Diet Dog Food: What’s Right for your Dog

Have you ever had to tell your dog that he needs to start eating diet dog food? What was his reaction? What was yours? Dogs, like humans, love to eat and hate going on a diet; and humans love to feed their beloved dogs. Who can resist those longing, begging, puppy dog eyes they give us when they are hungry? Who doesn’t love the way their faces light up when we feed them? The problem starts when pet parents over-feed and the dogs gain too much weight.

There are many diet foods for dogs in the market and information on dog raw food diet plan these days. But some pet owners might still it difficult to find the best food, and food bowls for their beloved fur babies. With the sheer number of brands, kinds, types, and formula available, it could, oftentimes, get a bit overwhelming.

Additionally, science diet dog food prices can sometimes be so unreasonable, it can cause anxiety to pet parents. One diet that is gaining a lot of popularity for its benefits to dogs is raw foodism. This means eating uncooked, unprocessed food only. Here is a quick and easy guide to keeping your dog happy while at the same time, keeping their weight at healthy levels with raw food.

Dog Raw Food Diet: What is it?

Raw food diets for dogs are rising in popularity. It’s called by many names like BARF which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food. According to experts, adult dogs will benefit from eating a diet that resembles what their ancestors ate; that is, before dogs were domesticated. They added that commercial ecofriendly pet products, have ingredients that can harm your dog’s health.

Dog raw food diet consists mainly of uncooked meaty bones and vegetables. Advocates of raw foodism believe that dogs who eat raw have healthier skin and shinier coats, cleaner and stronger teeth, smaller stool, and higher levels of energy.

Nevertheless, as with any diets, there could be potential risks as well. These include health issues that come from bacteria found in raw meat. Bones are also a choking hazard, could break your dog’s teeth, and could puncture your dog from the inside.

Raw Dog Food and How Much to Feed Your Dog

Raw food for dogs usually include:

• Meat

• Organ meat (e.g. livers, kidneys, etc.)

• Meaty bone

• Whole or ground bones

• Dog-safe Vegetables (e.g. broccoli, celery, squash, spinach, etc.)

• Dog-safe fruits (e.g. apples, bananas, etc.)

• Raw eggs

• Dairy products (e.g. yogurt)

If you’re wondering which raw dog food and how much to feed your dog; the simple answer is, it depends. It goes without saying that before starting your dog on any new diet, you must consult your vet. Basically, the food and amount to feed will vary depending on your dog’s activity levels and metabolism. Some estimates say that adult dogs eat 2.5% of their total body weight per day with active dogs eating at least 3%.

Nevertheless, the best way to find out exactly which and how much raw food to feed your dog is to observe. Watch your dog’s weight from the time you start on a new diet to about six weeks. Do weigh-ins twice a week or check them physically to see if they are losing or gaining weight. Then adjust the amount accordingly.

Dog Raw Food Diet: Feeding Tips

1. Ensure the raw diet includes calcium and phosphorus. To make sure your dog gets his fill of calcium, 35% of what he eats must be meaty bones. Farm-fresh raw eggs (with shell) is rich in calcium and phosphorus.

2. Get those organs in there. Organ meats are rich in nutrients and vitamins. 10-30% of your dog’s meals must be organ meat but no one organ should exceed 5-10% of their diet.

3. Make it muscular. After the bones and organ meat, add in the meats. This will complete your dog’s diet. About 35% of your dog’s meal should be protein-rich lean meats. The best meats to give your dog include beef, pork, chicken, bison, turkey, and lamb.

4. Cut down on the fat. Your dog needs fat but not too much as it can cause some serious illnesses along the way. To cut down on the fat, give your dog chicken or turkey meat without the skin, lean ground beef, rabbit, pork loin, fish, wild game (except duck).

5. Throw in some vegetables and fruits. Just like humans, dogs live a healthier life if they have a balanced diet. Dog-safe vegetables and fruits contain nutrients and vitamins that dogs can’t get from meat and other animal products such as probiotics, lycopene, lutein, etc.

Dogs are family members. Naturally, we all want what’s best for them. We hope this diet dog food guide will help you keep your dog happy, active, and healthy.