Each dog owner wishes the best for their furry friend, which more often than not starts with their feeding bowl. The one thing that still seems to stir passionate debate between pet owners is the differing types of nutrition provided to pets – raw dog food vs. kibble. This debate seems to show that pet parents are more concerned with the nutrition, wellness, pastime activities, and care of their fur babies.
There are several differing types of nutrition that pets seem to get. While some view raw food as a closer comparison to nature, others see it as a risky fashion trend. A great deal of disagreement also arises when addressing the question of whether kibble is merely a convenient to-go option or a well-balanced meal idea rooted in science.
Regardless if you are a lifelong paw pet lover and owner, or new to the scene, considering both sides of the fence becomes very crucial. At the same time, if you are looking for some premium quality guidance and ready-made suggestions, Pet Pawfects serves as a great starting point. The service promises a spoon-fed kind of nutrition, a transparent formulation, and customization for every kind of tail-wager.
What Is Raw Dog Food?
Similar to any other phrase, raw dog food is exactly what it sounds like. It has no form of processing or cooking done, with every meal being designed to replicate the diet a dog might consume in the wild.
It generally comprises sides of raw flesh such as skeletal and muscular tissues, alongside a blend of bones. Sometimes, fruits and vegetables can also be included.
There are multiple ways of pursuing raw feeding:
- BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): A mixture of meats, boned, organ tissues, and vegetables to create a partial, more balanced, and “natural” diet for these organisms.
- Prey Model Raw: Focuses on providing an entire prey animal in form of animal-based meal, devoid of any herbaceous or plant materials.
- Homemade Raw: This is the creation of dog owners from scratch and thus not pre-made, entails careful balancing of key nutrients.
- Commercial Raw: Offered in retails outlet like pet shops and online, pre-frozen or freeze-dried for convenience.
People who champion raw feeding usually point out the following advantages:
- Improved coat sheen alongside healthier skin.
- Enhanced digestion with stools that are lesser in volume and odor.
- Cleaner teeth from chewing on raw bones.
- Improved strength and briskness.
Feeding raw takes considerable care, and research into the correct application of raw feeding methods and products and the sourcing of appropriate raw materials in order to meet specific sanitary requirements (food safety, hygiene).
What is Kibble?
It’s a type of dry dog food or kibble, and is the most common dog food on almost every continent. Kibble is a type of dog food manufactured by extrusion process which uses heat and pressure to fry the dog food to become crunchy.
A mixture of meat meals, starch, grain, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals is listed as the usual ingredients.
There are some clear pros of feeding kibble to pets:
- Ease of Use: No preparation- simply serve.
- Ease of Storage: Easy to store and long-lasting without the need for refrigeration.
- More Affordable: Compared to raw diets, it is cheaper and more affordable.
- Balanced Nutrition: As AAFCO standards suggest, most kibbles are balanced.
However, this does not mean all kibbles are the same. Many lower quality brands are poorly made and stuffed with artificial preservatives, fillers, and unidentifiable protein sources. Kibble needs to be of high quality, clear in brand name, and label so as not to risk losing benefits.
The Good and Bad of Kibble and Raw
Comparing feeding options for your dog: what they consume vs how much work it takes you. We will break it down:
Nutrition needs.
Raw diets are known for nutrients that are offered in their natural form, provided the dog is well-taken care of. Unlike raw diets, AAFCO takes heating up food to process it, so all nutrients should be offered in the best way possible. With kibble, all nutrients are required to be grade-A, but overheating diminishes the overall nutritional quality during processing.
Ease of digestion
Sometimes raw food is easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies to digest.
However, there are some dogs that thrive on kibble diets, particularly those with sensitive digestive systems.
Aspects of Safety
There is a greater chance that raw food diets will be contaminated by bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli, which can put pets and their owners at risk. Even though kibble occasionally has recalls and isn’t always of the highest quality, handling it is far safer than handling raw materials.
Cost and Convenience
Raw diets tend to require more preparation and cleaning, making them more expensive. On the other hand, kibble shines in terms of budget and travel friendliness.
Veterinary Opinions
Traditional veterinarians tend to endorse kibble since it tends to be more cost-effective and has a history of warranty. Holistic or integrative vets could be more accepting of raw diets as long as it is well formulated.
Best Ways To Differentiate What’s Best For Your Dog
There’s no one way to answer how to feed dogs since it differs for each person. Factors unique to you determine the needs of your dog, such as:
- Breed and age: Like puppies and seniors who, along with certain breeds, have specific dietary needs.
- Health Status: Pancreatitis and kidney diseases often need dogs to be placed on prescription diets.
- Allergies or sensitivities: Dogs suffering from recurrent ear infections may find some relief with a change of diet.
- Lifestyle and routine: Kibble might be a better option if you travel a lot or don’t have time to prep meals.
Raw could work for you if you have space in the freezer and are committed to home cooking.
It is always a good idea to have conversations with your vet, preferably someone who is open to exploring both alternatives of vet science so you can incorporate their viewpoints while making big decisions.
Moving From One Diet To Another
Planning on changing what food your dog eats? Your dog’s menu should change gradually over time.
For the first few days, incorporate 10 – 20% of the newer food into the old. Start the ration change over the course of a week to ten days. Make sure to keep an eye on your dog for any symptoms such as:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Icy-hot itching or obsessive paw licking
- Drastic changes in energy levels or mood dips
Don’t forget to exercise the virtue of patience, as every dog reacts differently and you need to make the necessary adjustments to ensure a smoother pizza.
Final Thoughts
The right food, at the end of the day, is the one that allows your dog to physically, mentally, and emotionally thrive. No matter if that means fresh raw meals, high-quality kibbles, or a blend of the two, your dog should always come first.
As such, spend time doing thorough research, speak to reliable professionals and pinpoint the exact response your dog has in relation to the food.
More than any ads ever could sell you, their energy, coat, digestion, and behavior will speak volumes.
