Feeding your dog the right food is a great way to increase their lifespan, provide them with more energy, and help them avoid serious health issues. We all know that there is some dog food on the market that is simply not what our dogs need to thrive thanks to poor quality ingredients and manufacturing processes.
More and more dog owners are taking a stand and feeding their pets food made from healthy ingredients that gives them the nutrition they need to flourish. However, one of the big debates in the dog owner community is whether fresh cooked dog food or raw dog food is the best choice for their furry friends. Both of these dry dog food alternatives certainly offer intriguing benefits, but one option is the clear winner.
What is Raw Dog Food?
When you first hear the words “raw food”, you probably think of things like rare steak, sushi, or uncooked meat. A raw dog food diet normally consists of uncooked meat such as poultry, fish, and beef along with uncooked fruits and vegetables.
Is Raw Dog Food Worth It?
It’s worth noting that not all raw dog food is commercially produced with highly questionable ingredients. People that feed their dogs a raw food diet will often tell you that it is how dogs have eaten historically and that it can lead to a shinier coat, more energy, and healthier stool thanks to its nutritional benefits. However, even if you purchase high-quality raw dog food, you are presenting your loyal companion with a variety of different health risks. Understand that if you are feeding your dog raw meats, there will always be the risk of contamination from harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Some veterinary researchers even found that 86 percent of raw food products contain potentially dangerous bacteria. You will have to be extremely careful when dealing with raw dog food products, as this bacteria can easily affect humans too. Vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children are particularly susceptible to diseases like E. coli and can get sick simply from a dog licking their face after consuming raw food .
Another big downside to a raw food diet is that you will need to make sure your dog is getting a completely balanced diet with raw food, as some studies show that a raw food diet can lead to nutritional imbalances if you aren’t looking into the specifics of the formula. For example, if the raw diet is too high in fat or proteins, it can end up doing your dog more harm than good.
Lastly, there’s always the chance that your dog might choke or injure their teeth on a bone when you are serving them a raw diet since the meat in a raw food diet can include sharp bones.
A Fresh Cooked Food Diet - The Perfect Alternative?
A raw food diet may not be the best solution. The good news is that If you are interested in feeding your dog food made from fresh and natural ingredients, but you are a little bit nervous about some of the risks associated with raw dog food, there’s another fantastic option to look into. A fresh cooked food diet can provide your dog with ingredients that are rich in nutrients and micronutrients without any of the health risks of raw food. There are plenty of benefits associated with a fresh cooked food diet. Fresh cooked food diets are perfect for picky eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs. They are also highly digestible and contain a great balance of protein, lipids, vitamins and minerals.
What is Fresh Cooked Dog Food Made From?
A fresh cooked food diet typically consists of human-grade meat (that has been gently cooked), fresh fruits and vegetables. This type of diet is much healthier for your dog and lowers their risk of being malnourished or exposed to food pathogens like with raw diets. You will also save on veterinary bills over the long term since you are feeding your dog such high-quality and nutrient-rich food. One big advantage to feeding your dog a cooked food diet made from fresh ingredients is that you won’t have to worry about dangerous bacteria. This type of dog food is cooked at temperatures that safely kill the dangerous pathogens without sacrificing the nutrients in the food. You can even purchase fresh dog food recipes that are specifically formulated for your pup based on their size and breed. If you are considering a raw food diet for your dog, make sure you understand the risks and extra care you will need to take when feeding them. Remember that a fresh cooked food diet provides all of the same nutritional benefits without putting your dog’s health at risk due to nutritional imbalances and dangerous bacteria.
