As pet parents, we all want the best for our furry friends, and nutrition plays a vital role in their health and well-being. One diet gaining significant attention for its numerous benefits is raw feeding. In this guide, we’ll dive into why raw feeding is an excellent choice for your pets, how to transition them to this diet, and tips for safe handling.

Why Feed Raw?

1. Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
   Raw food is biologically appropriate for dogs and cats, designed to align with their digestive systems. The live enzymes in raw food aid digestion, reduce inflammation in the GI tract, and enhance nutrient absorption.

2. Better Oral Health
   Raw feeding promotes healthier teeth and gums. Chewing raw bones helps reduce tartar buildup, improves breath, and lowers the risk of periodontal disease. Pets on raw diets often have cleaner, whiter teeth.

3. Higher Energy Levels
   Raw diets can boost your pet’s metabolism and normalize their weight. Many pets exhibit increased energy levels and improved vitality after transitioning to raw food.

4. Strengthened Immune System
   Raw feeding supports a balanced and robust immune system, reducing the likelihood of infections and promoting faster healing. The natural nutrients in raw food help keep your pet healthy from the inside out.

5. Healthier Skin and Coat
   One of the first noticeable benefits of raw feeding is improved skin and coat health. The natural oils and nutrients in raw food often result in a shiny, lustrous coat and help alleviate common skin issues.

6. Smaller, Less Odorous Stools
   Raw-fed pets produce smaller, firmer stools with less odor because their bodies utilize more of the food, leaving less waste behind.

How to Transition Your Pet to a Raw Diet

Transitioning to a raw diet should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:

• Days 1-3: Mix 25% raw food with 75% of their current food.

• Days 4-7: Increase to 50% raw food and 50% current food.

• Days 8-10: Adjust to 75% raw food and 25% current food.

• Day 11 onwards: If stools remain normal, transition to 100% raw food.

Tips for Success:

• Monitor your pet’s stool during the transition. Slow the process if stools become loose.

• Add digestive aids like raw goat’s milk or pumpkin puree to ease the transition.

• If your pet dislikes the cold temperature of raw food, gently warm it by placing it in a waterproof bag and submerging it in warm water (never use hot water).

Safe Handling Practices

Handling raw food requires attention to hygiene to prevent contamination. Follow these guidelines to ensure safe feeding:

• Keep raw food separate from other foods.

• Wash all surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water after handling raw food.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water after handling raw food.

• Keep raw foods frozen until ready to use and thaw in the refrigerator.

• Use glass or stainless-steel bowls and containers.

• Discard uneaten raw food left out for more than two hours.

Addressing Common Concerns

1. Bacteria
   Proper handling and hygiene practices can mitigate concerns about bacteria in raw food. When managed correctly, the health benefits of raw feeding outweigh the risks.

2. Unbalanced Diet
   To ensure your pet gets all the necessary nutrients, choose a complete and balanced raw diet. Commercial raw diets from reputable stores like EarthWise Pet are specifically formulated to meet all nutritional requirements.

Raw feeding can transform your pet’s health, vitality, and happiness. With proper planning and care, you can safely and confidently give your furry friend the best nutrition possible!