It’s hard to believe that it’s already August, but here we are. August has now been designated Rawgust, a time to focus on feeding raw diets. While Fido may be more than happy to chow down on some uncooked hamburger, is this really the best option for him? A Clarkesville, GA vet delves into this topic below.
Raw Food Benefits
Those who feed their pets raw diets often claim that their furry pals are in great health. Some of the reported benefits of raw diets include shiny coats, good teeth and gum condition, healthy skin, and strong joints. There’s also hydration to consider: raw food does have a higher moisture content than cooked food. Another big plus would be that you will have the ability to customize and curate Fido’s food: you’ll know exactly what your pup is eating.
Drawbacks
There are also some downsides to feeding Fido a raw diet. The most concerning would be the risk of malnourishment. It’s important to feed your canine pal the right mix of nutrients. While meat should make up the bulk of Fido’s diet, your pooch also needs fruits and veggies. There’s also a risk of contamination and/or parasites. Another thing to consider is expense. While making your furry friend’s food yourself may be cost-effective, if you want to purchase raw pet food, you may find it a bit pricey. There’s also the fact that preparing your pup’s food can get quite messy. If you’re considering going the batch route, you’ll also need to sacrifice some freezer space.
Tips
If you’re considering going raw, talk to your vet about before making any changes. Our furry companions are all unique, and they all have their own dietary needs. It’s important to get some professional advice on exactly what your four-legged pal’s dietary needs are. You may also want to consider doing a mix of raw and cooked foods. You can incorporate freeze-dried raw treats into your furry pal’s diet, or perhaps occasionally indulge him with raw hamburger. That’s a good way to offer the best of both worlds. There are companies that sell raw food. Some offer frozen foods, while others sell freeze-dried products. That’s another option for you to consider. Ask your vet for more information.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions about your pet’s diet. As your Clarkesville, GA animal hospital, we’re here to help!
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