Raw Dog Food: Better Than Dry Food?

These days you see a lot of debate, online and in person, about what you should feed your dogs. Some argue that raw dog food is best, but others advocate for more traditional dry dog food.

This debate has been raging on for years among dog owners, so what’s the answer?

Well, it turns out that the experts also disagree on which diet is most appropriate for your canine companion. There are many arguments on both sides of the debate. We’re going to get down to the bottom of the issue and lay out the points on both sides.

Dry Food

Dry dog food is by far the most commonly bought food, at least for now, and there are many reasons for it.

First of all, it’s the cheapest way to feed your dog. Consistently buying raw meat and vegetables is simply not an option for many people because of how expensive it would be, but dry food is a more affordable alternative.

Nutritional Benefits

Dry kibble also has nutritional benefits. Most of the popular brands of dry food have added nutrients that dogs need to be happy and healthy.

In order to get the same nutritional value, you would have to feed your dog both raw meat and various other vegetables. With dry food, it’s a one-stop shop.

Convenience

Dry food is also available in larger quantities and easier to store. You won’t have to worry about freezing and thawing raw meat all the time.

Another way that kibble is more convenient is how easy it can make traveling.  You can’t just take raw meat on a long trip with your dog, but good quality kibble can travel with absolutely no issue.

Clean Teeth

Veterinarians have also said that dry food is actually good for you dog’s teeth, too! They say that the hard surface of the food is perfect for removing plaque from your dog’s teeth, giving them free teeth cleaning every time they eat.

Drawbacks

There are some drawbacks to dry dog food. Recalls and cases of dogs getting sick or even dying from eating questionable and respected household brands of kibble are sadly common. There are very few regulations on the companies that produce dog food. The regulations that are in place are typically ignored.

Now, this isn’t to suggest that you shouldn’t trust certain brands. Instead, you should be aware of the kind of food that you are feeding your loving companion.

Raw Food

On the other hand, there are also many benefits to feeding your dog raw food.

Wolves ate a raw food diet for millions of years. Many vets believe that it is genetically ingrained in dogs to enjoy raw meat. Dogs are carnivores and as such evolved to eat meat in the wild.

Healthy Benefits

Some claim that feeding your dog raw meat can lead to cleaner teeth, healthier, shinier coats, and more energy. There is some debate among experts about these claims.

However, evidence suggests that feeding your dog raw meat helps by giving them a healthy outlet for chewing. Chewing bones also helps to keep their teeth clean, as well.

One final benefit of raw dog food is you don’t have to worry about feeding your dog possibly dangerous dry food.

Drawbacks

Just like with dry food, there are also drawbacks to feeding your pet raw food.

When feeding your dog raw food you have to plan in advance. This can be a lot of work.

There is also a chance that your dog will get some nasty bacteria from eating raw meat and could get sick. However, dogs are a lot better than we are at handling germs found in raw meat. Giving them a much lower risk for disease than humans.

Always be sure to wash your hands after petting a dog that has recently eaten raw meat.

Additionally, there is a slight risk of the bones fracturing and damaging your dog’s stomach. This is relatively rare and can be avoided by only giving your dog bones inside the meat. By itself, there is a chance your dog could improperly eat the bone leading to various intestinal issues.

Never give your dog cooked bones. They can splinter and cause serious health issues.

Who Wins?

In the end, there are benefits to both types of food and the best one for you depends on the priorities that you have for your pet.

Your dog can be healthy with dry kibble or raw food, as long as you make sure that they’re getting all the nutrients that they need. Also, make sure to keep up with hygiene when feeding your pet raw meat.  It is possible that they could spread those germs on to you if you aren’t careful.

Both options have risks and rewards.

Ultimately, the decision lies with you. Raw food takes more work and preparation but with the right planning is the healthier option in the long run. However, the right brand of dry food can be just as good while saving you some money and time.

-Nick