The Benefits of a Raw Diet

Here are just a few more reasons why we at Bark Williams love the raw diet. Thanks to 4loveof dog.com. Visit our raw food page for information on raw foods we carry like Halshan and Honest Kitchen.

White, white teeth and no more doggie breath

Here is one source of bacteria you should worry about- the ones that make their home in the tartar on your dogs teeth that is caused by soluble carbohydrates in a kibble diet. These bacteria and the toxins they produce, can spread throughout the body, invading organs, specifically the heart and kidneys. Raw fed pets have beautiful teeth and breath possibly due to the enzymes in raw food and/or the lack of carbohydrates in the diet. Many people believe it is the chewing action that produces white teeth, but you can get this same benefit when feeding your pet raw meaty bones- whole or ground.

If your dog suddenly develops bad breath be sure to check the dog’s mouth to determine whether a bone has been lodged between his/her teeth. If not, a blood test may be in order to determine if there are any kidney malfunctions. Bad breath is one of the outward signs of kidney or heart disease.

• Poop patrol becomes an adventure!

A dog on a raw diet has fewer and smaller stools. It can also have very little smell.  Smaller stools indicate the dog is using the food efficiently.

Stools are a good indication of what is going on in your dogs’ body. If it’s too soft-add more raw meaty bones. Too hard-add more veggies. Watch for undigested material in order to determine if probiotics should be added to the diet. When too much vitamin C has been given, diarrhea occurs. Just back off slowly until the stool becomes firm again. The dog itself seems to know best.

• Yard stains

Raw fed dogs produce fewer yard stains. A dog being fed a poor quality kibble can have highly concentrated urine that burns the lawn. Adding alfalfa to the dog’s diet may decrease yard stains even further.

• Hot spots

If your dog suffers from hot spots, a raw diet may be the answer. It may be best to eliminate the hot spots by proper nutrition, rather than pouring on more medications.

• Water consumption

This is not really a benefit, but a raw fed dog does not consume much water! The dog is provided with so much moisture via the raw diet, the need to drink copious amounts of water is eliminated.

• Doggie gas (the quickest way to clear a room!)

The odorous gas that some dogs have may be caused by a digestive system that is not functioning properly. When starting your dog on a raw diet, the gas problem can escalate to the point that you want to give up! But, when the flora of the intestines adjusts to the new diet, it virtually goes away.

• Bloat Prevention? Possibly!

Bloat seems to be less common in raw fed dogs. Please read up on PREVENTION OF BLOAT AND TORSION IN DOGS. Also, here’s some extensive information on bloat: Purdue University

Dog food companies have gone to great lengths to convince humans that it is right to feed our dogs a food that consists of cooked cereal and rendered meat meals. We, ourselves, are told to eat many raw fruits and vegetables every day. Raw being the key to good health because vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes are present in their natural form. Why would it be different for our dogs? Their bodies were designed to eat and thrive on raw food. Cereal and cooking have no place in a dog’s diet.

Visit our raw food page for information on raw foods we carry like Halshan and Honest Kitchen.