Why Feed Raw?
Wondering why you should consider feeding your pet a raw diet? We give you the the information that’s right for you to choose what’s best for your pet.
Truly food for thought! Here are the benefits…
Balanced digestion
A dog’s digestive tract is very acidic and short, designed to tackle and eliminate the threat of harmful bacteria, so feeding your pet a biologically appropriate diet allows the digestive tract to house the required bacterial strains for complete digestion. In turn, this creates maximized absorption of the required nutrients for optimal health and synergy within the pet’s system, as a whole. Remember, the digestive tract is the first line of defence for the immune system. As well, raw foods supply hydration, while manufactured dog food dehydrates the digestive tract causing excessive intake of water which then leads to bloating.Fresher breath, clean teeth
It is a fact that 80% of dogs, by the age of 3-4 will show signs of some form of dental disease. Plaque and tartar will accumulate on the teeth and start to cause a lot of dental issues such as, tooth decay, painful inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), or periodontal disease, which can become a systemic problem affecting various organs throughout the dog’s entire body. Having raw fresh meat, organs, raw meaty bones, fresh food such as botanicals, fruits and vegetables, and super food supplements will ensure your dog’s teeth and gums remain healthy throughout their entire life. Pertaining to fresh breath, as noted above, digestion is a major player in fresh breath as well as a healthy mouth.
Shiny, healthier coats and improved skin
As your pet progresses through their new diet you will start to notice a much nicer overall appearance. Their old, dry, dull coat will shed out and a new shiny, healthier coat will come in. Shedding is decreased, sometimes up to ¾ less hair loss. Most dogs that experience skin conditions (excessive hair loss, patches, itchy skin, rashes, biting at their paws) will often clear up.
Increased energy, leaner pet
Pets will become more energetic eating raw foods. Having a nutritionally balanced system allows an animals system to work properly, just like humans when they eat nutritionally optimal food. Once this happens, an animals brain turns on and starts wanting to move more and more, thus aiding in losing the weight that is already starting to be trimmed off. Hip displacement, back ailments, and diabetes can become very detrimental to a pet’s energy levels and their quality of life. All of these problems can be avoided or alleviated while eating a balanced raw diet.
More nutrition, less food consumed
Again just like humans, an animals stomach is designed to digest a certain amount of food in every sitting. Every pet is unique while eating a raw diet and some require more food and some require less. Following a general rule of thumb for adult dogs/cats, 2% of a pet’s total body weight should be fed every day, while adjusting according to exercise amounts, type of dog/cat, stress levels, and type of food consumed plays a big role in how much they will eat.
One thing is for sure, the more pure and fresh the food is, the more nutrients that will be contained within the food, helping the animal’s digestive system recognize when it has enough nutrient base required for optimal health. Most of the time, this will result in consuming less food.
Keep in mind that a dog/cat can go through a self-fasting period from time to time. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about as long as they start eating again after a few days of fasting. I have personally seen my dog go a full week just grazing on bits and pieces of food that is offered to him. It is important that you can recognize when this is happening.
At The Raw Source we encourage people to make their own decisions on what to feed their pets.
You ultimately know your dog/cat/pet best. Finding a professional opinion that is open to the concept is highly recommended, always trust opinions from successful raw feeders. There are people that try to feed a raw diet without any knowledge or research and fail, some even putting their pets lives at risk. These are the individuals who give the raw diet a bad name. Your pet will thrive when the proper nutrition is provided safely.
**Salmonella poisoning is a common scare tactic used by most professionals when talking about feeding a raw diet. The truth is that sanitation is the best practice against this from happening to you or your pet. And feeding raw to your pet is no different than you having the ability to prepare raw meats for your own consumption. ALWAYS WASH BOWLS AND UTENSILS AFTER FEEDING RAW FOODS!
THERE IS NO SUBSITUTE FOR A RAW DIET!
THANKS FOR READING, HAPPY FEEDING!
Feeding Guide (Approx. values)
As a pet owner you already know that dogs and cats are so unique and no two are alike. This is one part of what makes a new pet so fun and exciting. Just like their personality, feeding your pet a raw diet is just as unique. No two will eat the same amount every single day, unless you are feeding a Labrador retriever, who then will consume almost any amount of food given. Feeding the correct amount of food is crucial for their health and understanding your pet’s nutritional needs is a must, whether you are blending meals for them or buying premixed raw meals.
There are a lot of recipes, ingredients, opinions and information all around to take in. For the first few months or more, keeping a journal is recommended. Through the transition period(which can be days to weeks) record everything you feed to your dog, keeping it simple with minimal ingredients is best, that way you can really pinpoint what caused loose stool or an upset stomach, if it were to occur. With the journal you can go back and reference everything that you have fed so you can make confident decisions on building a successful meal plan for your pet and hitting your financial target as well.
| Size of animal | Weight | Daily amount |
|---|---|---|
Toy |
5-12lbs |
1/8 – 1/4lb |
Small |
12-25lbs |
1/4 – 1/2lb |
Medium |
25-40lbs |
1/2 – 3/4lb |
Medium-Large |
40-65lbs |
3/4 – 1 ¼ lbs |
Large |
65-85lbs |
1 ¼ – 1 ½ lbs |
X-Large |
85lbs-110lbs |
1 ½ – 2 ¼ lbs |
XXL |
110lbs+ |
2 ¼ – 3 ½ lbs |
** Keep in mind these values are approximate and will vary depending on the breed of dog or cat you have, daily exercise, and metabolic capability. Do not over feed your pet just because they act like they are hungry. Most pets are so thankful for the new and appropriate diet that waiting by the fridge for food or the cupboard for a treat is their way of saying thank you! Although this diet improves their quality of life, a trip to the vet to have them weighed and checked out is always good. Even if your vet doesn’t agree with what you are doing doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
They are yours to care for throughout their lifetime and they certainly deserve the best. Pets can teach us so much in life. They love you more than they love themselves.