A raw dog food diet could be the answer to your dog’s
health problems by Anna Sakila
Do you worry
about your dog’s diet? Are you tired of wondering what ingredients are in your
small breed’s food?
Does your dog have allergy or stomach issues?
If you answered yes to any of these questions,
a raw diet for your small breed may be the answer.
Raw Dog Food DietA “raw” dog
food diet is a wholesome, homemade dog food option.
This way you know EXACTLY
what your dog is eating. Taking control of my dog’s diet was an empowering and
wonderful way to show my pet just how much I love him.
Downside
of Store-Bought Dog Food
In my opinion,
the worst part about store bought dog food is its misleading labels.
Any brand
of dog food is going to do their best to advertise their product to make it
seem like it is good for your dog.
You can read
the ingredients list on the back of the bag. In most brands, you will see
fillers, preservatives, and many chemical ingredients you cannot even
pronounce!
Here are a few examples of some of the harmful ingredients present
in many name-brand dog foods.
Fillers
A filler is a product used by dog
food manufacturers to bulk up the food, making it cheaper to produce. Sometimes, these
ingredients have little to no nutritional value and are known to cause
allergies. (Especially in small breeds) These include corn, soy, and wheat.
By-Products
From crushed bones to crude
protein byproduct meal, these ingredients are meant to replace natural meat
protein. Most commercial products are highly processed. The dog food production
process destroys most of the food’s nutritional value.
Preservatives
Many preservatives that have been
proven to cause cancer and allergic reactions in dogs are still readily
available in many dog foods. Yes, they prevent your dog’s food from spoiling quickly
but at what cost?!
Upside to a Homemade Raw Dog Food Diet
Making your
raw dog food is a great idea for obvious reasons. Let’s look into all the
awesome pros to homemade dog food.
Control
When you make your small breed dog food at home, you can exactly
control what your dog eats. You are in charge of your dog’s dietary health and well-being. Rest easy knowing that you fed your well-loved fur baby the best
nutrition possible.
Customization
Just like people, every dog is
unique. You can create a dog food based on their likes and dislikes. Dogs with
diet restrictions can greatly benefit from a raw diet. Once again, you know what
your dog is eating and don’t have to rely on a name brand to deliver your dog’s
specific nutritional needs
Does your small breed have an allergy problem? It will be much easier
to pinpoint what triggers their food allergies when you make the food yourself.
Once identified, all you have to do is remove the allergen from their diet!
The Downside of Raw Dog Food Diets
Unfortunately, there is a down side to a raw dog food diet. It may not be safe for your dog or your family. In a recent research project, several problems were addressed. Salmonella species have been found in samples of fresh frozen commercial diets. In addition, the researchers addressed the emerging concerns of introducing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria into the diet.
My Favorite Raw Dog Food Diet Recipe
(Not Quite Raw)
This recipe has been a big success with all of my dogs. It’s easy and
nutrition packed! You can even eat this food if
you felt so inclined. My recommendations is to cook the ingredients before mixing. Pack in separate containers and then freeze.
Tip
If you have a large freezer or a deep freezer, make a large amount
of dog food all at once and freeze some for later. This saves lots of time. I usually cook a months’ worth of dog food
and thaw two days worth at a time.
Raw Dog Food Diet Ingredients
- 10 pounds of ground beef or
turkey
- 10 whole eggs (raw or cooked)
- 5 cups of cooked rice, lentils,
or quinoa
- 3 cups of mixed vegetables (no onions)
Directions Method One:
Cook meat, eggs,
and rice on medium heat until it is almost done and
then add the vegetables. Once finished, chop food into a “kibble” like texture
and freeze in meal size portions.
This is a better
option for small breeds who do not mind taking their time while eating.
Directions Method Two:
This method is
a bit quicker but can be messier. Mix all of the ingredients evenly in a large
bowl. Create meal size portions rolled into meatballs.
Bake the prepared meatballs in a 400-degree oven for about 45 minutes or
until completely cooked.
This method is
a little better for dogs who tend to eat too fast. The meatballs take more time
to dismember and chew.
References
Benefits of Fresh Dog Food vs. Raw Food vs. Kibble For Your Dog
Feeding Raw Dog Food: 6 Steps To Get Started
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About Janice (author and voice behind this site)
Having lived with dogs and cats most of her life, Janice served as a veterinary technician for ten years in Maryland and twelve years as a Shih Tzu dog breeder in Ohio.
Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Psychology with a minor in biology, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing, and a master’s in Mental Health Counseling.
She is a lifelong learner, a dog lover, and passionate about the welfare of animals. Her favorite breed for over 50 years has been the Shih Tzu, but she has also lived with Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, English Bulldogs, Carin Terriers, and a Cocker Spaniel.
When not writing, reading, and researching dog-related topics, she likes to spend time with her eight Shih Tzu dogs, husband, and family, as well as knitting and crocheting. She is also the voice behind Miracle Shih Tzu and Smart-Knit-Crocheting
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