Bringing a new puppy into your home means taking responsibility for making sure they have everything they need for healthy development. While vaccinations and proper training are important, it is your pet’s diet that plays the biggest role in their long-term health. Today, many puppy lovers are advocating for feeding a raw food diet that allows for more control over what goes into a growing dog’s mouth. While keeping things natural does offer benefits for your dog, it is also important to be aware of the drawbacks of a raw food diet. To help you make your decision, here is what you should know about both sides of the debate in giving raw foods to your dog.
Pro: Reduced Exposure to Chemicals
Recent recalls of commercial dog food has led to more awareness about what goes into the products. Puppy parents often have the same concerns about the unnecessary exposure to chemicals as parents of newborn babies. Although this argument is valid, it is important to note that you can also purchase natural dog food from commercial manufacturers that provide full-disclosure regarding the ingredients in their food.
Con: Potential for Food Contamination
While it may seem as though making your dog food is safer than relying upon a company, you should be aware that mistakes can still be made. Cross-contamination is a common issue in every kitchen, and your dog is susceptible to food-borne illnesses that can become life-threatening. If you do choose to make your own dog food, be prepared to maintain a strict code of hygiene in your kitchen, and learn how to properly store dog food to reduce the risk of contributing to the growth of bacteria.
Pro: Improve Their Health
Raw food diets provide you with greater flexibility for meeting your puppy’s nutritional needs. For example, you can learn what to feed them to boost their immune system when they are ill, and you can make adjustments to the diet to accommodate your dog’s changing health as they age. Dogs that eat properly planned raw food diets can enjoy the same benefits dogs get from commercially prepared foods such as shiny coats and greater energy.
Con: There’s a Learning Curve
Unfortunately, some people jump into raw food diets without fully understanding what a dog needs to stay healthy. For example, when only feeding meat to your dog, it poses the risk of missing other critical vitamins and minerals that naturally come from vegetables and grains. While your dog needs more than meat, there is also a risk of making them sick by feeding them foods that are not safe for canines such as grapes or garlic. For this reason, you will need to be prepared to do careful research while working with your pet’s veterinarian to ensure that your diet doesn’t do more harm than good.
Choosing the best diet for your pet is important for their health, and it is important to remember that every dog is different. Even in the same household, diets can vary drastically between two different dogs due to their age or state of health. Whichever diet you choose, be sure to start it slowly and watch your pet carefully for signs that it is helping or causing them distress. By paying attention to your dog’s cues, you can make sure that the food you give them promotes greater well-being.
Golden Meadows Retrievers is a top flight Golden Retriever and Vizsla breeding program located in Southern California. The Golden Retriever and Vizsla puppies are surrounded by love and personal attention from day one. In fact, Golden Meadows is also a family home, beautifully designed with the dogs and pups in mind. From spacious, lush play yards, to on-site training and a dedicated staff providing socializing from birth to help ensure that owners get the sweetest addition to their family.