Is a Raw Dog Food Diet Best for Your Dog?
As dog owners, we all want the best for our furry companions. One question many pet parents ask is: What is the best dog food to feed your dog? With endless choices on the market, it can be difficult to know what’s truly healthy.
You might be wondering:
- Is my dog getting the nutrients she needs?
- Could better food help prevent disease later in life?
- Should I consider feeding a raw dog food diet?
After doing some research, I discovered that a raw dog food diet may be one of the best choices for a dog’s health. Here’s what I found.
Why a Raw Dog Food Diet Makes Sense
Dogs aren’t built like humans—they’re natural carnivores. Understanding a dog’s anatomy helps us see what they’re designed to eat.
Key Points About Dog Anatomy:
- Strong stomach acid: Dogs have stomach acid that can break down raw meat and even bones.
- Jaw movement: Dogs’ jaws move up and down, not side to side like herbivores. This means they are not designed to chew grains or plant matter.
- Teeth: Their sharp teeth are perfect for tearing meat, not grinding veggies.
Although dogs can digest small amounts of fruits and vegetables, they thrive on a meat-based diet. That’s where the raw dog food diet comes in.
Kibble vs. Raw Dog Food
Let’s look at the two most common types of dog food: kibble and raw food.
Why Kibble Falls Short:
- Highly processed: Kibble is made at high temperatures, destroying vital nutrients like enzymes and amino acids.
- Low-quality ingredients: Many kibbles use cheap fillers, artificial preservatives, and questionable meat sources.
- Too many carbs: Dogs aren’t built to digest a diet high in carbohydrates, yet kibble often contains up to 50% or more.
Why Raw Dog Food Is Better:
A raw dog food diet more closely mimics what dogs would eat in the wild. According to canine nutrition expert Steve Brown, the ideal canine macronutrient ratio is:
- 50% protein
- 44% fat
- 6% carbohydrates
Even if these ratios were to be used in kibble, it would not be a good balance, as most of the protein will be lost when processed at high temperatures.
And highly processed fat has little nutritional value and can cause health issues.
Benefits of a Raw Dog Food Diet
Feeding your dog raw food can offer a wide range of health benefits, including:
- Improved digestion
- Healthier skin and coat
- Better dental health
- More energy and vitality
- Stronger immune system
Raw meats provide high-quality protein, and healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 support brain and heart health. You can also add raw fish, eggs, and organ meats for extra nutrients.
What About Fats?
Avoid unhealthy fats like trans fats and limit saturated fats. Focus on healthy fats from sources like fish, flaxseed, and chicken.
Final Thoughts: Should You Feed a Raw Dog Food Diet?
Yes—if you’re looking to give your dog a diet that supports their natural biology and long-term health, a raw dog food diet is an excellent choice.
While kibble is convenient, it’s often lacking in essential nutrients and overloaded with carbs. On the other hand, a raw dog food diet delivers the high protein, moderate fat, and low carbohydrate balance that dogs truly need to thrive.
As always, consult your vet before making major dietary changes, especially if your dog has existing health conditions.
Ready to make the switch?
Start by slowly introducing raw meats, organ meats, and bones, and watch how your dog responds. A happier, healthier dog might just be a few meals away.
