- Why would I want to feed my pet a raw food diet?
- Is feeding raw pet food dangerous?
- I’ve heard salmonella and other bacteria is a big problem with raw foods. Won’t that hurt my pet?
- How do I get started feeding raw pet food?
- Do I have to be home to accept delivery of raw pet food?
- What can I expect to see once I begin feeding raw pet food?
- I’m seeing a slimy coating of mucous on my dog’s droppings which looks yucky. What’s going on?
- The poop in my yard seems harder and is turning white. Should I be concerned?
- How can I transition to feeding raw pet food?
- What’s the best raw dog or raw cat food?
- Is feeding raw always better than kibble?
- How can I simplify feeding raw when traveling?
- My pet sitter doesn’t want to deal with raw food but my dog/ cat loves it. What can I do?
- How complicated is it to feed a raw diet?
Why would I want to feed my pet a raw food diet?
For many pets, feeding a balanced raw diet is a simple, healthy and nutritious approach. Raw diets are minimally processed compared to dry food options. Most raw diets contain live enzymes from their whole food ingredients. The nutrients available from raw foods are far more bioavailable than processed kibble or canned foods. This allows your pet to digest and enjoy the benefits of “real” food far more easily than with more heavily processed products.
Is feeding raw pet food dangerous?
Feeding your cat or dog a raw diet can be as dangerous as getting out of bed in the morning. Fortunately, by following a few common sense guidelines, almost all risk is eliminated. Rolling out of bed and putting your feet on the ground keeps you from falling. Following proper storage, preparation and cleanup guidelines removes the major sources of concern with raw feeding.
I’ve heard salmonella and other bacteria is a big problem with raw foods. Won’t that hurt my pet?
This is an ongoing controversy which carries some truth. Yes, there is the potential for raw pet food to contain salmonella and other bacteria. You will find far more salmonella in the meat section of your favorite grocery store than in most raw pet foods. The reason our food is “safe” with salmonella is because that bacteria is killed when the meat is cooked. If you and I were to eat our meat raw, we’d have some serious digestive problems.
The digestive system of dogs and cats are quite different from our own. Pets’ digestive systems are much shorter, and far more hostile to salmonella and other bacteria. Food does not remain in our pets’ digestive system long enough for these bacteria to cause problems.
While raw diets can contain these bacteria, they pose more of a potential threat to us than to our pets. The threat to us comes from improper handling and cleanup.
Many raw food companies are now using high pressure pasteurization (HPP) to eliminate the potential of bacteria contamination. Some pet parents see this as a positive step while others prefer their raw foods in a more natural form. If this is important to you, make your choice accordingly.
How do I get started feeding raw pet food?
It’s easy to get started feeding your pet a raw diet! You can make things as simple or as complicated as you wish.
Whether you choose to supplement with raw or feed it as a sole diet, there are a few basic decisions to make before choosing which product(s) to feed. Read Getting Started with Raw Dog Food to help you focus on what approach you’d like to take.
Do I have to be home to accept delivery of raw pet food?
Nope, you do not have to be at home. We ask that you leave a cooler out on the day of delivery, but a loaner cooler can be left when you do not have your own available. Your delivery will be left in the cooler at the front door or wherever you choose. We can also place it directly in your freezer when you are at home, or if you provide us access to your appliance.
Your delivery will be left in the cooler at the front door or wherever you choose. We can also place it directly in your freezer when you are at home, or if you provide us access to your appliance.
What can I expect to see once I begin feeding raw pet food?
You’ll see a very happy dog or cat eager to eat! Some of the common changes you’ll notice are improved appearance of skin, a glossy coat, less shedding, clearer eyes, and more energy. You may also see a bit of weight loss and firming of muscle tone.
If your pet’s teeth are not already coated with plaque and tartar, a raw diet will work wonders in preventing plaque and tartar buildup. You will also notice fresher breath, although perhaps not immediately after a meal!
I’m seeing a slimy coating of mucous on my dog’s droppings which looks yucky. What’s going on?
Many pets will go through a period of “detox” when switching to a raw diet. This is the result of more bioavailable nutrients establishing a healthier environment and replacing less desirable bacteria and waste products. It is a normal result of feeding
It is a normal result of feeding raw and not a cause of concern unless it continues for more than a week or you see blood mixed with the slimy coating.
The poop in my yard seems harder and is turning white. Should I be concerned?
Nope, not at all. This is the normal, expected result of a well digested diet. Waste from a raw diet contains far less undigested material than waste from traditional processed kibble diets. As a result, you’ll see a firmer and more crumbly stool. This degrades far more quickly and turns white and powdery within a few days rather than sitting in a slimy mess for a few weeks, waiting to attach itself to the bottom of your shoe.
As a result, you’ll see a firmer and more crumbly stool. This degrades far more quickly and turns white and powdery within a few days rather than sitting in a slimy mess for a few weeks, waiting to attach itself to the bottom of your shoe.
How can I transition to feeding raw pet food?
We recommend a gradual transition. Begin to introduce a small amount of raw to daily meals and reduce the original food by that amount. In a few days, increase the raw and decrease the original food again. Continue the process for 7-10 days until the transition is complete. You can also fo this gradual transition by feeding a small portion of raw for one daily feeding and the original food for the other. Gradually increase the raw feeding and decrease the original meal.
Continue the process for 7-10 days until the transition is complete. You can also transition gradually by feeding a small portion of raw for one daily feeding and the original food for the second daily feeding. Gradually increase the raw food and decrease the original meal.
Some pet parents prefer a day of fasting before beginning their transition. This allows the digestive system to rest and prepare for a new type of food the next day.
Just keep an eye on your pet to determine whether you should increase or decrease the speed of your transition.
What’s the best raw dog or raw cat food?
Whatever works best for your pet!
Just like choosing any diet, the answer to this depends on what is most important to your specific situation and preferences. Practically any balanced raw diet will be an improvement over even the “best” kibble. If you’re after the least expensive raw food option, that would be your best choice. If you want a top of the line, organic and GMO-Free certified raw diet, that’s available as well. Neither of these options would be the best if your pet did not perform well or accept them.
If you’re after the least expensive raw food option, that would be your best choice. If you want a top of the line, organic and GMO-Free certified raw diet, that’s available as well. Neither of these options would be the best if your pet does not perform well or accept them.
Is feeding raw always better than kibble?
In some circumstances, a raw food diet may not be the best. Some dogs and cats just don’t take to a raw diet, although this is rare. Some older pets may have more difficulty with raw diets unless it is served at room temperature.
If you have a small child, or anyone with a compromised immune system in your house, you must be extremely careful about preparation and cleanup when feeding a raw diet. Exposure to bacteria and germs is potentially more dangerous to these individuals than it is to our pets.
How can I simplify feeding raw when traveling?
Many manufacturers now offer freeze-dried versions of their raw formulas. These are ligthtweight versions of the same food which can easily be carried and fed while you’re on the road.
Another option while traveling are freeze-dried or dehydrated mixes. Simply add water to these fresh foods, let them sit and rehydrate for a few minutes, and you’re back on your way.
My pet sitter doesn’t want to deal with raw food but my dog/ cat loves it. What can I do?
Your options are to either portion your pet’s raw meals out or use one of the traveling options mentioned above. Portioning out daily servings of raw can overcome most objections.
Simply measure out what goes in the bowl for each meal separately and place it in a zip lock or resealable container. Your sitter then has only to open the container and pour it out without messing with any raw food.
How complicated is it to feed a raw diet?
Feeding your pet a raw diet is far simpler than it was just a few years ago. The range of products now available make it possible to feed raw with a minimum of extra effort.
Less than 5 minutes a week in preparation, about 30 seconds per meal, followed by thorough cleanup is all that’s required. The more control you choose to exercise over your choices, the more complicated you can make the daily routine.
It is now almost as easy to feed raw as it is to open that bag of kibble and pour out a portion. Don’t let the fear of complexity stop you from considering this healthy feeding approach!