Myths and Truths

The Truth About Raw Feeding

Let’s Dispel Some Myths

Myth #1 My Dog will become aggressive or vicious if I feed raw meat.

There is no correlation between feeding a raw diet and aggressive behaviour. Dogs are more content when fed a raw natural diet. Aggression in dogs come from genetics, training and socialization. A dog’s primal instinct is to hunt and chase prey, no matter what they are fed.

Myth #2 My dog will get salmonella and other bacteria if I feed raw

Their digestive tracts can handle bacteria that would be harmful to humans. There are also enzymes in their saliva that have anti-bacterial properties. It is common for dogs in the wild to eat carcasses that have been lying outdoors for days. My own dog hides their bones in the yard and then goes back to it days later, never had a problem. Salmonella and other bacteria are present when your dog greets other dogs, or sniffs the ground where other dogs frequent. It is important to use common sense and practice good hygiene when you are feeding raw just as you would when handling raw meat while preparing your own meals. If this myth were to hold any water I would have been deathly sick by now considering I have five dogs...wouldn't that leave me 5X more suseptible to salmonella? I've been practicing this diet for 15 years and would not have continued if it were true. Let's be seinsible.

Myth #3 It’s dangerous to feed bones to dogs

Chewing and eating RAW bones are actually healthy for dogs if fed properly. It can be very dangerous to feed a dog bones inappropriately sized for them and certainly cooked bones. NEVER feed cooked bones as they become sharp, brittle and will splinter. RAW bones will clean your dog's teeth and help keep their breath fresh.

Myth #4 If my dog’s commercial food is so bad, how can my pet survive?

Humans could eat fast food everyday for our whole lives, and we might survive, but we sure would not be very healthy. Same goes for dogs on a processed kibble and canned diet; they might survive but their overall health would certainly be compromised compared to a raw fed dog. It doesn't matter whether it's dog food or human food, processed foods are loaded with chemicals, additves and preseravtives which can't be healthy.

Myth #5 My dog will not get all the nutrients

Dogs are carnivores/ominvores. They need meat and some vegetative matter. A raw diet provides all the nutrients in their original state, undiminished by cooking, processing and rendering. The proof will be seen in their improved coats, clean teeth and breath, relief from skin allergies, energy level, etc. My favourite is the elimination of a “doggy smell” on their coats…have you ever pet someone’s dog and then you have an immediate need to wash your hands because of the smell they leave behind on your palms?

Myth #6 Feeding is just too complicated and too time consuming

There are many options available and it is pretty simple and easy. We feed our dogs what is sometimes know has “home prepared raw” I put all the ingredients together and freeze. We can definitely say that the freezer has gone to the dogs. We had to buy a separate deep freeze dedicated to their food. I like to buy in bulk and whenever I notice certain items are on sale, I take advantage of it to save a few dollars. Another option is prepared B.A.R.F meals that can be purchased at pet shops that cater to raw fed pets. Over time as you become more experienced feeding raw it will get easier and simpler.