The science behind raw feeding can go back years and years! After all, the dog is a direct descendent of the gray wolf so it only makes sense that a raw diet may promote their health and well-being.
The science behind raw feeding can go back years and years! After all, the dog is a direct descendent of the gray wolf so it only makes sense that a raw diet may promote their health and well-being.
Lush and shiny coats are one of the most common benefits reported by owners feeding raw. Within weeks of feeding raw, your pup’s coat will not only look great, but it will also feel great. Raw pet food contains proteins and fresh fats which feed your dog’s fur the nutrients they need. Did you know that approximately 30% of your dog’s protein intake goes towards skin and coat maintenance? A diet lacking in protein therefore means less energy is available to maintain their coat health. Furthermore, zinc is a trace mineral which is abundantly found in raw meat, organs, and seafood. Zinc has been shown to support coat condition in your pup. However, the heat treatment used in commercial diets may decrease it’s bioavailability.¹
Raw diets are beneficial for your pup’s gut health too. Did you know that a dog’s digestive tract is nearly identical to a wolf? And that their DNA differs by only 0.02%. Raw diets also contain enzymes which aid in digestion, in commercial diets, these are usually destroyed by heat treatment, making commercial diets (such as dry kibble) harder to digest than raw food. Furthermore, not only are raw diets easier to digest, but they are also absorbed better which leads to healthier and not so smelly stools. Further emphasising the importance of your pup’s gut health is that fact that 70% of your dog’s immune system is in their gastrointestinal tract, so it’s safe to say that your pups’ gut is the headquarters of their immune system so let’s look after it the best we can.
Raw diets support your pawry pal’s dental health in more ways than one. For one, the tearing and chewing of bones have aided in dental support for your canine friend for years. The chewing of raw meaty bones is great at scraping the plaque of your pup’s teeth thereby ultimately preventing plaque accumulation and supporting dental health. Furthermore, raw meaty bones are filled with minerals such as calcium which support dental health even further.²
Raw diets are known to support joint health. For example, with a raw diet you can feed animal parts which are naturally high in glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which are the building blocks of cartilage. Cartilage is the strong, flexible connective tissue which helps protects your pup’s joints and bones. Furthermore, raw diets often include more omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fatty acid, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and therefore provides joint health and mobility support.³
