I am sure that you are as confused as I am about what to feed our dogs.  The present trend to feed dogs a raw food diet started in 1993 when Australian veterinarian, Dr. Ian Billinghurst wrote a book promoting a "Bones and Raw Food (BARF) diet." He recommended feeding a dog 60% raw meaty bones (chicken backs, wings and necks), with the rest of the diet composed of ground vegetables, ground meat, and supplements such as kelp, vitamin E and vitamin C. Currently, there are many different pet food companies which promote a line of raw meat and frozen raw meat for pets.

Feeding dogs’ raw food is very trendy.  The lines are drawn in the Ex-pen: raw food or commercial, cooked, processed food.  Each side in the argument sounds very persuasive and each side makes passionate statements.    

People who believe in commercial dog food believe that it contains all of the nutrients that a dog needs to grow and be healthy.  They feel that millions of dollars each year are spent by these companies on scientific and field testing of their products. They protest that the BARF diet is complicated, expensive, and difficult to prepare, and many people are not appropriately feeding their dogs. 

So, why is raw so popular?  Proponents of raw meat and poultry say it improves dogs’ coats, teeth, breath and it gives them more energy. They protest that dogs are returning to their natural roots in the wild. People who believe in feeding their dogs’ raw food feel that no additives are necessary and that their animals are getting all of the nutrients they require.

Is the raw diet risky?  Those who oppose this raw diet warn of the dangers of illness from pathogens in raw meat and the dangers of choking when feeding bones. Bones, even raw and ground ones can perforate the gastrointestinal tract.  Also, raw diets contain too much protein which may be problematic in some dogs. There are concerns for the health and safety of both the dogs eating, and the humans handling raw food.

There is some reality to the fact that there are bacteria, parasites and protozoan organisms that can be transmitted in raw meat to our beloved pets and two legged family members. Cleanliness is essential if you are the human preparer. Proper food hygiene must be practiced when handling raw meat and chicken.  Get out the hot water and bleach!

If you are considering using raw meat and poultry, READ EVERYTHING you can before you make a decision. If things don’t make sense to you, ask, read more and consider the source of your information.  Is the article from a raw food company?  Is it from a vet?  Is there research that is current to back up the statements? How will the health of your faithful companion be affected by this diet? If you are using commercially prepared dog food, know as much about it as you can.  Know what the ingredients are.  Know the nutritional make-up of what you are using. Be smart, be educated.  Don’t just use a food because your neighbor is using it. 

To be continued….Remember, our goal is paws up for good health!