What's the Big Deal About Raw Diets?

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

24 Feb 2006 11:56 AM

I've been hearing a lot about raw diets for dogs and cats lately. So I thought I should look into it. Here's a breakdown of some of the major points on each side of the argument.

The Case FOR Raw Feeding

• Raw food mirrors what a dog or cat would eat in the wild
• Raw meat provides amino acids, enzymes, and other nutrients that may not be found in pre-packaged food
• Raw food supporters believe that a raw diet very low in grains reduces the risk of allergies
• Raw food reduces bad breath and other pet odors
• The ripping and chewing motions required for consuming a raw diet help develop jaw and neck muscles
• Teeth are cleaner and healthier
• Animals will eat more slowly, and run less risk of choking on food

The Case AGAINST Raw Feeding

• Pre-packaged food is more sanitary
• Pre-packaged food is easier to use and clean up
• Animals will get the same jaw/neck workout from chewing rawhides, bones, and toys
• Animals will get the same teeth cleaning from chewing rawhides and other treats
• Pre-packaged food offers special diets for puppies/kittens, seniors, large breeds, and overweight animals
• Raw meat can contain bacteria and parasites that are harmful to pets (and people)
• Just because a wild animal eats raw food does not make it appropriate for animals who largely live indoors
• Animals are living longer these days, so we must be doing something right

To be perfectly honest... I'm not planning to give my dogs raw food. Why not? Because touching raw meat REALLY icks me out. Yes, that is a totally selfish reason. But, while my dogs may have the same digestive system as wolves in the wild, they don't live in the wild. They are domesticated!

If you're not ready to make a change... and your pets are doing fine on what you're currently feeding them... then you probably don't need to worry about it. But a pet with severe grain allergies may need a change in diet. And as always, when in doubt, talk things over with your vet!

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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