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A Real Food Diet for Dogs: Unlocking Health and Longevity with Nutrition

11/16/2013

25 Comments

 
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The most common diet fed to dogs worldwide is a commercial kibble dog food, which is NOT considered a real food diet. Commercial kibble is essentially a dehydrated vitamin pellet made from overcooked food ingredients and often contains poor quality and disease-promoting additives. Unfortunately for our dogs, most dog food companies care more about the billions of dollars they can make instead of the health and wellness of our pets. While dogs can survive on that $20 bag of kibble from your grocery store (a food that often contains by-products, preservatives, animal digest and other unhealthy ingredients), they will not thrive. A poor diet can result in a weaker body, poor physical condition, a shorter life, and a lack of resistance to disease and illness.

Can a bad choice in diet for your dog really have an impact? Yes, it absolutely can. On the rare occasion a dog may live a reasonably long life seemingly unaffected by a poor quality kibble diet, but this is not the common result. Feeding your dog a poor quality kibble is the equivalent of you eating nothing but fast food; You are going to eventually develop illness and disease and have a low quality of life due to the poor state of your health as a direct result of your diet. Perhaps if dogs lived 50-100 years we would see more of the same decline in them due to poor diet as we see in ourselves. Sure, you may be fine at first while eating your diet of cheeseburgers, fries and milkshakes - but eventually, you'll pay the price. Our dogs pay the price, too.

WHAT IS A REAL FOOD DIET?
A real food diet is exactly how it sounds, it is a diet that consists of only real food - raw, cooked or a combination of both - and contains no junk ingredients, harmful additives or preservatives. A real food diet is full of living nutrition, living enzymes and species appropriate foods that promote health, disease-resistance and longevity. The two examples of a real food diet are a raw food diet and a homemade dog food diet. While both diets require that you take your dog's nutrition into your own hands and lose the convenience of commercial kibble, they will inevitably change your dog's life for the better.

WHY SHOULD I SWITCH MY DOG TO A REAL FOOD DIET?
Real food promotes health in our dogs the same way a healthy diet affects us. If we eat lean protein, vegetables, fruits, healthy grains and stay away from junk and fast food we will find ourselves feeling better, looking better, getting sick less often and living longer. The same goes for our dogs! A diet high in protein, low in carbohydrates and containing no grains is how dogs can get strong, live longer and feel better.
WHY SHOULD I NOT FEED MY DOG GRAIN-BASED KIBBLE?
Dogs are carnivores. While they can and will eat grains and vegetables, they are biologically designed to eat the same diet as their ancestor, the wolf. Dogs are scientifically classified as carnivores, and there is a reason for that. Experts in biology, zoology and taxonomy have their copious amounts of research and evidence supporting the dogs classification as a carnivore. You can learn more about what makes the dog a carnivore by reading my article on the topic, click here.

SHOULD I FEED A RAW FOOD DIET OR A HOMEMADE DOG FOOD DIET?
Whether you choose to feed a raw food diet or a homemade dog food diet is entirely up to you. Whatever diet you are most comfortable with, and can provide easily and efficiently, is the one you should go with.

A raw food diet consists of feeding your dog raw meat, raw bones and raw organs. This is the most species appropriate option for your dog. Carnivores and omnivores have been eating this type of diet for millions of years, and dogs really thrive on a raw diet. You can learn more about raw feeding and the amazing benefits by my reading my article: The Incredible Raw Food Diet for Dogs.

A homemade dog food diet is not as species appropriate as a raw food diet due to the cooking of most ingredients and the high inclusion of carbohydrates, but it is absolutely superior to a commercial kibble diet. Cooking destroys nutrients and kills enzymes, which is why a balanced homemade dog food diet must contain a whole food multivitamin and use as many raw ingredients as possible. A homemade diet contains real food, high moisture content and absolutely no junk fillers. Real food promotes real health. Ideally, the most species appropriate homemade dog food contains no grains, is high in protein and has a medium to high carbohydrate content. You can learn more about the benefits of a homemade dog food diet here: The Benefits of a Homemade Dog Food Diet for Dogs.

WHAT ABOUT HIGH QUALITY WHOLE FOOD KIBBLES?
There are some excellent, nutritious, high quality kibble formulas on the market, that absolutely are the next best option if you choose not to feed homemade food or raw food. While the level of nutrition and the benefits of a real food diet are not present in kibble; A grain-free, junk-free, whole food kibble can be an excellent diet option. I am not saying that dogs cannot live a long and healthy life on kibble, but a real food diet consisting of fresh, whole ingredients will always be superior to kibble based on quality of food and nutrient density. If you decide to feed kibble, make yourself familiar with common dangerous ingredients lurking in commercial pet food.

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
Keep learning, do your research, consult with experts and make the decision to change your dog's life with a real food diet.

Here are some more resources to help_ you make an informed decision and make the switch to a raw food or homemade dog food diet.

  • The Incredible Raw Food Diet for Dogs
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Feeding
  • The Benefits of a Homemade Diet for Dogs
  • Wolves and Dogs: Raw Feeding for Dogs
  • A Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs
  • The Healthy Canine: Grain-free Homemade Dog Food Recipes
  • The Truth About Pet Food: Bad Ingredients
  • The Importance of Nutrition for our Dogs

Join the real food revolution! 


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25 Comments
Rebekah link
11/16/2013 11:24:17 am

I love this article. I (proudly) feed raw to my three dogs, and have had many express curiosity about it. One of my friends is currently feeding her dogs raw every other meal, and I couldn't be more proud. I will definitely refer her, and others, to this post.

Reply
Therese
11/19/2013 12:39:35 am

I've had German Shepherds my entire adult life. I always thought skin, eye and ear issues, along with constant itching were just part of owning that breed. I also fed kibble and spent a small fortune in monthly vet visits that never fixed the problem. It was during our previous dog's battle with cancer that I was introduced to the idea of raw feeding. Our boy was too sick to start him on raw, but we did move him to home cooked. Our current girl has been fed raw from the minute she set foot in our home. She came with the "requisite" poor coat, skin, eye and ear issues, along with constant itching and a bag of pills, tablets, capsules, ointments, sprays, and salves. A lot of drugs for a dog barely a year old.

We were also told by the rescue that she was a poor eater, and they had had trouble getting weight on her - trying to explain why she was skin and bones. When I put her first bowl of raw chicken in front of her she wolfed it down, licked the bowl completely clean, and looked at me to see if there was more. Today she is at a perfect weight and solid muscle.

We tested her for food sensitivites using Dr. Dodds NutriScan test and adjusted her raw diet accordingly. In one month every single one of her issues had totally cleared up. Her coat became soft and shiny and month later. We visit our integrative vet twice a year for bloodwork only and well-dog check-ups. We don't do additional vaccinations except rabies as required by law.

I had no idea this breed could be SUCH a picture of health and vitality. The cost is comparable to high-quality kibble. We are saving a TON of money on vet care. I will never go back to feeding commercial pet food.

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samuel gibson link
5/7/2014 04:57:13 am

we had the same type of problems with our black lab, and like you raw feeding has cleared up most, if not all of his health problems, we feed rabbit and quail because that is what we have on hand. my wife is allergic to chicken eggs but she can eat quail without a problem so we cull out the roosters and feed them to our dogs and ourselves. we've found the quail to be much healthier, and leaner than chicken.and about the same cost to raise to butcher weight.

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samuel gibson link
5/7/2014 04:57:21 am

we had the same type of problems with our black lab, and like you raw feeding has cleared up most, if not all of his health problems, we feed rabbit and quail because that is what we have on hand. my wife is allergic to chicken eggs but she can eat quail without a problem so we cull out the roosters and feed them to our dogs and ourselves. we've found the quail to be much healthier, and leaner than chicken.and about the same cost to raise to butcher weight.

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samuel gibson link
5/7/2014 04:57:30 am

we had the same type of problems with our black lab, and like you raw feeding has cleared up most, if not all of his health problems, we feed rabbit and quail because that is what we have on hand. my wife is allergic to chicken eggs but she can eat quail without a problem so we cull out the roosters and feed them to our dogs and ourselves. we've found the quail to be much healthier, and leaner than chicken.and about the same cost to raise to butcher weight.

Reply
Tamsen
11/23/2013 12:19:19 am

We purchased our GSD from a reputable breeder 2 1/2 years ago that only feeds a raw diet to all their dogs. We were encouraged to continue feeding our puppy raw meat, however we had no way to obtain raw meat unless we purchased it at the local meat market or grocery store. This was not practical as it was way too expensive! I found a good kibble and put our little guy on it, but I was worried that he wasn't getting the nutrients that he needed. I contacted our breeder to ask where we could get raw meat for our dog and what types and portions we should feed him. The breeder boldly told us that they would not divulge that information to us! I began to buy chicken, hamburger, tripe and anything that was a bit cheaper at the store and started feeding raw for one meal per day. I am still worried about the portions and type of raw I am giving him. Zeus is now a big beautiful 130 lb sable shepherd who is such a valued member of our family! I have noticed that even feeding a partial raw diet has improved his coat, breath and weight. I desperately need to find sources of raw meat so I can take him off all kibble for good! Where can I find raw meat and how much should I feed him on a daily basis?



Reply
K9 Instinct link
11/23/2013 12:22:57 am

Oh, I am sorry to hear that your breeder is being so difficult. The likely cause is because her source for raw food has just enough for her dogs, so if she were to tell you she may not be able to get what she needs. It is unfortunate, but common. Some people are more concerned about themselves then helping people make healthier choices for their dogs.

I recommend checking out my eBook: A Guide to Raw Feeding. Not only does it explain exactly how to calculate how much to feed, exactly what types of meat, raw meaty bones and organs to feed and how to balance meals but it also explains WHERE to look for meat, what types of places to call, and how to find cheap prices and be cost effective.

http://www.k9instinct.com/shop.html

Reply
Michelle
1/1/2014 08:11:21 am

Try to find a meat wholesaler in your area! You'll be amazed at the deals you can get from a mom & pop wholesaler. Bones, cuts not good enough for the public but my dogs love it.

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Lois
12/19/2014 04:39:04 am

For reasonable cost meat, we depend on road killed whitetail deer. We also accept blood shot meat from local hunters. This is not a big help to those who live in cities but you could check with grocery stores that still have a butcher about scraps. Wild, however, is better.

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Carol
1/19/2014 01:11:44 am

We have a place by us that looks like a butcher but when we went in its actually a dog butcher that just sells meats for dogs !!!!! Affordable too

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Angelica
2/19/2014 08:54:49 am

I want to get my dog on a raw diet. How to I get him to eat raw meat. He seems uninterested since he's used to half kibble and half cooked meat meal plan. What can I do to get him to start eating raw?

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samuel gibson link
5/7/2014 04:49:11 am

my wife and I raise rabbits for our dog(and others) we are looking for a balanced diet for large breed dogs.german shepherd, labradore

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Brian
6/1/2014 12:26:57 am

I have a 1 year old male German Shepard. He has kidney problems where his kidneys don't absorb much of the water he drinks, thus he wants to drink all day and go outside constantly. Is there a diet thay may be better for him?

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mandi
4/27/2015 01:27:40 am

It's very important to have in diet that is high in moisture when dogs or cat have kidney issues. Raw would be great but if you can afford it. Try adding in some raw bones or even some wet food to keep him hydrated.

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T. Smith
5/24/2015 09:27:15 am

Have you had him to the vet and did they tell you his kidneys don't absorb water? It sounds to me like he could be diabetic. Have you had that checked out. Hope he does better in the future.

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Daniel link
6/24/2014 07:20:34 am

My boy Dexter is now 3 and 1\2 months old, for the two months he's been with us he has been fed 1\2 raw, 1\2 kibble portions a day. In Romania fresh meat is affordable in the local markets & supermarkets. His coat is shining, his eyes are clear & he has absolutely no health problems. Thank you for your recomandations.

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Kayla
12/3/2014 05:22:09 am

What if you have a diabetic Albino? I know their food intake has to be monitored do to insulin. How would I know what she could and could not eat?

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Kayla
12/3/2014 05:23:30 am

*due to

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Tracy Rossi link
1/2/2015 12:37:00 am

can you please tell me the best kibble on the market. I just got a Daniff Puppy three weeks ago, and I have been feeding him Blue Buffalo large puppy breed, life protection formula. Thank You for your time and knowledge in this matter. I will be passing this infor along to the mother of my puppies brother!

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mandi
4/27/2015 01:25:52 am

There are tons of high quality kibble out there....fromm, natural balance, ziwi peak, find out if you have a mud bay local to you and go in and chat with their specialist. There are tons of options. You can go freeze dried raw too.

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wendy
1/31/2015 11:57:03 am

Can you please offer some advice.. my 9mth old has gone off his food... eats bugger all.. am getting worried..

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Tanya
2/27/2015 09:32:05 am

I have a 2 year old Westie that I'm not finding out that he is now developing skin issues. He has a nasty foul smell coming from his body, yeast is growing and I have to bath him often with medicated shampoo to remove it and stop it from spreading. My vet Recommended that I get him tested for allergies in the spring And change his diet. He is on Orijen six fish right now and I'm also cooking up fresh salmon to add more omega 3 to his diet. It was helping but now I've just decided that I would try him on a raw diet, so I purchased Stella and Chewy's surf n turf and he's been on it for a week now and I cannot believe the difference. He hasn't been itching and chewing half as much as he was and also he doesn't seem to have that nasty yeast smell as much. Im going to continue and see how it goes but so far I'm so pleased!

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mandi
4/27/2015 01:26:27 am

Love Stella and chewys! It's a great product! I feed the same one as a topper for my dogs kibble. They love it.

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Winnie
3/2/2015 08:39:40 am

I have a 5 - 6 year old sweet Cavalier, rescued from a puppy mill. She is missing nearly all of her teeth and has an enlarged heart (is on 2 meds). Would she benefit from this type of diet? She is currently doing well on Whole Earth Farms canned food.

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kashmira
5/24/2015 08:08:46 pm

I have Saint Bernard.. From last month he is suffering from skin infection issue... Now his condition is critical... As in high temperature, eating issues,vomiting so he has stopped eating since 3 days so what should I do so that he'll start eating and for improving his health... Please give your precious suggestions... Thank you

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