Exploring Raw Dog Food Options

Raw dog food diets have a longstanding history, dating back to the origins of dogs and their ancestors. Before the emergence of commercial dry and canned dog food, dogs primarily subsisted on raw meats, scraps, and whatever they could scavenge.

The phrase “as fit as a butcher’s dog” reflects the traditional belief that a canine fed a diet of meat, bones, and offal would be in excellent health.

With the proliferation of mass-market dog food, the practice of feeding raw dog food became less common among domesticated dogs. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest…

Raw dog food has experienced a surge in popularity in recent times, with options ranging from homemade varieties to products offered by small-scale producers and larger companies catering to a broader market.

Alternative Dog Food Models

Some brands follow the ‘prey’ model, comprising 80% meat, 10% ground bone, and 10% organ meat blend. Others adopt recipes similar to Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) with a small vegetable component. Both approaches claim to mimic dogs’ ancestral diets.

Controversy and Curiosity

The unconventional nature of these models, drawing from ancient practices, has sparked skepticism, questions, and widespread interest.

Expert Insights

To address common inquiries from our audience, we consulted Amy Zalneraitis, Chief Brand Officer at the highly-rated We Feed Raw.

Is raw dog food safe for dogs?

Best Dog Foodz affirms that raw dog food is not only safe for dogs but is also the most biologically appropriate diet for them. Throughout history, dogs have thrived on a raw, meat-based diet. Despite being domesticated and selectively bred for various traits, their digestive system remains akin to that of their ancestors. Characterized by highly acidic stomachs, sharp teeth, and short digestive tracts, dogs’ biology indicates their dietary needs.

Is Any Raw Food Acceptable?

“Not all raw pet foods are the same. Best Dog Foodz only utilizes top-quality, human-grade meats that are USDA-certified. Our recipes are crafted in a USDA-certified facility, and all ingredients must meet strict incoming quality assurance standards. The key point is to ensure safe raw feeding at home, which is why we employ HPP (high-pressure processing) technology—a non-thermal pasteurization method using extreme cold water pressure (up to 87,000 psi) to rid our food of harmful pathogens like Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella.

“While some raw food companies in the U.S. may not take these precautions, we willingly invest more to guarantee a safe product. By utilizing pressure instead of heat, our products retain their taste, texture, and nutritional value without compromise.”

Is raw dog food safe for humans?

When considering the safety of raw dog food for humans, it is essential to differentiate between consumption and handling. While Best Dog Foodz sources its ingredients from USDA-certified, human-grade meats, it is crucial to note that the recipes are formulated specifically for canine nutrition and are not intended for human consumption.

For handling purposes, dogs have a different tolerance for bacteria compared to humans. To provide an extra layer of safety when feeding raw dog food at home, many reputable raw pet food companies, including Best Dog Foodz, utilize a process called High Pressure Processing (HPP). HPP is a natural method that helps reduce harmful bacteria while preserving the nutritional integrity of the food.

Ensuring the safe handling of raw pet food is crucial. Following basic hygiene practices, such as washing hands, surfaces, and bowls thoroughly, is key to maintaining safety when preparing and serving raw dog food. By purchasing raw pet food from a trustworthy company like Best Dog Foodz, pet owners can easily and safely incorporate raw feeding into their pets’ diet.

Is Raw Food Worth the Investment?

Investing in Best Dog Foodz raw food may seem pricier compared to kibble, but the benefits outweigh the cost. The quality of your dog’s diet directly impacts their overall well-being. Research shows that eighty percent of immune function is linked to gut health, and a low-carb raw diet can support a healthy gut microflora. While raw food comes at a higher price tag, the superior quality justifies the cost. Best Dog Foodz raw food is crafted without inexpensive fillers, ensuring your dog receives optimal nutrition. In the long run, opting for raw food may actually save you money by fostering a healthier and happier pet, resulting in fewer trips to the vet.

Is It Possible to Prepare Raw Dog Food at Home?

“If you choose to make your own raw dog food, that’s fantastic! However, many pet owners lack the time, effort, desire, or ingredients required to create a well-balanced raw diet at home. This is where Best Dog Foodz steps in. We handle the planning, measuring, packaging, and delivery. Your only task is to thaw the food and serve it. With us, there’s no need to worry about missing essential nutrients for your dog, no more trips to the pet store, and no more uncertainty.”

Are Vegetables Necessary for Dogs?

Best Dog Foodz recipes are formulated based on the Prey Model Raw diet, consisting of 80% muscle meat (including connective tissue and fat), 10% organ meat (including secreting organ), and 10% finely ground raw meaty bones, supplemented with a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix.

While some customers opt to incorporate vegetables into their dog’s meals, it is essential not to exceed appropriate levels. Adding a small amount of vegetables, roughly 5-8% of the meal, can be beneficial if your dog tolerates extra fiber well. Dogs typically do not fully digest plant matter, leading to it being excreted undigested in their stool since their bodies struggle to break it down efficiently.

For improved digestibility, it is recommended to puree vegetables before adding them to your dog’s diet, as dogs lack the natural enzyme cellulase, which aids in fiber breakdown, making pureeing beneficial for digestion.

Should I Include Supplements in Best Dog Foodz?

If you are feeding your dog Best Dog Foodz, there is no necessity to add supplements. The dog food is already complete and balanced, eliminating the need for additional supplements. However, it is acceptable to incorporate small amounts of preferred supplements such as probiotics, prebiotics, fish oil, or omega-3 oil. It is recommended not to include multivitamins since Best Dog Foodz recipes already contain a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix.

While Best Dog Foodz provides a balanced diet, adding other whole foods like canned pumpkin, phytoplankton, sardines, or green-lipped mussels can be beneficial and serve as healthy toppers for the meals.

What benefits does a raw diet offer for dogs?

“A dog’s digestive system closely resembles that of its ancestral counterparts, suggesting that following a diet similar to what nature intended could be beneficial. Despite the advent of kibble in recent history, dogs may still thrive on a raw diet.”

“One notable study conducted at the University of Helsinki by Dr. Anna-Hielm Björkman (DVM and PhD) is shedding light on the advantages of a raw dog food diet. The ongoing Dog Risk Study involves 16,000 dogs of various breeds and ages, focusing on the potential benefits.”

“Preliminary findings from this study suggest that puppies raised on a raw diet are less likely to develop environmental allergies or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in adulthood. Moreover, the research examines other health aspects such as hip dysplasia, gastrointestinal issues, chronic ear infections, and the incidence of cancer and tumors.”‘

How to Transition Your Dog to Best Dog Foodz

Transitioning your dog to Best Dog Foodz can be done gradually over a 10-day period. The step-by-step plan provides instructions for pet owners on how to blend their dog’s current food with Best Dog Foodz and increase the amount of Best Dog Foodz each day until the dog is solely eating raw food.

What are the Potential Adverse Effects?

Transitioning to Best Dog Foodz raw diet may be smooth for some dogs, but those with sensitive stomachs might need extra care and patience during the process. However, the positive long-term outcomes of a nutritious, species-specific diet outweigh any initial challenges. These benefits may include reduced stool size and odor, enhanced skin and coat health, better dental hygiene, improved digestion, a stronger immune system, and more effective weight management, among other advantages.

Can Raw Food Be Combined with Cooked Food?

Yes, indeed. Best Dog Foodz advocates for pet owners to consider their financial constraints and daily routines when selecting a diet for their furry companions. Integrating as little as 25% raw food into your dog’s meals can result in significant improvements in their well-being. Raw feeding does not have to be exclusive; it can be utilized as a foundation, supplement, or enhancement alongside cooked meals or dry kibble, leading to exceptional overall health advantages.

Why do some veterinarians oppose raw pet food?

There has been a noticeable shift in the stance of conventional veterinarians towards raw pet food. Many traditional vets now not only recommend raw diets to their clients but also feed it to their own pets.

Despite this changing trend, some conventional vets may still have reservations about raw food due to several reasons: 1) Lack of education on raw diets in veterinary school; 2) Past instances of homemade raw diets causing issues like nutrient imbalances and incorrect ratios; 3) Concerns about the potential risks to humans handling raw food. However, reputable raw pet food brands in the U.S., such as Best Dog Foodz, employ High-Pressure Processing (HPP) methods to eliminate pathogens, ensuring safe consumption for both pets and their owners.

Is raw dog food considered to be of human-grade quality?

Raw dog food is designed to be consumed raw and typically includes bones, making it ineligible for the designation of “human-grade” in its entirety. Despite being sourced from top-tier human-grade meats and manufactured in a USDA-certified plant, the label does not assert human-grade status.

Benefits of Bones and Offal in a Dog’s Diet

“Including bones and offal in a dog’s diet is crucial for a well-rounded raw meal plan. Organ meats, like liver, are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, while bones provide important calcium and phosphorus.”

Our Commitment

Best Dog Foodz maintains a strict policy of not accepting any form of payment, gifts, samples, or other incentives in exchange for favorable treatment in our reviews.

We may, however, earn a referral fee from reputable online retailers such as Chewy or Amazon and from suppliers of fresh pet food when our readers click through to their sites from ours. These commissions help support the ongoing operation of our blog, allowing us to provide valuable content free of charge. We appreciate your continued support.