Steph Van Noort
Raw feeding is becoming increasingly popular, with many pet owners now considering this holistic approach for their animals.
Feeding a raw diet offers many benefits ... but you still need to transition carefully and ensure proper nutritional balance.
This guide originally written by Dr Sara Chapman, DVM, MRCVS, VetMFHom provides tips to help you successfully switch your dog to a raw diet and support his health in the process.
We've broken the entire transition process down into a 9 step checklist you can use as you switch over to raw feeding. Here's everything you need to know.
9 Transition Tips: Raw Feeding For Holistic Pet Health
1. The Transition Should Be Gradual
While making the switch to raw is great for your pup's mental and physical wellbeing, there's no need to rush things. In fact, switching your dog's nutritional intake to a raw diet should be done gradually to allow his digestive system to adjust.
Start by introducing small meals of raw food separate from their regular diet. Gradually increase the amount of raw food while decreasing the processed food, replacing one meal at a time until your dog is fully transitioned.
This are straightforward lifestyle improvements ... but the slow transition helps prevent digestive upsets and allows your dog to adapt to the new diet.
Patience and careful observation during this period are key to ensuring a smooth changeover.
2. Support Is Crucial
Having the right support and resources is vital when transitioning to a raw diet. If your vet isn't supportive, you’ll need to educate yourself about balancing a raw diet and understanding the potential challenges.
There are books, support groups, and informative websites that can help. It's especially important to have veterinary support if your dog has chronic health issues. A knowledgeable and supportive vet can provide guidance and help you navigate any issues that arise during the transition. This is why we recommend finding a good, local holistic vet if possible.
3. Balance is Important
Maintaining a proper balance in the diet is crucial, especially the calcium to phosphorus ratio. Over-supplementing or under-supplementing calcium can cause serious issues, particularly in growing puppies. Adult dogs are also affected by imbalances over time, so it’s important to get this right.
Working with a nutritionist can help ensure that your dog's diet is balanced and provides all the necessary nutrients. This includes a proper mix of meat, bone, and other components to mimic a natural prey diet.
4. Diets Must Be Varied
Feeding a single protein source can lead to nutrient deficiencies and health issues. That's why a varied diet is essential to provide a wide range of nutrients for your dog. To ensure a balanced diet, rotate between different protein sources such as chicken, beef, and fish.
Also include a mix of meat, bone, fat, and muscle meat to mimic the proportions found in a natural prey diet. This variety not only provides essential nutrients but also keeps your dog interested in their meals.
5. Supplements May Be Needed
Supplements can be beneficial during the transition to a raw diet and for maintaining overall health. Consider adding digestive enzymes to aid in breaking down food and improving nutrient absorption. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is crucial during dietary changes.
Omega fatty acids from sources like fish oil can support skin and coat health, while vitamins and minerals ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Always choose whole food supplements over synthetic ones to avoid potential negative effects.
6. Some Animals Need Help To Digest Raw
Some dogs may struggle with digesting raw food initially, especially if they have been on processed diets for a long time. Adding digestive enzymes to their meals can help their digestive system adapt more smoothly.
In some cases, lightly cooking the food can make it easier to digest while still retaining many of the raw benefits.
Over time, most dogs will adjust and produce the necessary enzymes to digest raw food effectively. However, older dogs or those with specific health issues may need ongoing support.
7. Vegetables May Be Helpful
Including vegetables in your dog's raw diet can provide essential vitamins and minerals. Green leafy vegetables, in particular, can help balance the fat and protein content and introduce natural nutrients into the diet.
While there's some debate about whether dogs need vegetables, they can be a beneficial addition to a raw diet. Vegetables such as spinach, kale, and carrots can offer a good source of fiber and additional nutrients. They also help in manipulating the diet's overall nutritional profile, especially when dealing with commercially raised meat, which can be fattier than wild prey.
8. Homeopathy Can Help
Homeopathy can be a useful tool for managing digestive upsets during the transition to a raw diet. Remedies can help address specific symptoms and support overall health. For example, Nux Vomica can be used for digestive issues such as nausea or vomiting, while Arsenicum Album can help with diarrhea.
Consulting a veterinary homeopath can provide a tailored approach to your dog's needs, ensuring that any digestive disturbances are managed gently and effectively.
9. Animals With Specific Health Concerns Can Be Fed A Raw Diet
Dogs with specific health concerns can still benefit from a raw diet with proper adjustments. Puppies can be weaned onto a balanced raw diet that meets their developmental needs. Dogs with kidney issues can have their protein intake moderated with the inclusion of shredded or steamed leafy vegetables. For dogs with pancreatitis, a raw diet with lean meats and increased vegetables can be beneficial, but it’s important to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet is appropriate for your dog's specific condition.
After The Transition
Once your dog has transitioned to a raw diet, you might notice several benefits:
- Drinking: Most dogs drink less water, as raw food contains more moisture than kibble. However, ensure your elderly dog stays hydrated by adding extra water to their meals if necessary.
- Stools: You should see firmer stools. If stools are very hard and white, it may indicate too much bone in the diet. Adjust the bone content or add fiber, such as pumpkin, to regulate stool quality.
- Energy: Dogs often have better focus and increased energy levels on a raw diet.
- Skin and Coat: Many dogs experience improvements in skin and coat condition, with fewer issues like dryness and itching.
These are signs your dog is adjusting well to the diet.
Just remember: raw food isn't a cure-all. So if your dog continues to have skin or coat problems, consult a holistic vet to explore other underlying causes.
FAQ
What is the holistic approach to nutrition? A holistic approach to nutrition considers the overall mental and physical well-being of your beloved canine, focusing on natural, wholesome homemade meals that support total pet wellness. This method emphasizes a balanced diet, mental enrichment strategies, and the use of natural supplements to enhance your dog's long-term health.
Why do vets disagree with raw feeding? Some vets disagree with raw feeding due to concerns about potential bacterial contamination and the challenges of ensuring a balanced nutritional intake. However, proponents argue that a holistic approach to raw feeding offers significant benefits for a dog's mental and physical well-being when done correctly.
Related Articles
