Raw Diets or Raw Deal? Pt 2

Pros & Cons

Ok, so now that you know what you’re getting into let’s delve into the pros and cons of cooking for your dog.

Pros:

1. You have known quality control over what your pet consumes.

2. It allows for further bonding between you and your pet. As Cesar teaches, if your dog sees it coming from you, it further establishes you as the pack leader.

Cons:

1. First and foremost, it is NOT a sound diet unless you get the recipe from a trained animal dietician.

· Animals who are fed a diet that is not structurally sound are set up for serious health issues.

*Anemia, severe weight loss, GI upset, diabetes, pancreatitis (painful inflammation of the pancreas and gallbladder) among other issues.

2. Cost

· Feeding your pet for one week can easily surpass what you spend on yourself in one week.

3. E-Coil and Salmonella i.e. BACTERIA!!!

· Raw food = raw bacteria. These bacteria, especially for a dog with a sensitive digestive tract can prove to be a big issue. Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects.

· Concern of these bacteria is not over once your pet consumes the food. These bacteria are not digested and pass on through the stool.

*You should wash your hands thoroughly after picking up after your dog.

* Keep pet waste out of communal areas where children will be playing.

* Dogs will harbor these bacteria in their mouth; keep your pet from licking you in the face and especially children.

Raw diets do have their place in the world of dog food, however you may want to consider if you are prepared for the serious responsibilities that come along with cooking for your pet.

Raw Diets or Raw Deal? Pt 1

B.A.R.F.- what is it?

Since the great dog food scare of 2007 many concerned pet owners have turned to raw food diets otherwise known as BARF diets. BARF stands for Bones And Raw Food. First lets look at what makes up a raw food diet.

· A raw protein (beef, chicken, lamb, fish etc.) & Egg

· Bones from said protein

· Vegetables (no onion, avocado)

· Fruits (no grapes/raisins)

Some recipes call for extra ingredients.

· Yogurt

· Garlic

· Rice/grains

· Herbs

Essentially you mix all the ingredients together and dish out in weight appropriate portions to your pooch 2-3 times daily, depending on your feeding schedule.

Remember, raw dog food is just like raw human food. It’s only good for 5-7 days (refrigerated) after preparing.