Muddy Paws Busts Raw Food Misconceptions
Myth 1: Raw food risks Salmonella to my pet and my family.
A dog’s stomach acids are stronger than ours, so you should not be worried that your dog will get salmonella from eating raw food. In addition, their saliva helps to neutralize this bacterium on the way down. Most raw food companies run testing to assure their products are free of harmful bacteria as it leaves the factory. However, improper storage at home can lead to bacteria growth. As such, you should take the precautions you would use to prep raw meat for your meal as you do for your dog: wash your hands thoroughly before & after handling raw food, and wash any items that have come in contact with the product.
Muddy Paws recommends feeding raw meaty bones frozen in a designated area like a crate, raw food mat or outside to reduce the risk of spreading raw food around your home. Wash up feeding bowls after your dogs has finished. Also, avoid using plastic dishes for raw food as bacteria can leech into them.
Myth 2: Raw food risks malnourishment to my pet.
Thinking about switching to raw food? Some general research about meal planning for your pet is essential. Some pet owners generate their own raw food diets by purchasing the raw materials separately. This requires a lot of planning and prep work to do correctly. As a result, many pre-packaged, frozen, and commercially made raw food options are available. Brands such as Congo Raw contain all of the essential nutrients necessary to the diet of cats and dogs. All of the main nutrients, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids that are required by National Research Council are factored in. However, a truly well balanced raw diet should include a rotation of 3 or more proteins, raw bones for good dental health, and occasional nutritional supplements for added health bonuses.
Myth 3: Raw food is as simple as giving my pet a pre-packaged patty
Not quite, but it's very close! Even most dog and cat kibble brands miss out on some essentials that are only available outside of kibble or raw form. Some examples include:
Tripe/Digestion: Tripe contains added digestive enzymes that are essential to promoting a healthy gut bacterial to break down any food an animal eats. If you do not like the smell of tripe, there are other options for achieving optimal gut health. Muddy Paws recommends the Omega Alpha Probiotic 8 Plus and Wysong Dream Treats.
Essential Fatty Acids: Salmon oil, meat or supplements help provide a soft and silky fur coat, as well as, keep the skin well moisturized and healthy. Muddy Paws picks for great skin health are Welly Tails Fortified Oceanfish Oil Omega 3 Blend, Congo Raw Salmon Patties, or Brilliant Salmon Oil.
Vitamins and Minerals: adding in a greens supplement in raw, dried or powdered form helps keep your dog up on amino acids that are hard to find in a off the shelf (or out of the fridge!) diet. We recommend Omega Alpha Nutrify or Opti-Pet Multivitamin.
Do I have to buy commercially produced raw food to feed my pet raw?
Not at all! You can invest the time and effort to develop a custom raw food diet for your pet. No two pets are alike, just as no to people are alike. The dietary requirements of each animal will fluctuate. If preparing your own raw food/pet food, it is important that you ensure your pet is getting all of the vitamins and minerals they require. Be sure to pop by and let us help you develop your meal plan.
Myth 4: Switching to raw food will make my dog throw up/have diarrhea/sick.
Transitioning to raw food is a process that takes time and patience. Raw uncooked meat from the fridge or freezer does not mix with cooked foods or kibbles. Your pet's stomach needs time to adjust to a new way to eat/digest. Just like humans would with a new diet, there is some adjusting!
Start with a 12 hour fast: no cooked foods or kibble for your dog. Most times no food after dinner until the next morning is sufficient.
Start with a single protein source your pet is already familiar with in kibble form, such as chicken, and stick with that for the first two weeks.
Slowly open their diet to additional protein sources such as beef, lamb, duck or turkey. Just like with kibble diets, protein rotation is an important part of building a strong stomach and a healthy immune system. Many dogs develop allergies later in life from repetitive consumption. The variety also helps to keep your pet interested in their food.
Note: For pets with food allergies, it’s important to avoid those ingredients to develop an optimal meal plan.
After your pet has developed the ability to break down raw food, it's easy to vary their diet: add in different proteins, additional supplements and bones to solve that innate urge to chew everything! For those interested in giving their pet a mixed diet, it’s important to maintain a six hour window before and after raw food with no cooked food (such as kibble). This is especially important in the beginning stages. Many families follow a mixed diet of raw and cooked food, as it lends more easily when traveling and when a varied routine is in place. It also helps if you or your pet is going on vacation, and their diet may need to change. Your pet will love the variety too!
Most importantly, of all factors when it comes to your pet's diet: know your pet. Make observations how they react to the changes, educate yourself on the principles of raw feeding, or ask an expert at Muddy Paws for the best way to start raw feeding. Remember: one diet does not fit all pets or lifestyles. Trial and error is a part of the process, so take baby steps at first.