Raw feeding for animals is a practice that is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. The benefits of raw feeding are numerous and include improved digestion, increased energy levels, and a shinier coat. Raw feeding for animals is not a new concept. It is the way that most animals in the wild are fed.
Only in recent years have people started to feed their pets processed foods.
Now, did you know that August is raw feeding month? In this article, let's take a deep dive into raw feeding and what you should know about it.
What is Raw Feeding?
Raw feeding has many benefits, and more and more pet owners see the results firsthand. If you're considering switching to raw feeding, here are a few things you should know.
The first thing to understand about raw feeding is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The type of food you feed your pet will depend on several factors, including their age, activity level, and health. For example, puppies and kittens require a different diet than adult dogs and cats. Active dogs will need more food than sedentary dogs. And animals with health problems may require a special diet.
Once you've determined the type of food your pet needs, you'll need to choose a source. Many commercial raw pet food brands are available, or you can make your raw food at home. If you decide to make your food, you'll need to research to ensure you provide all the nutrients your pet needs.
Raw feeding is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is finding a source of high-quality, raw meat that is safe for your pet to eat. Raw meat can contain bacteria that can make your pet sick, so it's essential only to feed them meat that has been properly handled and cooked.
Another challenge of raw feeding is getting your pet to eat the food. Some pets are hesitant to try new things, so finding raw food they like may take trial and error.
What are the Benefits of Raw Feeding for Animals?
Promote a Stronger Immune System
There are a few reasons why raw food is so beneficial for animals. First, raw food contains more nutrients than cooked food. Cooking destroys many of raw food's vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Second, raw food is closer to the animal's natural diet. Animals have been eating raw food for millions of years, and their bodies are designed to digest it properly.
Cooked food, on the other hand, is a relatively recent invention. Pets' digestive systems have not evolved to digest cooked food, leading to many health problems properly. Finally, raw food contains beneficial bacteria that help to keep the digestive system healthy. These bacteria are destroyed by cooking, so animals on a cooked diet are disadvantaged.
Improved Skin and Softer, Shinier Coat
The skin is the body's largest organ and is essential in protecting the body from environmental toxins and maintaining body temperature. The coat is made up of hair follicles connected to the skin. The hair follicles are responsible for producing the hair that makes up the coat.
When animals are fed a raw diet, they get all the nutrients they need to support healthy skin and hair follicles. This results in a softer, shinier coat. The coat will also be less prone to shedding and will have less dandruff.
Animals fed a raw diet also tend to have fewer allergies and skin problems. This is because they are not ingesting any fillers, Preservatives, or other ingredients that can cause allergies or skin problems.
Better Dental Health
When animals eat raw meat, bones, and organs, they get a natural cleaning action from the chewing process, which helps to keep their teeth clean and healthy. The abrasive action of the bones and meat helps to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth, and the chewing also helps to massage the gums and keep them healthy.
In addition, the nutrients in raw meat are much more bioavailable than those in cooked or processed foods. This means that animals eating a raw diet are getting more nutrients, including minerals essential for healthy teeth and gums.
Reduced Stool Volume and Odor
It’s no secret that one of the main benefits of raw feeding is the significant reduction in stool volume and odor. This is because animals' raw diet is much more easily digested, producing less waste. In addition, the raw diet contains more moisture which helps to keep the stool softer and less odorous.
Raw feeding can help reduce or eliminate many common health problems, such as allergies, digestive issues, and obesity. By feeding your animal a diet closer to what they would eat in the wild, you give them the nutrients they need to stay healthy and avoid these common health issues.
Enhanced Reproductive Health
When animals are fed a diet of raw, unprocessed foods, they can better absorb the nutrients they need for optimal health. This includes nutrients that are essential for reproductive health. Raw diets are also less likely to contain toxins and other harmful substances that can potentially damage reproductive health.
Feeding animals a raw diet has been shown to improve fertility, increase litter size, and reduce the incidence of birth defects and other health problems. Raw-fed animals also tend to have healthier babies that are better able to thrive and grow into strong, healthy adults.
Reduced Body Odor
If you have ever wondered why your pet smells, it could be due to their diet. Pets that are raw-fed typically have little to no body odor. This is because a raw diet contains all the nutrients pets need for proper digestion and elimination. When properly digesting their food, pets produce less waste and have less body odor.
A raw diet can also help to reduce allergies and other sensitivities that can cause body odor. Raw-fed pets are less likely to develop allergies to their food and less likely to develop sensitivities to other environmental allergens.
The Bottom Line
Raw feeding for animals has many benefits, including improved digestion, dental health, and coat condition. In addition, raw-fed animals tend to be leaner and have more energy than those fed processed diets. However, raw feeding is not without risks, and owners should be aware of the potential for bacterial contamination and parasites. Raw feeding can be an excellent option for some animals, but it’s essential to do your research and consult with a veterinarian before making the switch.If you’re looking for a pet supply store, you’re in the right place. Maggie’s Pet Boutique offers pet-themed gifts, leashes, collars, and apparel for you and your furry friend! Find the best items for your beloved pets and more! Contact us today to learn more, get started, and buy online now!
