Keeping your dog healthy with a natural, raw diet
Introduction
Dogs are members of the family and we want to feed them the best food possible. An increasing number of people are switching their dogs to a raw diet because they believe it is healthier than processed foods. This can be difficult if you have never given your dog raw meat before but once they get used to it, many owners find that their pets love and thrive on this type of diet.
A raw diet is a move away from processed foods. Dogs evolved as carnivores and the closest their diets can come to the natural state, the closer they will be to optimum health.
When you look at a dog's teeth, it is clear that they are designed to be carnivores. Their teeth are sharp, pointed and strong. In comparison, the teeth of herbivores (such as sheep) are flat for crushing fibrous plant matter.
For dogs to survive as predators in the wild, they rely on their ability to catch prey and kill it quickly before taking it back to their den or pack. A dog's jaws work like a pair of scissors - with both sides closing together in rapid succession so that their prey can't escape. Which is why it is no surprise when we realize that dogs who eat raw meaty bones have much healthier organs (particularly liver), fewer skin problems and better digestive health than those who do not eat this way.
Two problems that have become increasingly common in dogs are arthritis and allergies. Many of these problems are due to inflammation, which can be caused by a variety of things, particularly the food they eat.
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people and pets. It causes pain and stiffness to the joints, as well as increasing difficulty moving around. Because this condition is so widespread, many people have begun using raw diets for their pets to help reduce pain and increase mobility.
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to foreign substances like pollen or dust mites (which many dogs are allergic too). The body's reaction isn't always visible but rather occurs internally where it causes damage to organs such as the liver or kidneys if left untreated for too long! It has been proven through numerous studies over time that a balanced raw diet helps reduce inflammation associated with kidney and liver diseases.
Dogs have a much shorter digestive tract than humans, hence they are designed to consume raw meat and bones. Cooked meat is not as good for dogs because it can cause cancer and other health issues. Raw bones are good for dogs because they help keep their teeth clean by scraping off plaque and tartar buildup, but cooked bones can splinter when bitten into, causing internal damage.
Getting your dog used to a raw diet may take some time but just like us, our dogs love good healthy food and will adapt once their taste buds change from over processed junk food.
When you change your dog’s food, it may take them a while to adjust. Some dogs can be very finicky and picky when it comes to their food.
To make the transition to a natural and raw diet for your dog, it is vital to have them fast for up to 12 hours with ample water to keep them hydrated. Fasting will help your dog digest any leftover food, and clear their gastrointestinal tract, which enables a smoother transition to a raw diet. It’s important to start with smaller portions to allow your dog to get used to the taste of their new food.
Raw food is better for your dog’s health. The nutrients in raw foods help to avoid digestion and absorption issues, allergies, kidney problems and other serious health issues that can occur from processed food. Processed dog or cat food include high levels of salt and sugar, preservatives and other additives.
In conclusion, dogs love good healthy food just like us humans do - but like us humans sometimes we have trouble accepting changes in our habits such as switching from processed fast foods like burgers or fries for broccoli or salad instead; however once we start eating well again there will come a day when our taste buds will change from over processed junk food into something better tasting thanks to our body telling us what kind of foods work best inside each cell type! The same thing happens when trying out a new raw diet plan – after spending months eating dry kibble without any other alternatives available (except maybe some canned dinners) most dogs would probably jump at having something different than what's been offered up before: fresh and delicious raw meat!