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Organic Raw Dog Food Pros and Cons – Is It for Your Pooch?

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One of the best ways to make someone close feel special is by taking them out for an enjoyable meal. It’s no different for your furry buddy. Besides grooming your dog at home, an excellent meal is one of the best ways to make your dog feel special. Let’s see if transitioning to raw dog food could be the answer.

But you don’t have to wait for the right occasion to make him feel special. You can make it an everyday treat by feeding him raw and organic pet food.

Disclaimer: The contents of this post are interest -based and not to be taken as advice. A Veterinarian should be consulted before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Dog Food FAQs.

Many dog breeds are prone to various health issues. So it pays to try and find the healthiest dog food possible.


But you probably have many questions when it comes to making a dietary change for your pooch. I am anticipating that some of your questions are similar to these:

  • What is raw and organic pet food?
  • What does the new diet include?
  • Is it healthy and safe for my dog?
  • How do I introduce and transition my dog to raw and organic pet food?

We have checked with the experts and prepared this quick guide to answer these questions and set your furry buddy up for daily gut pampering.

Organic and raw food for dogs
Photo by Manuel Meza on Unsplash

What is Organic and Raw Food for Dogs?

When you hear organic pet food, what comes to mind? Most likely, 100% natural food free of artificial additives and processing.

According to the National Organic Program (part of the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services), organic pet food should adhere to the same standards as human-designated organic foods. Thus, organic pet food should be free of the following:

  • Toxic pesticides
  • Antibiotics
  • Synthetic hormones
  • Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) ingredients
  • Artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors
  • Irradiation (a modern method of sterilizing commercial foods using radio-active techniques)

In addition, producers of organic pet foods must follow stringent farm management and conservation measures.

Raw pet food is just as it sounds – non-processed (including cooking) pet food.

An Australian vet, Dr. Ian Billinghurst, was one of the initial proponents of the concept of feeding pet dogs with raw feed. He suggested that adult dogs thrive on a primal diet comprising uncooked and unprocessed meaty bones and vegetable scraps. Dr. Billinghurst came up with the acronym BARF for Bones and Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.

What Does Raw and Organic Pet Food Include?

Organic and raw pet foods consist of 100% natural and unprocessed ingredients. This means giving your pooch a meal that consists of organically produced raw meat and bones with fruit and vegetable scraps.

The proportions may vary. However, most producers use the following averages:

  • Muscle meat, edible bones, and raw fat 70-75%
  • Organ meat (heart, liver, etc.) 5-10%
  • Offal and other meats 5-10%
  • vegetables and fruit matter 5-10%

When you purchase raw and organic pet food, you should read and understand what is on the label. Some pet foods contain 100% organic ingredients, while others have only portions.

First, look out for the USDA Organic seal. Then, check the proportion of organic content described as follows:

  • Made With Organic Ingredients:
    • Pet food consists of at least 70% organic ingredients.
  • Organic:
    • Pet food consists of at least 95% organic ingredients and 5% approved ingredients.
  • 100% Organic:
    • Pet food consists of pure organic ingredients.

Is Organic & Raw Food for Dogs Safe & Healthy?

Whereas feeding pets organic feed is generally accepted as healthy, the same does not apply to raw feeding. The debate about whether raw feeding is safe and healthy is still out there.

Opponents often raise safety concerns such as a heightened risk of bacteria and other pathogens. The FDA and many other authorities like the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) have laid out the dangers.

But proponents of raw and organic feeding claim that it is in-tune with nature. Testimonials and reports from proponents (including respected vets) indicate that pets thrive when fed raw. The following are some benefits pointed out:

  • Shinier coat
  • Healthier skin and teeth
  • Healthier digestive systems
  • More energized dogs
  • Smaller stool
  • Lower risk of ailments.

The bottom line is that you, as the pet parent, should be informed and make an educated decision. If you opt for raw, be aware of the potential risks and ways to mitigate against them.

Making the Transition

How Do I Introduce My Furry Buddy To Organic and Raw?

Being aware of potential risks in raw dog food and mitigating them means taking precautions when introducing your pet to the new diet. Here are some precautions you can take:

  • First, have a word with a vet. Talk about your dog and your intention to transition to raw and organic dog foods.
  • Be open minded. Allow the vet to examine your dog and give a recommendation.

If the vet gives a green light, he/she will probably advise you to purchase only from high-quality, vet-approved raw and organic pet food manufacturers like Timberwolf Organics.

They will also tell you to make a gradual transition because:

  • Your dog’s digestive system and taste buds need time to adjust to the new foods.
  • It would be easier to pick out and treat a case of allergy or food intolerance.
  • Your dog requires time to develop gut flora to break down raw foods.
Photo by Bethany Ferr from Pexels

The Bottom Line

Organic and Raw Food for Dogs – Your Decision

Switching to raw and organic dog foods is a great way to pamper your pooch. But remember, before you take the step, learn more about raw food for dogs and consult your vet.

He/she can provide a snapshot of organic and raw dog foods and the arguments for and against them. It does not matter if you are for or against organic and raw dog foods, the best way to pamper your furry buddy is to provide nutritious foods.

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