Raw Natural Diet for Dogs

Proponents of the raw natural diet claim this regimen mimics a wild dog's diet. For owners concerned about the integrity of the pet food industry, given major recalls such as the March 2007 recall affecting hundreds of brands--or the safety of common ingredients like corn or wheat, animal-protein byproducts or chemical preservatives--a raw diet is a welcome alternative. However, despite its all-natural appeal, this diet is controversial and requires thorough planning to ensure properly balanced nutrition.

  1. Features

    • Dr. Billinghurt's Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods (BARF) diet guidelines suggest an adult dog's diet include 60 percent raw meaty bones (e.g. poultry wings, beef brisket, pork feet); 15 percent crushed fruit and vegetables; 25 percent meat mince and offal; and vitamins and supplements such as fish oil, kelp and yogurt. Other raw regimens, which consider dogs to be more carnivorous, require little or no fruit or vegetables in the diet. Food can be home-prepared or purchased frozen or freeze-dried, though some raw-diet advocates maintain fresh ingredients are optimal. A dog must be transitioned to the diet gradually to avoid upsetting its digestive system.

    Benefits

    • A report by the Animal Protection Institute claims many commercial pet foods contain "slaughterhouse offal, grains considered 'unfit for human consumption' and similar waste products"--including "intestines, udders, heads, hooves and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts"--as well as potentially cancer-causing chemical preservatives and depleted nutrients. A raw natural diet offers owners more control over ingredients and provides the dog with enzymes that aid digestion and natural teeth cleaning. Owners who choose a raw diet notice such benefits in their dogs as enhanced skin, breath and teeth; improved digestion and allergy symptoms; smaller, firmer stools; and decreased shedding. Advocates contend that the diet increases a dog's lifespan and reduces her susceptibility to illness, ultimately lowering veterinary care bills.

    Disadvantages

    • A raw natural diet requires more preparation than scooping commercial kibble into a bowl. Owners need to not only consider the actual meal prep time, but also time to obtain and store ingredients as well as sanitize work areas to prevent bacterial contamination. Cost is another drawback, as a raw diet can be more expensive than a standard commercial one, especially when purchasing commercially available raw food.

    Criticism

    • The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association published several reports decrying this diet, pointing to nutritional deficiencies and high bacterial contents. Heather Highbrown, doctor of veterinary medicine in Hamilton, New York, cautions, "People are far too likely to add ingredients they think are wholesome for their dog without adequate research or experience to support it." Dr. Highbrown, who's treated many cases of malnourishment due to home-based diets, urges owners who insist on a raw regimen to work with a veterinary nutritionist.

    Risks and Warnings

    • Raw meat cannot be given to dogs with immune deficiencies. Although healthy dogs' digestive systems can process the bacteria, it is not safe for human consumption. Thorough sanitation of all utensils and preparation areas is imperative, and children or adults with autoimmune conditions should avoid handling raw meat entirely. Some raw foods that are safe for humans, such as grapes or avocados, can be poisonous to dogs.