For years, veterinarians have been recommending that pet owners feed their dogs kibble or canned food. However, more and more people are choosing to give their furry friends a raw diet instead. A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of California Davis has revealed some incredible benefits to raw diets for dogs. Let’s take a look at what the study found. 

The Benefits of Raw Diets

The UC Davis team studied over 900 dogs on both kibble and raw diets over a period of 12 years. After analysing the data, they discovered that dogs on raw diets had better overall health, with fewer cases of allergies, skin problems, and digestive issues than those on kibble-based diets. Additionally, it was found that there was an increase in dental health amongst dogs who were fed raw food when compared to those who ate kibble or canned food. This could be due to the fact that raw bones contain enzymes that can help break down plaque build-up on the teeth. Let’s go through them a little further.

• More Nutrients 

One of the primary benefits of a raw diet is that it provides your pup with more nutrients than traditional processed dog foods. When you buy regular pet food from the store, you’re buying something that has been cooked and processed in order to preserve its shelf life. This means that some of the nutrients are lost during this process. With a raw diet, however, you’re providing your pup with all-natural ingredients that retain their natural nutrients without any additional processing or cooking needed. Plus, raw diets usually consist of fresh meats from quality sources so you know your pup is getting the best nutrition possible. 

• Healthier Skin and Coat 

Another benefit of a raw diet for dogs is healthier skin and coat. Many processed foods contain fillers or additives that can cause skin irritation or allergies in some pets. By switching to an all-natural diet, you can help eliminate these issues as there are no added chemicals or preservatives in a raw diet. Additionally, fresh meats are high in Omega-3 fatty acids which helps keep your pup’s skin and coat healthy while also reducing inflammation throughout their body. This means fewer trips to the vet due to skin problems caused by poor nutrition!  

• Weight Management 

Lastly, a raw diet helps with weight management in dogs due to its higher protein content and low carbohydrates which are necessary for optimal health in pets (especially those with diabetes). Processed foods often contain higher levels of carbs than necessary which can lead to increased weight gain over time whereas fresh proteins help regulate a steady metabolism without any extra calories from carbs needed to process them properly! Additionally, because there is no added sugar or corn syrup in most raw diets they don’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels like many other processed brands do—which makes them perfect for diabetic pups too!  

Potential Risks of Raw Diets

Raw diets have become increasingly popular for pet owners looking to provide their furry friends with high-quality nutrition. While there are many potential benefits to a raw diet, it is important to consider potential risks that can occur from feeding your pup raw food. Let’s take a look at some of the most common risks associated with raw diets for dogs. 

• Bacterial Contamination 

One of the primary risks associated with raw diets is bacterial contamination. For example, bacteria such as salmonella and listeria can be found in certain uncooked foods, including meat and eggs. These bacteria can cause serious illness in both pets and humans if not properly handled or cooked. Additionally, some raw bones may contain parasites that can cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs, so it is important to ensure that all bones are thoroughly washed before being given to your pup. 

• Nutritional Deficiencies 

Another risk associated with raw diets is nutritional deficiencies. If you are planning on feeding your pup a homemade raw diet, it is very important to consult with a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist first. This way you can be sure that your pup’s diet contains all of the necessary vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy and happy. Additionally, store-bought pre-made raw diets may not contain the same level of quality nutrition as homemade ones due to the processing involved. 

• Costly Vet Bills  

It is also important to consider that if something were to go wrong while feeding your pup a raw diet—such as an intestinal blockage caused by swallowing a large piece of bone—you could face costly vet bills down the road. Be sure you understand all potential risks associated with feeding your pup a raw diet before making any final decisions about what type of food they will eat on a regular basis.  

A new study from UC Davis has revealed some exciting potential benefits associated with feeding your dog a raw diet, including better overall health and improved dental hygiene compared to kibble-based diets. While these results may seem promising, it is important for pet owners to do their research before making any drastic changes in diet type or ingredients. Always remember to consult with your veterinarian first and follow proper safety protocols when handling and preparing raw food for your dog in order to reduce the risk of contamination or other adverse effects!  Hopefully this blog post has helped shed some light onto why you might want to consider switching up your pup’s diet!