How to Feed Raw Pet Food: A Guide for Pet Owners

Switching your dog or cat from commercial pet food to a Fresh is Best® raw pet food diet can be a great way to improve their health and well-being. A raw food diet, which typically includes raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables, mimics what animals might eat in the wild and can offer numerous benefits. However, transitioning to raw pet food more slowly can help some pets avoid minor gas or gastric upset.

Some Common Misconceptions about Raw Pet Food Diets

There are some common misconceptions about raw pet food that can deter owners from exploring and feeding a raw food diet to their dog or cat. Pet owners can be hesitant to switch to a raw pet food diet due to these various misconceptions. Despite these beliefs, feeding raw food to your pets can be both safe and nutritionally complete. Understanding and debunking these myths is crucial for making informed decisions about your pet’s diet and health.

Raw Pet Food Causes Bacterial Infections

Most commercially prepared raw pet foods like Fresh Is Best® purchase the high-quality meats that are USDA inspected and passed for human consumption. These meats are processed in facilities that use various methods to control pathogenic bacteria. Further, at Fresh Is Best, we wash our ingredients with food-grade anti-microbials and freeze-dry the finished product to very low water activity, making it much safer than if you purchased raw meat at the grocery store and fed it “as is” to your pet.

Some pet owners may worry that feeding raw food will lead to bacterial infections, both for their pets and themselves. Pets have stronger stomach acids than humans, which can help kill harmful bacteria. Washing your hands thoroughly after handling raw food, cleaning your pet’s bowls regularly, and storing raw food properly are also important steps to ensure safety.

Raw Food Diets are Only for Dogs

Some pet owners believe that raw food diets are only suitable for dogs and not for cats. Cats can also thrive on a raw food diet,which can closely mimic their natural hunting diet. As with dogs, transitioning a cat to a raw diet may best be done gradually.

Raw Diets are Not Balanced

Another common misconception is that raw diets cannot provide balanced and complete nutrition for pets. Fresh is Best® freeze-dried dog foods and cat foods provide a variety of meats, calcium from bone meal, organs, fruits, vegetables, and supplements to ensure the diet is balanced and delivers essential nutrition for your pet.

Preparing to Feed Raw Pet Food

Transitioning from dry grain-based pet food to raw meat-based pet food should be done gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Here’s a simple transition plan:

1. Days 1-3: Mix 75% commercial food with 25% raw food.
2. Days 4-6: Mix 50% commercial food with 50% raw food.
3. Days 7-9: Mix 25% commercial food with 75% raw food.
4. Day 10: Feed 100% raw food.

Balanced Diet, Variety, & Supplements

Fresh is Best® ensures that your pet’s raw diet is balanced and includes everything they need: meat, bones, organs, and vegetables. To prevent nutritional deficiencies, vary the types of meat and organs you feed your pet. It can be beneficial to add certain supplements at the time of serving like fish oil, probiotics and/or digestive enzymes. Some pet lovers want to enhance a raw diet even more and these supplements are better delivered fresh with each meal instead of mixed into the food at the time of manufacturing.

Tips to Successfully Transition & Feed Raw Pet Food

• Stay Consistent: Once you’ve transitioned to raw food, stick to the diet consistently to avoid digestive issues.
• Hydration: Ensure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water, as a raw diet can make them thirstier.
• Observe and Adjust: Pay attention to your pet’s weight, energy levels, and overall health. Adjust the diet as needed to keep them in optimal condition.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to providing a healthier, happier life for your furry friend. By following a gradual transition plan, you can make the switch smoothly. Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet to ensure their health and well-being.