Five Benefits and Risks of a Raw Food Diet in Dog

There was a controversy among the dog owners about giving raw food to their dogs. Some argue that just like humans, the canine will feel better by consuming all-natural foods. But others say raw food can lead our dog’s life to risk. For this reason, they prefer dry food for their dog.

Raw food comprises uncooked meat, bones, vegetables, fruits, raw eggs, and some dairy products. The idea of supplying raw foods begins in 1993 by the Australian veterinarian, Ian Billinghurst. He suggested that adult dogs would flourish by eating raw food since they ate those prior to being domesticated. He called raw food a BARF diet that stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food”. He also argued that those commercial foods available in the market are harmful to our dogs.

But what do our experts say? Let’s end this confusion about raw foods among the dog owners. In this article, we will discuss the potential benefits and risks of raw food in a dog’s diet.

Benefits of Raw Food

Ian Billinghurst and his supporters claim some potential benefits of the raw dog food diet. These include:

• Produce a higher level of energy
• Makes the coat smooth and shiny
• Cleans the teeth
• Increases the appetite
• Produce smaller stools

Other benefits of the raw food dog diet include healthier skin and a compact body. This also sharpens the teeth of your dog and doesn’t develop dental tartar.

Risks of Raw Food

Many veterinarians and nutritionists still disagree about the benefits of a raw food diet. There are several studies published in veterinary journals indicated the risks of supplying raw food to your dog. These include:

• This is nutritionally imbalanced and may damage the health of your dog
• Eating whole bone may cause choke, teeth break, and internal injury
• Bacteria and toxin present in the raw food may cause toxicity
• Lack of adequate vitamins and nutrients to meet the dog’s demand
• Presence of excessive vitamin-A may result in Vitamin-A toxicity.

So, after knowing all the benefits and risks, now, it’s your turn to choose the best food for your dog. You can consult with your veterinarian before formulating a diet for your dog. This will save your time and prolong your dog’s life.