Feeding raw dog food diets are very controversial. While some people think this is the way dogs were meant to eat before dogs became pets, others think that as domestic pets and members of our families, scientifically formulated and commercially manufactured dry dog food is the best and safest diet for our four-legged fur balls. Do your homework into raw food diets for dogs and thoroughly research the information on the net so you can draw your own conclusion about whether this diet lives up to the hype and is worth the time, effort and risk to feed to your pet.
A raw dog food diet emphasizes uncooked meat (often muscle and organ meat), whole or crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, raw eggs and some dairy.
Raw diets started with racing greyhounds and sled dogs. In 1993, Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst proposed extending the diet to family dogs. He called this the “BARF diet” for dogs, which stands for Bones and Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. Billinghurst suggested dogs would flourish on BARF dog food since this is how they ate prior to being domesticated. He also argued that commercial pet foods were harmful to the health of dogs. However, most veterinarians and the Food and Drug Administration disagree with Billinghurst’s views.
Before feeding pets a raw food diet, it is crucial to weigh all the facts in order to make an informed decision. We encourage pet owners to ask your veterinary team for advice before adopting a raw diet for their pet. The following infographics poster highlights the 5 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE FEEDING A RAW DIET TO YOUR PETS.