When considering a raw diet for your dog, you will run into those trying to convince you this is not in the best interest of your four-legged friend. From your vet to family and friends, these are some of their possible, and most common arguments:
- dogs can't eat bones
- a diet devoid of fruits, vegetables and grains is not complete
- raw meat is laden with bacteria that will make you and your dog sick
The reality is this:
- dogs can eat most bones if they are raw
- the raw diet is complete if fed properly
- dogs are not affected by bacteria in the same ways as are people
With respect to bones, the best way to introduce bones to a dog that has never had them offered is to start with chicken bones. Much softer than nearly any other animal's bones, bone-in chicken backs or quarters are a perfect start to raw feeding for your dog. According to Tom Lonsdale, Veterinary Surgeon, raw chicken, turkey, lamb, goat and calf bones are safe for dogs to consume.
The raw diet is complete nutritionally for your "little wolf" if one follows the 80/10/10 plan. 80% of the diet comes from meat, 10% from bone, and 10% from organ (5% of which is liver and 5% can be a mix of kidney, spleen, pancreas and others) If your detractors need proof of the nutritional completeness of the raw diet, they can search the USDA Agricultural Research Service for a particular meat's nutritional analysis.
Bacteria are everywhere; there's no escaping them. Soil and dog waste do harbor bacteria, but it is important to always wash your hands after handling anything you feel is contaminated. If you feel the need to further protect yourself from bacteria, latex surgical gloves go a long way to offer you peace of mind. Bacteria from raw meat do not adversely affect a dog that is otherwise healthy. Anyone considering a raw diet for their dog should check out the Raw Feeding Myths page and learn why bacteria from food is a minimal problem for dogs.
The 80/10/10 feeding plan, aka The Prey Model Diet, is as close to a wolf's diet as we can get. Dogs are wolves that man has domesticated. You are ultimately responsible for your dog's health and well-being. The choices you make directly affect your dog's quality of life. A raw diet is just one of these choices, but it can be a big factor in that quality. Do your research, talk to everyone including the detractors, and make the decision you feel is best for your dog and you.
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