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A Beginners Guide to Raw Feeding
January 27, 2024
Embark on a journey to optimal pet health with Platinum Paws and our comprehensive guide on the incredible benefits of a raw dog food diet. While the convenience of kibble may seem enticing, take the dive into the world of raw feeding and discover why it's a natural choice for your pet's well-being.
What is a Raw Diet
Raw feeding is a nutritional approach for dogs centered on providing a diet of raw, unprocessed ingredients to mirror the natural eating habits of their ancestors. This diet typically includes raw meats, organ meats, and bones, excluding artificial additives commonly found in commercial kibbles. Raw feeding emphasizes a natural and balanced diet tailored to the specific nutritional requirements of dogs.
Benefits of a Raw Diet
A raw diet offers several advantages for dogs, promoting their overall well-being and health. Key benefits include enhanced digestibility, resulting in better absorption of essential nutrients. The diet contributes to healthier skin and coats, often reducing shedding and promoting a shiny coat. You'll also appreciate the practical benefit of dealing with less waste, as a raw diet typically leads to fewer, smaller, firmer and easier-to-manage stools. Moreover, many dogs experience a reduction in allergies, and the diet's higher moisture content enhances hydration. In summary, the benefits of a raw diet encompass:
- Naturally Digestible: Improved nutrient absorption from whole foods.
- Healthy Skin & Coat: Promotes shinier, healthier fur.
- Less Poop to Scoop: Firmer stools and reduced waste.
- Reduction in Allergies: Minimized allergic reactions.
- Enhanced Hydration: Higher moisture content supporting overall hydration.
The Downside of a Raw Dog Food Diet
- While a raw dog food diet offers numerous benefits, it comes with its own set of considerations.
- Less Convenient than Kibble: Requires more preparation and handling.
- Uses Some Freezer Space: You'll need to dedicate some freezer space to your pet.
- Small Risk of Bacteria: Raw meat poses a slight risk of bacterial contamination if not handled properly.
Where do I get "Raw" dog food?
Platinum Paws carries pre-made raw diets, offering an extensive array of proteins, shapes, and sizes. This shift not only simplifies the process for pet parents but also ensures that pets receive a balanced and nutritionally complete raw diet without the hassle of DIY preparation.
Transitioning to Raw
For most dogs, including puppies, a quick transition is possible. However, gradual transition is recommended for senior dogs or those with health issues:
- Day 1-3: 20% raw food, 80% current food.
- Day 4-6: 40% raw food, 60% current food.
- Day 7-9: 60% raw food, 40% current food.
- Day 10-12: 80% raw food, 20% current food.
- Day 12+: 100% raw food.
What's up with Goats Milk?
Incorporating goat's milk into a raw dog diet offers dual benefits: enhanced gut health and improved hydration. Packed with prebiotics and probiotics, goat's milk fosters a balanced microbiome, aiding digestion. Its high water content ensures increased hydration, especially valuable for dogs on raw diets. Additionally, goat's milk can aid in the transition to raw feeding, easing the adjustment for dogs accustomed to commercial diets.
