Feed your dog raw meat??
Cooked or raw food...talk to your vet!!!
There is a growing trend today to get “back to nature”. This trend has extended itself to to dog owners who are believing that BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is better for their dogs than cooked or prepared foods. While this is a trend for some in terms of human consumption (sushi), many veterinarians are not so sure that this is the way to go for your dog. Feeding dogs raw meat has the potential of bringing dangerous bacteria into the digestive system of these canines. Bacterias such as salmonella or E. coli may be present in the uncooked foods. Passing this on to your dog, could make your dog sick as well as the potential to pass those bacterias onto other family members.
The additional concern is that home made meals, cooked or uncooked may not be bringing a balanced meals to your dog. You may be depriving the dog of needed nutrition. Some people are just so intent on making their dog happy that they will feed the dog simply what the dog enjoys, as they state that the dog “won’t eat anything else”. Well, if you don’t make or feed the dog anything else, they won’t eat anything else, will they?
Those that feed their dogs raw foods (meat included), say that their dogs have shinier coats, stronger teeth, fewer ear infections and improved weight control. No studies thus far have proven this to be true. However, more and more people are choosing this route.
While it might be healthy for you to cook or prepare uncooked food for your dog, it is recommended that you talk to your vet and let the vet know what you are doing. They should, at the very least be able to tell you if the meals you are serving your dog are balanced. Keeping your dog healthy AND happy is most important!!!
April 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I personally don’t beleive in the BARF diet, I like to feed good dry food that is good for my dog.
Not saying the BARf isn’t good I just don’t beleive we should feed them this.