Written by Dr. Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT, a holistic veterinarian committed to your pet’s health.
Feeding your dog is an act of love that you perform every day. We all want to give our dogs the best possible nutrition to keep them healthy and happy. While there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for every dog, I find that raw food diets are my top recommendation. In my practice, I’ve seen remarkable health improvements in dogs that transition to a raw diet.
Here are five key benefits of feeding your dog a raw food diet:
1. Improved Gut Health:
The balance of bacteria in your dog’s digestive system plays a critical role in their overall well-being. An imbalance can lead to digestive issues, allergies, inflammation, and even behavioral problems. A recent study with Boxers found that just two weeks on a raw diet resulted in healthier gut bacteria.
2. Smaller, Less Odorous Stools:
Many of my clients have noticed that their dog’s stools become smaller and less odorous after switching to a raw diet. This improvement is likely linked to the better gut health supported by raw feeding.
3. Reduced Inflammation:
Less inflammation means fewer inflammatory conditions that end in “-itis,” such as arthritis, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis (upset stomach), and gingivitis. A raw diet can help reduce the risk of these common inflammatory diseases in dogs.
4. Ancestral Diet:
While it may seem surprising to compare a Chihuahua to a wolf, feeding a diet that’s closer to what their wild relatives (like foxes and coyotes) eat makes sense. Think of it as a Paleo diet for your dog!
5. Convenience:
Brands like “I and Love and You” have made feeding raw food both quick and easy. You can pick up a bag of ‘Stir & Boom’ homemade raw food at your local Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods, or order online from Amazon or Chewy. Preparing it is simple—just add water and wait 15 minutes, which is the perfect time to play fetch or take a quick walk.
Remember to transition your dog to a new diet gradually over 3-5 days to avoid digestive upset.