The Story Behind Raw

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What most pet food companies don't want you to know is that as the rate of pet diseases rise, the simplest thing you can do to help your pets heal is feed raw. Cats are obligate carnivores meaning that biologically they have to have meat. When it comes to dogs some professionals say they are carnivores, and some professionals say omnivores. What most people can agree on is that cats and dogs need meat. Where the real argument comes in is whether the meat should be cooked or raw.

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Wild canids ate a diet of raw meat, bones, and the occasional fruit or vegetable. The basis for the 'pro-raw' side is that if their ancestors ate raw, then that is the closest to a 'natural' diet you can feed your furry friends. Not to mention this food is less likely to be recalled than commercial kibble as the ingredients are healthier and the facilities are cleaner. Yes, sometimes raw food is contaminated with salmonella or other bacterias, but if you choose a raw brand that has never been recalled then no sweat. The other argument is that a diet of strictly meat is unbalanced; which for the record it is. Your cat or dog should be getting vegetables, and healthy oils in their food in addition to the meat base.

I was a little skeptical to try it at first, but Kaia was struggling with digestive issues even on 'sensitive stomach' kibble. I gave her a week 'grace period' for her system to adjust and we haven't had a problem with her food since. She now eats all her food, her teeth are whiter and her coat is shinier. All I can is, I'm glad I made the switch.

 

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Homemade Pet Food

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I have absolutely no problem with people who feed homemade pet food. My only complaints would be the sheer time investment of cooking regularly and the cost of all the additives (eggs, kelp, powders, fish oils, etc). The main benefits of homemade food is its customizability (not that raw food can't be customized). If your pet has a specific allergy to a base protein, then you can use alternative sources and include as little carbohydrates as possible. You also know that all your ingredients are fresh and there is no danger of contamination.

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The difficulty is keeping a balanced diet with all the necessary amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals while feeding the right amount for your pet's size. The simplest way to do this is to find holistic vets who have made pet cookbooks or recipes. Make sure to vary your pet's protein source so they don't develop vitaminosis from sources such as liver.

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