Raw Feeding Dogs – Is It Worth Moving My Dog To A Natural Diet?

“Tell me about raw feeding dogs…”  This is a question I’ve been asked a couple of times this week alone, one by a friend and another a new customer to Oscar’s Organics Dog Treats.

Both owners have had this question because of medical reasons – one, limphoma and the other, mysterious lumps that are going up and down.

Can a change in diet help?

I can’t say with absolute certainty, of course, that a raw diet will miraculously cure any ills, but what I can say, unless there is a specific, quantative medical reason, all dogs will benefit from a natural diet.

Dog’s bodies are designed to ingest and deal with raw meat and bones.  They were never designed for, or have had the thousands of years adapting to, a diet of dried, processed and grain-heavy food.

There will always be exceptions to any rule, but generally, dog’s that are fed on a processed, commercial diet will suffer in later years as their bodies break down from lack of digestible, usable nutrition.  I liken it to when people say “But my Gran lived to 100 and she smoked every day of her life!”… that maybe so, but why tempt fate, when the evidence is there for you to see.

A dog’s digestion system is short and therefore needs food it can break down and use easily – and this is raw.  If you deviate from this by cooking and processing the ingredients, then the dog’s body will struggle to pull out what it needs before it gets ‘pooped’ out the other end.  Ever noticed why your kibble fed dog goes to the toilet a lot?  That’s because it’s expelling what it can’t use – and if as much comes out that goes in, then you can be assured your dog is not getting all it needs.

So, is raw feeding dogs a cure for illness’?

Everything starts with nutrition for ones body to work – so it makes sense that to give your dog the best possible chance, if it is ill, you need to fuel his body with the good stuff.

Reading up on lymphoma the other week I came across a section in Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide To Natural Health For Dogs & Cats… “Unfortunately, for a pet that already has cancer, the time for prevention has passed. By avoiding these toxins, however, we will at least not be adding stress to an already burdened body.  In addition to these precautions, a fresh natural diet is imperative  (Cancer is difficult enough to deal with. Don’t compromise when dealing with a disease of this seriousness.)”

So, my advice is start, whatever the age your dog is, it’s never too late.  I just wish I had been more informed 12 years ago when I first brought home my precious boy – maybe I could have prevented some of the things he still has to deal with now…

Want to know more about raw feeding dogs and what you might need?  Then download a copy of Going Rawr!