Before starting a raw diet for your pet, you should have your vet’s approval and input on the matter. There’s no doubt that raw diets for dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that they’re often more affordable than dry kibble while also being healthier and tastier. But what should you know before starting your dog on a raw diet? What are the risks associated with feeding your pet only ground meat? Do you need to supplement essential nutrients? How do you ensure your dog gets everything she needs when she’s eating only raw food? This article covers all of these questions so that you can decide whether or not a raw diet is right for your dog—and, if so, how best to implement it safely and successfully.
Talk to your vet before starting a raw diet for dogs.
- Your vet will want to know about your dog’s breed, age, size and health history. They’ll also want to know what kind of diet you’re currently feeding him (i.e., commercial kibble or canned food). This will ensure that they can recommend any changes they may need to make to their current regimen due to switching to a raw diet.
- The most common recommendation is to slowly transition your dog onto a raw diet by mixing his previous food with equal parts of the new food until he is completely switched over within two weeks. This can help prevent digestive issues like diarrhoea or vomiting from occurring when switching over suddenly from one type of diet to another.
Start with ground meat instead of whole chunks.
Your first step in starting your dog’s raw diet will be to find ground meat. Ground meat is easier for them to chew, digest, measure and portion. It’s also easier for you to store. Ground meat comes in neat little packages that are easy to keep in the freezer or refrigerator, so it’s not a big hassle when you’re ready to feed it out.
Give your dog supplements as needed and as recommended by your vet.
You should also talk to your vet about what supplements you should give and how often. The following are some common supplements that can be given to dogs on a raw diet:
- Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and help the body fight off harmful bacteria in the gut. These can be found in yoghurt or kefir, which can be added to their food once per day. If you don’t want to add dairy products to your dog’s diet, other options are available, such as probiotic pills or powder made specifically for dogs (make sure you talk to your vet first).
- Fish oil/cod liver oil
These contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown in studies to have health benefits for pets, including reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels and improving joint mobility, among other things.
Ask your vet about what kinds of treats you can give your dog when feeding her raw food.
If you feed raw diets for dogs, it’s essential to be aware that raw meat is not the only thing that can hurt him. Although there are many health benefits to feeding your dog a raw diet, there are also some risks. For example, some foods that are safe for people can cause severe illness or death in dogs—and this may have something to do with how their digestive systems differ from ours.
Another thing vets recommend avoiding when introducing new foods into your pup’s diet is high-fat treats.
Getting started on feeding a raw diet for dogs is easy once you know the basics.
The first step? Talk to your vet. It’s essential to consult with them before making any drastic changes, especially if your dog has health issues or sensitivities that might be affected by switching up its diet. After all, this isn’t just about what they eat—it’s also how it affects their health and well-being.
Once you’ve established that there aren’t any big red flags in terms of allergies or other concerns, talk about the pros and cons of switching from processed food which contains preservatives, to raw meat. Your vet can help guide you through this process so that you don’t consider it an all-or-nothing proposition.
