Natural Diet For Dogs Made Easy

The dog realm is a-buzz these days about the natural diet for dogs. A decline in overall pet health, commercial pet food recalls and enormous vet bills are some of the reasons pet owners have started closely examining their pet food and the consequences it is having on their dog's well being.

Natural diets, also called the raw food diet for dogs, refer to a species appropriate diet as if your Rover were living in the wild. Dogs, being carnivores, would eat meat, bones, vegetable matter and grains, with the vegetable matter and grains coming from the stomach innards of its prey.

But is this type of diet the best diet for dogs? Let's take a closer look.

For many pet owners, the thought of feeding your best friend all raw food doesn't sound the least bit healthy at first. Images of harmful bacteria and diseases come to mind and it seems like it would be more harmful than nutritious.

We tend to ignore the fact that we are really different species. We humans cook our food to prevent bacteria and disease, so it seems reasonable to do the same for the canine members of our family.

We need to understand that the digestive system of humans and dogs are different. A dog's digestive system is specifically intended to eat raw foods. That's why when your dog eats a dead morsel it does not get sick from it.

Another point to consider in natural diets for dogs is that your pet will eat a lot of the same foods that you would eat, but in a healthy way instead of table scraps. The greatest difference is cooking.

When you look at a raw food diet meal example, you'll see that it's actually much better than the images we get from envisioning about our pets hunting and eating in the wild.

Example:

Raw meat – any raw muscle flesh will work, however many pet owners use ground turkey or regular hamburger because of price and handiness.

Raw bones – turkey necks, chicken necks or chicken backs.

Uncooked vegetables and fruit – Carrots, apples, green beans, kale, watercress, parsley, mustard greens, etc. Use a blender or food processor to puree and mix with meat and bones and serve

Some of the benefits of a natural diet for dogs can be helpful in deciding to use it with your pet. Many pet owners state that their dogs have better smelling breath, cleaner teeth, healthier skin and coats, and more energy. They also say that their dogs seem generally happier and healthier overall.

The bottom line is that we all love our dogs and want them to live a long and happy life. Just as with humans, that commences with proper diet and nutrition. The best diet for dogs is one based on general dog dietary needs, and then is adapted to your pet's individual needs and tastes.