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• Unleashing the Benefits of Raw Feeding for Your Furry Friends

Unleashing the Benefits of Raw Feeding for Your Furry Friends

On: 30 April 2024 

From improved digestion to a glossy skin & coat, unlock the pawsome benefits of raw feeding your best fur-iend

In the world of pet nutrition, there’s a growing trend that’s causing quite the buzz among pet parents – raw feeding. Just like us humans, our beloved fur babies deserve the best diet to thrive, and many advocates swear by the benefits of feeding cats and dogs a raw diet. So, what exactly is raw feeding, and why should you consider it for your furry companions? Let’s dig in (pun intended) and explore the paws-itive perks!

 

What is raw feeding?

Raw feeding, also known as the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, involves providing pets with uncooked, natural ingredients like raw meat, bones, and vegetables. While the concept might seem unconventional to some, the benefits of raw feeding are garnering attention among pet owners and veterinarians alike. 

 

Is raw food good for dogs and cats?

One of the primary arguments in favour of raw feeding is that it closely aligns with the evolutionary diet of cats and dogs. Before the advent of commercial pet foods, domesticated animals relied on hunting and scavenging for their meals, consuming raw meat, bones, organs, and other natural ingredients. By feeding our pets a diet that mirrors what their ancestors ate, we can help support their natural biological functions and promote overall well-being. Raw meat contains high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which are vital for supporting muscle growth, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and boosting overall immunity.

 

I’ve heard that raw pet food contains bacteria, is that bad for my pet?

Our pets’ digestive systems are very different from our own and are much more acidic. So, while raw food does contain bacteria (as with any meat you purchase), our pets’ digestive systems are designed to handle this. That being said, it’s still important to ensure a safe level of bacteria is maintained. Our raw pet food brands put their food through vigorous testing and many quality checks to ensure the meal you’re serving your pet has been checked for quality.

 

What are the benefits of raw feeding?

Raw feeding has been associated with numerous health benefits for pets, including:

• Reduced allergies and skin irritations
• Fewer digestive and gastrointestinal issues
• Increased energy levels
• A healthier coat

 

Improved Digestion

One of the most paw-some benefits of raw feeding is the potential for improved digestion and nutrient absorption. Processed pet foods – particularly those found in your local supermarkets - often contain fillers, additives, and preservatives that can be difficult for our pets to digest. As predominant carnivores, dogs & cats benefit from a larger portion of meat in their diets – making raw foods typically easier to digest.

 

Improved Skin & Coat

Raw feeding can also lead to a shinier coat and healthier skin for your furry friend. The nutrients found in raw meat, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, can help nourish your pet’s skin and coat from the inside out, leaving them looking and feeling their best. Say goodbye to dry, itchy skin and hello to silky, soft fur!

The absence of artificial additives and fillers in raw food may also alleviate allergic reactions triggered by processed ingredients commonly found in commercial pet foods.

 

Overall Health & Wellbeing

Raw diets often naturally contain higher levels of protein and essential nutrients, which are crucial for supporting muscle development, maintaining a healthy coat and skin, and promoting overall vitality. By providing pets with a diet that is rich in natural, wholesome ingredients, raw feeding can help address nutritional deficiencies and support their long-term health.

 

Availability of Raw Pet Food

The availability of high-quality raw pet food products and supplements has expanded, making it easier than ever for pet owners to provide their furry companions with nutritious and balanced meals.

At Pet City, we stock the following raw food brands:

• Big Dog
• Leading Raw
• Proudi
• Barf DrBs

To discover which brand is best suited to your furry friend, chat with our fur-iendly team in-store.

 

Making The Switch to Raw Food

Incorporating raw feeding into your pet's diet may require some adjustment and planning, but the benefits are undoubtedly worth it. As with any food, we recommend transitioning your pet over to their new diet slowly over the period of a couple weeks. Simply swap out a small portion of their usual food for their new raw food and increase these portions gradually. This will help prevent digestive issues that can come with a sudden change of food.

You may choose to move your pet to an entirely raw diet (as long as the food company endorses a complete and balanced diet). However, it’s also common for paw-rents to feed a mixture of raw and kibble foods. This is a great alternative as you’re providing your fur baby with the benefits of raw food plus the variety of a crunchy dry food.

 

Is Raw Feeding Expensive?

The cost of raw feeding your dog or cat is actually quite comparable with feeding many dry foods. It will depend on your pet’s size, age and breed, but in most cases, it costs less than your daily cup of coffee to feed your pet a delicious and nutritious raw food diet each day.

Many of our customers choose to feed a mixed diet of dry food kibble and raw food. This way, your buddy can enjoy the benefits of a mixed diet and you can reduce the cost per meal slightly (hey, it all counts)– winning!

 

How To Feed Raw Food

Many raw pet foods come in conveniently sized patties. Be sure to keep your raw foods frozen until ready to defrost. When you’re ready to feed, move your raw food portions into the fridge to defrost. Keep in mind it can take roughly 24 hours for frozen food to defrost in the fridge. If you need your food to defrost faster, you can place the patties into a bowl or sink of warm water to thaw. Be sure not to heat patties to the point of cooking as many raw foods include bone which can be dangerous when cooked.

Be sure to check with your specific product, but generally it is recommended to keep thawed patties in the fridge for no longer than 48 hours.

Also remember to follow correct hygiene procedures after coming in contact with raw food. This includes thoroughly washing utensils, work areas and hands.

 

Slow Feeder Interactive Feeding

Raw foods don’t need to be chewed as much as dry kibble foods, so it can be tempting for some pets to gulp down their raw food too fast which can cause digestive issues and vomiting. Gulping down food is also a missed op-paw-tunity for what could be a delicious, fun and interactive feeding experience!

Slow feeder bowls, mats and toys are specifically designed to prolong the time it takes for your pet to consume their meal. This not only promotes better digestion and reduces health risks; slow feeders also turn mealtime into a fun and engaging activity for pets! Having to work for their food stimulates their natural hunting instincts which is incredibly rewarding for our pets.

To use a slow feeder, simply stuff a toy like our Scream Xtreme Treat Tyres with the raw food and any other ingredients you wish to include. Present the delicious gift to your pet in their feeding area. They may want to roll the toy around and paw at it, so be sure to place it in an area where they are free to do this without worrying about a mess.

If your pet isn’t accustomed to receiving their food in anything other than a bowl, they may need some help figuring out what to do at first. Be sure to show them their toy and show excitement around it. As they become more experienced at working for their food, you can increase the level of difficulty by packing the toy like a Kong Classic more tightly. 

Remember, no toy is indestructable. Always supervise your pet until you're pawsitive they won't be tempted to keep chewing their toy/ feeder once the food is gone.

 

 

Shop All Dog Slow Feeders           Shop All Cat Slow Feeders

 

The Wrap Up

That’s why we can’t get enough of raw food diets for pets! From improved digestion to a shinier coat and better nutrient absorption, raw feeding offers a holistic approach to pet nutrition. By embracing the benefits of raw feeding and incorporating a slow feeder into your pet's mealtime routine, you can help ensure that your furry friends lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. So why wait? Take the plunge into raw feeding today and unleash the inner carnivore in your pet!

 

Image Credit: Freepik