After reading about the numerous advantages of raw feeding, I wonder if people still believe it is too good to be true. individuals that are passionate about assisting individuals with their dog transitions are known as raw feeders. However, as each dog is unique and reacts to the diet in a different way, some make claims that the diet is unable to fulfill. Based on my own experience, I will discuss the advantages of switching to a raw food diet for dogs in this post. In order to avoid surprising you when you begin this adventure with your dog, I want to make raw feeding a little more approachable.

Benefits of Raw Feeding

Changing a dog's diet from kibble to raw food (or fresh food) has a number of advantages. But not everyone will profit from the same things at the same rate. I'll contrast the advantages with my own experiences with my dogs in this piece.

1 – Improved Digestion

Dogs' healthy digestion can be supported by the natural enzymes and good bacteria found in raw meals. It could take some time for a dog's digestion to improve, though, if they have a weakened gut. Building a diverse gut microbiota requires alternating proteins and other nutrients.

I constantly swap up the major protein in my dogs' meals, give them lots of exposure to toxin-free soil, and alternate fermented foods and probiotics to help them maintain a healthy stomach.

My favorite gut support supplements for my dogs include:

  • Just Greens By Green Juju
  • The Only Digestive Support dogs need by Natural Rapport

But supplements aren't always necessary. The following fresh foods also support gut health:

  • kefir, raw goat's milk (avoid pasteurized and fat-free products)
  • plain Greek yogurt
  • pureed vegetables
  • fermented vegetables
  • broccoli sprouts

And taking walks on chemical-free grass and soil supports the gut microbiome as well.

2 – Healthier Skin and Coat

Raw foods contain vital fatty acids and nutrients that can help dogs have better skin and a glossier coat. A raw diet is merely the first step toward resolving a dog's previous conditions, such as allergies, food sensitivities, or yeast overgrowth.

When they make the switch to raw food, many people are fortunate to experience both short-term and long-term gains. Some canines, though, require extra assistance.

Omega-3 fatty acids derived from animals, such as salmon oil, are great for the health of the skin and coat. Additional nutrients that promote the health of the skin and coat include

  • pasture-raised chicken eggs
  • fresh sardines
  • plain greek yogurt
  • Atlantic salmon (or cooked Pacific salmon*)
  • coconut oil

*Pacific salmon contains a parasite that can lead to serious illness in dogs when fed raw, so I always cook the fish for my dogs.

3 – Increased Energy and Stamina

A dog's energy and endurance are enhanced by raw foods because they offer a more accessible source of nutrients. When older dogs go to a fresh food diet, it's wonderful to watch them still have the energy of their younger self. If a dog has serious joint problems, the improved activity and stamina might not be noticeable.

Going raw by itself won't give our dogs the joint support they require. In addition to giving my dogs two vitamins for joint health, I also cover their meals with bone broth, which is a rich source of collagen:

  • The Only Hip & Joint support dogs need by Natural Rapport 
  • Bakko's Joint Support+ By Austin and Kat

4 – Reduced Allergies and Sensitivities

Some dogs' allergy symptoms may be lessened by removing common allergens from commercial pet meals, such as grains and artificial additives. Additionally, the strong immune system of a raw-fed dog will lessen the effects of environmental allergies.

That's what we're told, anyway.

My dogs' allergies and sensitivities have decreased (and even disappeared), but not every dog will experience this in the same way. Unfortunately, some require medicine to address environmental allergies and an elimination diet to detect sensitivities, which can be daunting for a novice raw eater.

By boosting the immune system, feeding fresh food might help lessen symptoms, but nutrition alone might not be the solution. To support our dogs, we should also include the following products in their diet:

  • Harper's Mushroom Medley By Austin and Kat
  • The Only Allergy Soft Chews Dogs Need by Nautral Rapport 
  • No More Wiggles By Austin and Kat