You may be wondering what is the hype about feeding your pet raw food as opposed to what your vet recommends? If you are starting to get more curious about why raw food would be better for your animal as opposed to kibble or wet food, let us lay down the foundation for ya. This blog is going to get into the MEAT of the subject and hopefully give you a better understanding on how putting your pet on a raw diet can drastically improve their health, energy and overall performance! Offering several potential health benefits, including improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, cleaner teeth, and increased energy. Many proponents also report better weight management, reduced allergies, and a stronger immune system. 


 

Digestion  

The major benefit to your animal is improvement to their digestion. Raw food is often easier for pets to digest than processed kibble, leading to better nutrient absorption and potentially reducing digestive issues. Smaller, firmer, less stinky stools are often a result. Raw contains easily digestible whole food ingredients and natural enzymes, which can lead to fewer gastrointestinal issues and better nutrient absorption. These natural enzymes aid in the breakdown of nutrients, many of these enzymes are destroyed during the cooking process of kibble. Dogs’ and cats’ digestive systems are naturally suited to breaking down raw meat and bones, which are more readily processed than the starches and fillers often found in kibble. If you wanna learn more about fillers, read our last blog: Is All Kibble Created Equal? NO! Dogs and cats have a shorter digestive tract than humans, making them better suited to quickly digesting raw foods. Raw diets can lead to fewer digestive issues like gas, indigestion, and unhealthy bowel movements, as the body can process the food more efficiently. Many pet owners report that their animal on raw diets produce smaller, firmer, and less odorous stools, indicating better digestion and nutrient absorption. It can also support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for overall health and immunity. 


Skin & Coat 

Raw food can be beneficial for a pet's skin and coat due to its natural richness in essential nutrients and lack of processed ingredients often found in commercial pet foods. These nutrients, including omega fatty acids, amino acids, and enzymes, which play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin cells, hydration, and reducing inflammation. Raw diets, particularly those with fatty meats, provide a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for reducing inflammation, a major contributor to skin issues like itching and redness. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein that are essential for repairing and maintaining skin cells, supporting a healthy skin barrier, and promoting hair growth. Raw food contains active enzymes that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, ensuring the body can effectively utilize the nutrients for skin health. It naturally has a higher moisture content than dry kibble, which helps keep the skin hydrated and be less prone to dryness and flakiness as well. Raw diets often exclude common allergens found in processed foods, such as grains, artificial additives, and certain proteins, which can help alleviate allergic reactions and skin sensitivities. The nutrients in raw food also support healthy hair follicles, which can lead to reduced shedding and a more lustrous coat. Raw diets can help manage inflammation, a common factor in many skin conditions, potentially reducing symptoms like hot spots, redness, and itchiness. A balanced raw diet can help control yeast overgrowth, a condition that can contribute to skin issues like ear infections and flaky skin, according to Steve's Real Food.  


 

Improved Dental Health 

Raw food can be beneficial for a pet's dental health due to the mechanical action of chewing raw meaty bones, which helps remove plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, raw food diets lack the starches and sugars found in many commercial kibble diet that can promote unhealthy bacterial growth and contribute to dental problems. Raw meaty bones act as a natural toothbrush, helping to scrape away plaque and tartar as the pet chews. Raw food diets are typically lower in carbohydrates, which are a food source for bacteria that cause plaque and tartar buildup. Raw food contains enzymes that can help break down bacteria and food particles in the mouth, further promoting a healthier oral environment. 




 

Improved Immune System 

A raw food diet can support a stronger immune system in pets due to its higher content of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and enzymes compared to cooked food. These nutrients, particularly those that are lost or diminished during the cooking process, play a vital role in supporting the immune system, especially the gut microbiome. Additionally, raw food may reduce the risk of allergies and sensitivities because it avoids common fillers and artificial additives found in many commercial pet foods. Raw food retains more of its natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, which are crucial for immune function. Cooking can degrade these beneficial components. The nutrients in raw food are more readily absorbed and utilized by the body compared to synthetic nutrients found in some processed foods. A healthy gut microbiome is also an essential foundation for a strong immune system. Raw promotes a more balanced and diverse gut microbiome, which helps regulate the immune response, enhances nutrient absorption, and protects against harmful pathogens. 



 

Weight Management 

Raw diets can be beneficial for a pet's weight management due to their high protein content and lower carbohydrate levels, which can help dogs maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass. The higher protein supports satiety, helping to prevent overeating, while the lower carbohydrates minimize blood sugar spikes and encourage fat burning. Raw is naturally high in protein and low in carbohydrates compared to many commercial kibble options. This macronutrient profile is ideal for weight management, as protein helps dogs feel fuller for longer and supports muscle mass, while low carbohydrates help prevent weight gain. The high protein content in raw food helps dogs feel satisfied with smaller portions, reducing the likelihood of overeating. If you'd like more tips on weight management for your pet; both gaining and losing, check out our blog: No Time to Wait for Weight Management! 

Outro: 

We hopefully were able to explain the many benefits to raw feeding and why you should consider introducing it to your animal. We love our frozen brands like Steve’s Real Food and will gladly recommend one that works for you and your pet. Even just making 20% of animal's diet raw food can start allowing your pet to reap the benefits. Stop by the shop to discuss why raw really works!