Why raw food is the best type of wet food for your dog
In this post, we’ll look into the particular benefits of raw dog food. But first, let’s review some of the reasons why pet parents choose wet food in general over kibble for their fur babies.
Benefits of wet dog food
Another benefit of wet food is that it generally contains more protein and fat, and fewer carbohydrates, than its dry counterpart. Studies suggest that a high-carb diet can increase the risk of obesity in dogs, while a high-protein, low-carb diet may help dogs shed those extra pounds.
Lastly, wet food can help your dog stay hydrated. Dogs get dehydrated quickly when they lose fluids through diarrhea or vomiting or when they simply don’t drink enough water to match their activity level. Signs of dehydration in dogs include lethargy and dry gums. Giving your dog wet food is an easy and effective way to help prevent and alleviate dehydration.
Now, as promised, let’s dive into the specific advantages of raw dog food over cooked wet food.
Benefits of raw dog food
Bioavailable nutrients for all-around health
Cooking changes the nutritional properties of food, sometimes for the better and other times for worse. In the case of domesticated animals whose close descendants survived by hunting, a lot of crucial vitamins exist in raw meat, and those vitamins can be eliminated or greatly reduced when they’re exposed to the heat of cooking. That’s why raw dog food mimics dogs’ natural diet.
Some of the nutrients that are damaged by cooking include water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C and several B-group vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and others). Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K are also prone to fall victim to the flame. Cooking can also reduce the concentration of important minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium.
This increase in bioavailable nutrients is one of the main reasons why raw dog food is known to promote energy, stamina, healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Easy to digest
Pet parents that make the switch to a high-quality raw dog food sometimes find that dogs with chronic digestive problems see their symptoms alleviated in a short amount of time. However, if your dog has been on a high-carb kibble diet for years, you may want to talk to your vet about the best way to make the switch, since dramatic dietary changes are often best made gradually.
Promotes dental hygiene
Besides the dental benefits of bones mentioned above, it’s worth adding that they also boast an impressive nutritional profile. They contain calcium and phosphorus, and the marrow is a good source of antioxidants and iron.
In conclusion, raw dog food aligns domestic dogs’ diets with what makes the most sense for their bodies, evolutionarily speaking. If you make the switch, it’s very likely that your dog will eat with more gusto than ever and the health benefits, like increased energy, will be visible in a matter of days.
