Whether its improving their mobility and energy levels, or boosting their oral hygiene, there's a whole range of benefits to feeding your dog a raw diet, according to Gloucestershire pet food producer Cotswold RAW.
It says that because dogs are carnivores, raw food emulates the nutrition that nature intended, as opposed to processed pet food created for the ease and convenience of humans.
SoGlos looks at some of the ways a raw diet can have a effect on your dog's vitality, from enhanced digestion, to more balanced behaviour.
Balanced and lean body mass
Cotswold RAW says raw feeding can contribute to a more balanced and lean body mass in dogs, as opposed to processed foods.
With dogs anatomically built for eating meat, Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diets are based on fresh foods such as raw meat and bones, vegetables and herbs, and are designed to replicate a dog’s ancestral diet.
It says that when dog food is processed at high temperatures – integral to the formation of dry food – the proteins and essential amino acids are damaged or broken down, reducing much of the nutritional goodness that contributes to a dog’s healthy muscle mass.
Enhanced digestion and smaller stools
Raw food is more easily digestible for dogs, containing abundant enzymes which break down food so that it can be absorbed and used by the body.
As a result, dog's stools – or poo – could change for the better. Cotswold RAW says the general observation and feedback it hears from customers is that their dogs have a smaller, drier, and less smelly stool, that is consequently much easier to pick up.
A raw diet can often solve a sensitive gut issue, too, with efficient digestion breaking proteins down into smaller molecules, reducing the risk of gut irritation compared to processed foods containing grains, additives, and preservatives.
Better oral hygiene
The naturally occurring enzymes in raw food can also help to protect dogs' teeth and gums, while carb-heavy processed foods can exacerbate plaque build-up, which can lead to gum disease, and potentially tooth loss.
Dogs lack the salivary enzyme, amylase, which means starchy residues in carbohydrate-rich processed food are not broken down in the mouth, and can feed bacteria on the teeth.
Along with nutrition-rich raw food, Cotswold RAW says a great preventative measure for plaque build-up is feeding your dog raw bones, emulating how in the wild, they would gnaw on the bones of their prey to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Healthy skin and coat
Owners may discover that their dog’s coat becomes much shinier and in better condition than it was previously, after switching them to a raw diet, reflecting the food's rich supply of essential fatty acids and amino acids that nourish healthy skin and fur.
Additionally, research has shown that puppies raised on raw diets are less likely to develop skin allergies in adulthood, with benefits linked to nutrient dense ingredients like offal and tripe.
While the natural fats in raw food also offer anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen the skin barrier, helping to prevent dryness and irritation.
Strong bones and joints
Cotswold RAW says meaty bones provide dogs with calcium and phosphorous, which promote a strong skeletal system and support growth.
The bone and connective tissues in raw dog food also provide a great source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, which support their joints as they age.
The food producer's raw meals also contain an optimal balance of omega-3 and omega-6, which help to reduce inflammation, while its 70/30 range is enhanced with its Cotswold Joint Care supplement, which supports the regeneration of cartilage and synovial fluid, maintaining flexibility of movement in dogs of all ages.
Balanced temperament
While the behavioural benefits of a raw diet are often recognised but little understood, some believe that problem behaviour in dogs can be linked to artificial additives in processed foods.
Research into omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in the high-quality meat in raw food, has shown that they help maintain mood levels and a sense of wellbeing.
The condition of a dog's gut is important for managing serotonin levels, which influence self-control, mood balance and feelings of happiness and contentment. Cotswold RAW says that where raw food maintains the natural structure of proteins, they may provide more bioavailable tryptophan – the primary precursor to serotonin – than processed diets.
To find out more about the health and wellbeing benefits of a raw diet, and to browse products from Cotswold RAW, visit cotswoldraw.com/why-raw.
