Raw Feeding vs. Commercial Pet Food: What’s Best for Your Pet?
Few issues are more controversial to discuss than feeding your pet or feeding them on a commercial pet food. There are those owners who are adamant believers in the natural goodness of raw meat, bones and organs which they say is what animals would eat in nature. Others have confidence in well-developed commercial foods which are meant to give them balanced nutrition and are safe. The fact of the matter is both methods have their pluses, dangers, and legends. By knowing the differences it will help you make the best choice of diet which helps your dog or cat to maintain its health and life span.Pet Fresh Supplies aims to provide comprehensive information and guidance to the pet owners for their lovely pets
The Philosophy Behind Raw Feeding
The premise of raw feeding is that pets must consume in the same manner as their forebears uncooked meats, bones and occasionally vegetables or supplements. Proponents believe that raw diets will lead to shinier coats, cleaner teeth, more energy as well as fewer allergies. Others also feel that raw diets are more species-appropriate, as domestic dogs and cats both descended from wild carnivores.
The idea was popularised by an Australian veterinarian named Dr. Ian Billinghurst with his BARF Diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), in which uncooked food is recommended. A large number of owners using this approach cook at home, and the rest of the owners buy pre-packaged frozen raw food.
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The Convenience of Commercial Pet Food
Commercial dog food, be it dry kibble or wet packaged food, is formulated to fit certain nutritive criteria. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) states that certified pet foods are complete and satisfactory nutrition when given as advised. Companies tend to invest in research and quality control in order to provide pets with the correct balance of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals.
Commercial food is safe, convenient and affordable to busy pet parents. It does not involve working with raw meat, minimizes risk of domestic contamination by bacteria and can be adapted to life stages or diseases. Most veterinary nutritionists prescribe commercial diets because they are consistent, and reliable.
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The Risks and Benefits of Raw Feeding
The benefits of raw feeding can include the reduced number of artificial additives and the increased protein content. Nevertheless, there are no risks of raw diets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has multiple times warned pet owners that it is dangerous to feed uncooked meats because of bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. These pose a threat to not only animals, but also to human beings in the home, particularly children or the old.
Another concern is balance. Home-cooked raw diets typically lack adequate amounts of the necessary nutrients, such as calcium, taurine or omega-3 fatty acids unless these are supplemented.. Pets, with no professional advice, can miss certain elements with time and have heart, bone or eye issues.
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The Strengths and Limitations of Commercial Diets
Commercial foods are easy to use, cheap and scientifically developed. They are strictly analyzed to ensure that they are made up of the required amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins. Puppies, the elderly, or pets with special health conditions such as obesity or kidney disease have special formulations.
The negative thing is that not every commercial food is the same. There are also brands that are not priced high that use filler such as corn or soy and artificial preservatives. It is important to label carefully. According to PetMD, high-quality proteins and safer long-term outcomes are found in premium and veterinarian-prescribed brands, as compared to bargain brands.
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What Experts Recommend
According to veterinary professionals, the optimal diet does not exist, and all pets are unique. A board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Tufts University, Dr. Lisa Freeman, recommends that the key is to pay less attention to trends and much attention to evidence-based nutrition. She observes that even most raw diets that were studied had not been adequately nutritionally balanced, and that commercially prepared food had always been balanced.
Nevertheless, even the vets admit that raw diets can be effective in some households when formulated and handled correctly and safely. They suggest that when you intend to feed your pet raw, you consider hiring a veterinary nutritionist so that you can be assured of meeting all the requirements of your pet.
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Common Misconceptions
A general myth is that commercial food is high in poisonous chemicals. Although cheaper brands can be doing this with preservatives, serious manufacturers adhere to the safety standard and conduct tests on toxins. The other myth is that pets that feed on raw material do not become sick. As a matter of fact, raw-fed pets are prone to bacterial infections or broken teeth due to bone chewing. Balance and safety are more important than whether it is labelled raw or commercial.
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Questions About Feeding Pets
Is raw food healthier than commercial pet food?
Raw food can be considered more natural, but it has risks of bacteria contamination and imbalance. When of good quality, commercial food provides balanced nutrition.
Can raw feeding make my pet sick?
Yes. Unless supplemented, home-cooked raw diets generally do not contain sufficient amounts of the required nutrients, including calcium, taurine or omega-3 fatty acids.
Is commercial food enough for my pet’s needs?
Yes. AAFCO certified or veterinarian recommended foods are formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of a pet. High quality brands and products usually have superior ingredients.
Can I mix raw and commercial food?
Others are a combination of the two although vets caution that mixing can lead to digestive upsets. In that case, do it slowly and speak with your veterinarian.
How do I know if my pet is thriving on their food?
Good nutrition is reflected in shiny coat, stable energy, normal weight, and normal stools. Vet checkups after a short duration determine whether the diet is healthy.
Conclusion
It is doubtful that the discussion between raw feeding and commercial pet food will be resolved in the near future. Raw diets are attractive to people who like a natural, ancestral lifestyle, but commercial foods are convenient and safe with the support of science. Both are safe to keep your pet healthy provided you do the things right, but both are dangerous when you mindlessly pick one.
The official websites of PetMD and the American Veterinary Medical Association advise pet owners to visit veterinarians prior to changing their diet significantly. At the end of the day, the most suitable diet is a diet that fits your pet, your lifestyle, and one that offers nutritional balance in the long-run. Regardless of your lean towards either raw or commercial feeding your end result should be the same, which is to provide your pet with a healthy, happy, and energetic life.
