How the Prey Animal Diet Boosts Your Pet’s Immune System
The prey animal diet, based on the natural eating habits of carnivores like dogs and cats, has gained popularity as pet owners seek diets closer to what their pets would naturally consume in the wild. Fresh Is Best cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats focus on raw, unprocessed ingredients, including various organ meats, this diet offers essential nutrients that strengthen pets’ immune systems. Here’s how the prey animal diet, with its nutrient-dense components, can help support your pet’s health and fend off common illnesses.
Rich in Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Organ meats—such as liver, heart, and kidneys—are the cornerstone of the prey animal diet, providing a dense concentration of vitamins and minerals that support immune function. Unlike traditional commercial pet foods, which may lose nutrients during processing, raw organ meats contain vital nutrients in their natural forms, enhancing nutrient absorption and bioavailability for pets.
Vitamin A for Respiratory & Digestive Health
The liver, for example, is an incredible source of vitamin A, which helps regulate immune responses, and plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity, which protects the respiratory and digestive tracts from infections. When dogs and cats consume liver as part of their prey animal diet, they benefit from vitamin A’s immune-enhancing effects, building a stronger defense system against common pathogens1.
Better Absorption of B Vitamins, Zinc, & Iron to Boost Your Pet’s Immune System
In addition to vitamin A, organ meats provide zinc, iron, and B vitamins, which work together to boost the immune system. Zinc, for instance, helps develop immune cells that are essential in identifying and neutralizing harmful pathogens. The heart is rich in B vitamins and taurine, an amino acid that supports cardiovascular and immune health. With these nutrients present in raw form, pets can better absorb and utilize them, which may lead to improved immunity and overall wellness.
Prey Animal Diets Provide Natural Antioxidants
Antioxidants are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system by reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. The prey animal diet, through organ meats and muscle tissue, is naturally rich in antioxidants that contribute to cellular health.
An Antioxidant-Rich Diet to Maintain Cellular Health
The Prey Animal diet uses raw meats that provide glutathione, an antioxidant that helps maintain cellular health and assists in immune function. In the wild, carnivores naturally consume glutathione-rich tissues, which support their bodies in detoxifying and maintaining a healthy immune response and helping to keep their cells strong and resilient.
Supports Pet Immune Systems with Natural Enzymes
Supports Pet Immune Systems with Natural EnzymesA healthy gut is essential for a robust immune system. Approximately 70% of a pet’s immune system is located within its gut1, where beneficial bacteria help fend off pathogens and aid in digestion. The prey animal diet, especially when it includes raw meats and organ tissues, delivers natural enzymes that support digestion and foster a balanced gut microbiome.
Enzymes found in raw meats help break down food more efficiently, allowing for better nutrient absorption and reducing the likelihood of gut inflammation1. These enzymes work with the natural probiotics in a pet’s gut to strengthen the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, creating a barrier that prevents harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream.
Raw Organ Meat Provides Prebiotics for Immune Health
Raw organ meats also provide prebiotics, which fuel the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. A balanced gut microbiome aids in the production of healthy fatty acids that bolster immune cells and reduce inflammation. By feeding pets a prey animal diet, owners can help their furry friends maintain a healthier gut, which directly supports a more resilient immune system.
Feeding your pet a prey animal diet that includes raw, nutrient-rich organ meats provides them with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes. These elements work together to strengthen their immune systems, support cellular health, and maintain a balanced gut microbiome. The nutrient density and bioavailability of raw ingredients in the prey animal diet help pets build a solid foundation for overall health.
Reference
1 Reinhardt, S., & Stoeckel, K. (2015). The role of vitamin A in the immune function of pets. The Journal of Nutrition, 145(4), 856S–860S. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.114.194712
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Please consult your veterinarian before implementing any new diet, exercise, and dietary supplement programs, especially if your pet has preexisting medical conditions or is taking prescribed medications. The statements made on this website are for educational purposes only and are not meant to replace the advice of your veterinarian.
Proper treatment of health conditions depends upon several factors, including, but not limited to, your pet’s medical history, diet, lifestyle, and medication regimen. Your veterinarian can best assess and address your pet’s individual health care needs. You should consult with your veterinarian before starting a new diet, supplement, or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary.