Many dog owners who are concerned with the way dog food is made have opted to feed their dogs following a diet closer to how dogs’ ancestors would have eaten. By doing so, they avoid feeding their dogs preservatives, flavourings and colourings that commercial foods contain.
Owners who do this admit that there’s a little additional work and thought involved in the early days, but that once they establish a routine there’s no noticeable effort.
Most importantly they know precisely what their dog is eating (apart from occasional ‘finds’ during off-lead walks).
The Raw Diet
‘Feeding Raw’, as it has become referred to, involves a diet based on raw meat, vegetables (and their juices) and grains. As dogs were once hunter-scavengers this is exactly the same as they would have eaten thousands of years ago.
Purists, who are committed to avoid feeding their dogs with anything that may contain additional chemical fertilisers or pesticides, feed a completely organic diet. When the food can be sourced locally this brings the added benefit of reducing food miles and the associated pollution.
Those with the space to do it even grow their own organic vegetables, enabling even greater control over freshness and quality of ingredients.
Dog Treats
All dogs love treats and it would be remiss of us not to mention them. Baby carrots make an ideal snack, as do wedges of chilled apple.
Organic dog biscuits can be made incorporating fruit and vegetables, so even that crunchy reward carries with it all of the health benefits that are far from your dog’s mind.
Learning More
There are many resources available regarding feeding raw and we have included one of our own favourite dog snack recipes here.
Your first port of call, however, should be your vet. Because he knows your dog’s medical history he should be able to provide you with information about anything you should avoid or use only sparingly.
