The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Raw Food

Many people suffered through the lost of their beloved pets in 2007 due to dog foods that contained a harmful chemical called melamine. This was a wake-up call to many families who owned pets, and one that will not soon be forgotten!

Many dog owners have turned to making their dog’s food from scratch, rather than purchasing kibble that could end up being on tomorrow’s recall list. The idea of making your own dog food is to stick to ingredients that are natural and balanced to meet your dog’s nutritional needs. This idea is referred to as the "raw dog food diet."

It is surprising that many dog owners believe that feeding dogs a natural diet is a new concept, when in fact, this has been going on for some time. The basic principle is to feed your dog food that it would naturally eat if he were living out in the wilderness. This diet has often been called "BARF," standing for Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods.

One thing that you should keep in mind when considering the task of making your own dog food is that you have to understand your dog’s dietary needs. You can do a bit of research online to find out what nutritional values your dog needs every day. You can find great recipes in the Dog Food for Life eBook, which will also give you a good idea of how much time you can expect to put into making your dog’s food.

So, what foods should be included in the typical raw food diet? The answer is simple: meat and vegetables. Half of each meal should be made up of meat and the other half vegetables. If you can, try and get your meat from a butcher to ensure freshness. Start off with just meat for a few days when you are switching your dog. Once your dog has settled into this you can start adding some bland veggies such as carrots. You should use a blender or food processor for your veggies, as this will make it easier for your dog to digest them.

Don’t be afraid to add raw meaty bones to your homemade dog food. You can use bones from chicken backs, wings, and necks, as well as turkey necks, but be sure that you do not serve your dog cooked bones, as they can splinter inside your dog and cause severe medical issues. Bones are a great way for your dog to exercise both his jaws and the muscles in his upper body.

Good luck with your homemade dog food! You can find out more information about which dog food ingredients should be avoided in store-bought kibble and other helpful information for creating your own dog food and providing hygiene support for your dog by visiting Dog Food for Life here.