Let Them Eat Meat – Go Raw ! There is no question that when it comes to feeding our pets ( and ourselves !) fresh is best . Contrary to popular belief , what is truly ‘ natural ’ for our little carnivores to be eating is not a highly processed dry kibble loaded with fillers , inferior protein sources , and ‘ scientifically ’ rendered , regardless of what the slick brand marketing copy and commercials would have you believe otherwise . Although formulated to be ‘ balanced and complete ’, if the diet is not actually fresh , how healthy could it possibly be ? Biologically Appropriate Raw Food ( BARF ) diets or Prey-Model diets are not a fad , but a revolutionary back to basics movement focused toward pet health and wellness . Raw food diets , consisting of raw ( uncooked ) meats , organs , and bones have been advocated as nutritional therapy by Holistic Vets and Nutritionists for decades .
A raw diet most closely replicates a cat and dog ’ s ancestral diet . Although they have been domesticated over thousands of years , biologically and anatomically dogs are still carnivores — cats are obligate carnivores -- and thrive on diets high in animal-based protein and fats . Most commercial diets are high in plant-based protein and carbohydrates , which are unbeneficial to their biological needs and oftentimes a catalyst to a myriad of common health conditions in our pet friends . Did you know that 53 % of all dogs and 58 % of all cats in the US are overweight / obese according to a recent survey by Association for Pet Obesity Prevention ( APOP )? It ’ s no coincidence that the chronic illness and disease we face as humans like obesity , diabetes , cancer , and the like resulting in part from our diets of highly processed diets are now affecting our pets in the very same way .
Once you go raw , you almost never go back . The benefits to feeding raw include but are not limited to : healthy skin and coat , healthy teeth and gums , smaller , less odorous stool , increased energy and vitality , healthy weight , and an absence of the common digestive and allergy issues often associated with a dry commercial diet . A raw diet is not without some risk and humans need to have a common-sense approach to handling raw meat just as you would for yourself , however for many , the benefits far outnumber the risks . We advocate for diet variety and rotational feeding with the idea that supplements a diet with some raw food is better than none at all . So if the idea of switching to a complete raw diet seems overwhelming , incorporate some raw into your feedings 2-3 times / week . Once you get started and see the improvement in your animals , you ’ ll be more confident to ‘ go all the way ’. It ’ s natural to have lots of questions , so be sure to do some research ( one good place to start is www . rawfed . - com ) and seek out the balanced raw diets available in a number of proteins and convenient portions from independent pet retailers and some natural grocers .
As pet caregivers , we have to choose wisely for those we love because our domesticated friends don ' t have that choice – the health , happiness , and longevity of your companion animals depends on it !
At Pussy & Pooch , we are passionate about healthy pet nutrition year-round , and work with customers about the types of food ( including raw and alternative-raw diets ) best for their pets , the difference in the quality of pet food ingredients , learning the variety of ways you can ‘ go natural ’, and more . Our 6th annual ‘ What ’ s in Their Bowl ’ spotlight is taking place now through Aug 11th -- get the natural pet nutrition facts with LOADS of great instore informational and experience-oriented events , free samples , special promo deals , yummy tastings , and a FUN Photo Contest to Win Free Pet Food for Year !
Want to learn more ? Sign-up for a free 90-min Pet Nutrition class to really learn the truth about pet food and consequently how to become a better pet consumer and advocate for healthy pet lifestyle . See the Class Schedule and RSVP at www . - pussyandpooch . com / WinFood - Be Well !
- Janene Zakrajsek
Pussy & Pooch 564 S Main Street
Los Angeles , CA 90013 213 438 0900 www . pussyandpooch . com