December 30, 2020 Sharon No Comments

Raw diets are gaining momentum among pet owners. After all, what goes into our beloved pets’ bowls dictates their long-term health outcomes. So the question is are raw diets worth it?

Generally, raw diets are superior to dry processed foods due to the fact that many dry food brands contain unhealthy additives. While short-term consumption of dry-kibbles may seem safe, in the long run, it could potentially lead to an exhaustive list of health issues.

For pets on a dry kibble diet, it’s imperative that the owners avoid these common hazardous ingredients.

• Preservatives in the form of BHA, BHT, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium nitrite, as well as, artificial food coloring.
• Refined carbohydrates and sugars. (If consumed over a long period of time, it could potentially lead to obesity and diabetes.)
• Unlisted meat source and other animal by-products.
• Gluten, grains, corn, and soy. (Foods with high levels of grain, soy, and gluten cause food allergies and sensitivities. Food sensitivity could be the culprit behind your pet’s digestive issues, skin problems, and ear infections.)
• Farmed fish (Farmed fish contains many environmental pollutants that could lead to cancer.)
• Sodium hexametaphosphate. (This ingredient is commonly found in dog foods advertised for dental health.)

With that being said, dry kibbles seem like a less desirable choice when comparing the two. However, As mentioned, raw diets are not the perfect solution as many veterinarians are advising against it.

Pros of a raw diet

• Shinier coats.
• Better stool consistency.
• Maintains proper weight.
• Stronger muscle and bone.

Cons of a raw diet

• Indigestion due to bone fragments contained in some raw diets.
• GI tract inflammation and upsets.
• Parasitic and bacterial infections.
• Bowel obstruction.
• Nutrient deficiency.

Not only that but feeding your pet the raw diet also puts you, the pet owner, at risk of infections. Therefore, it is advisable to cook your pet’s food prior to feeding them.