Raw Dog Food Diet for Your Small Breed Dog

A raw dog food diet could be the answer to your dog’s

health problems   by Anna Sakila

Do you worry about your dog’s diet? Are you tired of wondering what ingredients are in your small breed’s food?

Does your dog have allergy or stomach issues?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, a raw diet for your small breed may be the answer.

A “raw” dog food diet is a wholesome, homemade dog food option.

This way you know EXACTLY what your dog is eating. Taking control of my dog’s diet was an empowering and wonderful way to show my pet just how much I love him.

Downside of Store-Bought Dog Food

In my opinion, the worst part about store bought dog food is its misleading labels.

Any brand of dog food is going to do their best to advertise their product to make it seem like it is good for your dog.

You can read the ingredients list on the back of the bag. In most brands, you will see fillers, preservatives, and many chemical ingredients you cannot even pronounce!

Here are a few examples of some of the harmful ingredients present in many name-brand dog foods.

Fillers

A filler is a product used by dog food manufacturers to bulk up the food, making it cheaper to produce. Sometimes, these ingredients have little to no nutritional value and are known to cause allergies. (Especially in small breeds) These include corn, soy, and wheat.

By-Products

From crushed bones to crude protein byproduct meal, these ingredients are meant to replace natural meat protein.  Most commercial products are highly processed. The dog food production process destroys most of the food’s nutritional value.

Preservatives

Many preservatives that have been proven to cause cancer and allergic reactions in dogs are still readily available in many dog foods. Yes, they prevent your dog’s food from spoiling quickly but at what cost?!

Upside to a Homemade Raw Dog Food Diet

Making your raw dog food is a great idea for obvious reasons. Let’s look into all the awesome pros to homemade dog food.

Control

When you make your small breed dog food at home, you can exactly control what your dog eats. You are in charge of your dog’s dietary health and well-being. Rest easy knowing that you fed your well-loved fur baby the best nutrition possible.

Customization

Just like people, every dog is unique. You can create a dog food based on their likes and dislikes. Dogs with diet restrictions can greatly benefit from a raw diet. Once again, you know what your dog is eating and don’t have to rely on a name brand to deliver your dog’s specific nutritional needs

Does your small breed have an allergy problem? It will be much easier to pinpoint what triggers their food allergies when you make the food yourself. Once identified, all you have to do is remove the allergen from their diet!

The Downside of Raw Dog Food Diets

Unfortunately, there is a down side to a raw dog food diet.  It may not be safe for your dog or your family.  In a recent research project, several problems were addressed.  Salmonella species have been found in samples of fresh frozen commercial diets.  In addition, the researchers addressed the emerging concerns of introducing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria into the diet.   

My Favorite Raw Dog Food Diet Recipe
(Not Quite Raw)

This recipe has been a big success with all of my dogs. It’s easy and nutrition packed! You can even eat this food if you felt so inclined.  My recommendations is to cook the ingredients before mixing.  Pack in separate containers and then freeze.

References

Benefits of Fresh Dog Food vs. Raw Food vs. Kibble For Your Dog

Feeding Raw Dog Food: 6 Steps To Get Started

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