Is Raw Feeding right for your dog?

You might have seen it all over your Instagram feed - dogs devouring bowls of meat, rather raw food like mini wolves on the hunt! This practice is known as “raw feeding”. Ironically, it has got many pet parents wondering if it is a healthier version for their dog.

The short answer, maybe. It can work, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every breed. Especially not for the homebred dogs.

Let’s take a real, no-fluff look at what’s in store.

What is raw feeding?

A practice that involves feeding your dog raw, uncooked form of meat, bones, and other supplies essential for its diet. It is the form that came from the time when dogs were not domesticated and were wild.

This kind of diet is often known as the BARF diet, short for Biologically Approved Raw Food. The whole idea lies in the fact that dog kibble cannot be compared to raw and fresh ingredients.

The not-so-glossy side of raw feeding

Honestly, not every dog is made for a raw diet, especially those who are domesticated. A raw diet isn’t bad, but there are several cons behind it.

• Raw meat can carry bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which may affect your dog and, in some cases, even you.

• A raw diet needs the right mix of nutrients, and missing just one can lead to chronic issues.

• If we get into logistics, you’ll require fridge space, gloves, and strong hygiene for organ meats.

What’s the middle ground? A Kibble Story

Keeping aside the cons that raw feeding can come with, the pros of it can be accumulated in a diet that can provide your dog with the said amount of nutrients and overall health. High-quality kibble as that of Good Dog, is oven-baked, fortified with vitamins and minerals, made with human-grade ingredients, fresh fruits, and vegetables. This provides your dog with shinier coats and healthy skin, less smelly poops, better breath and dental health, more energy and no newer allergies.

The kibble is not only crafted for quality but also accounts for the quantity that your pet consumes. Each bite is nutritionally balanced for your pet to thrive in every environment.

So, how should you decide what kind of diet is right for your pet and convenient for you?

Raw feeding is mainly done in cases where dogs are commercially treated, like military dogs, who in turn have the stamina and environment to thrive. But, for a pet who is domesticated and mostly stays indoors, raw feeding isn’t advisable. Feeding your dog a high-quality dog kibble can be just as nutritious, way more convenient for you, and better suited to your pet’s lifestyle.

In all, what matters most is choosing a food that is safe, balanced, high in quality, and something your dog enjoys.

Your dog doesn’t care about food trends. They care about feeling good, having happy zoomies, and (obviously) sneaking in some cuddles from you. Feed them with love. Feed them healthy food, because that’s what makes a Good Dog.