Pros & Cons of a Fresh Food Dog Diet

Many options of dog food are accessible on the market for our little furry friends. However, with all the variations of dog food available, there is a new trend separating itself. The trend – feeding raw food to their pets. Recently, the promotion of fresh meal diets recommends a departure from kibble in your pup’s cuisine. This new wave of fresh/raw dog-food diets has provoked debate among the masses. The answer? Simple, it comes down to the individual diet and your pet’s needs.

What Exactly is a Fresh/Raw Food Diet?

Raw dog food diet, or BARF (Bones and Raw Food), emphasizes uncooked meat (often muscle and organ meat), whole or crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, eggs, and some dairy.

Before we discuss the pros and cons of a BARF diet, it’s important to note that not every veterinarian supports a raw-based diet. For instance, The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is not on board with BARF. Citing potentially harmful pathogens that can sicken your pet. Although, many other organizations support a switch from kibble to BARF. Do your homework and discover the advantages and disadvantages of all products if you are considering making the change.

Pros

  • Shinier coat.
  • Healthier skin.
  • Cleaner teeth
  • Stronger bones and muscles
  • A BARF-based diet helps manage their weight.
  • Raw food diet helps in getting a smaller and firm stool.
  • Increases energy
  • You control the ingredients of your pups’ food, avoiding exposure to artificial preservatives and flavors

Cons

  • Certain dogs may have difficulty eating larger fragments of bones
  • Very time-consuming to prepare your dog’s meals
  • Certain meals can contain bacteria and parasites in raw bones and meat that lead to infection in dogs.
  • Far more expensive than dry food.

As mentioned above, the bottom line is that every dog is different. And BARF is not for every family. But if you’re interested in making a switch, contact your vet before making any dietary changes.

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