In most cases, when you hear of raw meat, you think of wild animals. With the wild dogs’ shorter lifespan than domesticated dogs, raw food may seem risky. Many dog owners wonder whether they should feed their dogs with raw meat. However according to researchers, it depends on how you feed your dog raw meat. Therefore, raw meat can be fed to dogs. The diet of a dog is affected by many factors such as age and immune system. When meat is cooked, it makes it more digestible. The cooked food can offer your dog more energy for development.
Do Domestic Dogs Prefer to Eat Raw Meat?
When you own a dog, you have many choices about what to feed your dog. With the growing industry for dog food, there is a wide range of dog food available. Some owners believe that dogs should be fed like their ancestors. In most cases, domestic dogs will prefer cooked meat. However, you should not season the meat too much. The dogs might develop sickness or get infections from the seasonings.
Dogs smell the cut of fresh meat from a far. They will follow the aroma and get to where you are. Dogs will always enjoy a cut of raw meat. They take up the steps of their ancestors. When dogs began being domesticated, they got used to the smell of cooked meat.
As much as your dog will enjoy raw meat your need to control the amount. Many health issues may arise if your dog constantly feeds on raw meat. Raw meat could cause food poisoning to your dog. Other health risks include listeria and salmonella. It is good to observe your dog once they feed on raw meat many times. It will help if you watch out to detect for any symptoms.
What Kind of Raw Meat Can Domestic Dogs Eat?
There is specific raw meat that you can feed your dog regularly without causing health complications. According to researchers, there is a precise amount of raw food to feed on your dog. A dog should be fed according to their weight. For instance, a dog should feed on 15% of their body weight. When you feed your dog with raw meat, ensure to combine it also with other great quality homemade food. Keep in mind though, that not every dog will benefit from eating raw meat. Here is the main type of raw food that is good for your dog.
Muscle Meat
Muscle meat includes hamburger, chicken and turkey. As they are named, they will help your dog develop stronger muscles. When a dog has stronger muscles, they are more immune to disease and have a longer lifespan.
Organ Meat
Organ meat includes kidney, heart and liver. They have better health benefits than other parts of raw meat. The provide calcium and iron that is essential for development.
Meaty Bones and Fish
The meaty bones provide phosphorous and other important minerals. The minerals help in building stronger bones for your dog.
How Often Should Domestic Dogs Eat Raw Meat?
Feeding your dog with any specific diet is your choice. However, you must accept that choices come with consequences. Therefore, feeding your dog any type of diet has its own pros and cons. You should feed your puppies two to four times a day and old dogs one to two times a day.
Feeding raw meat is determined by several factors as mentioned before. Let’s get to know some key factors.
Age Of Your Dog
If your dog is young, feed them more raw meat to help them develop and get more energy. Just like human babies, a young dog needs more food.
Breed
Some dogs get too big when they are fed too much raw meat. Overweight dogs get health issues and their bones may become weak, especially on the legs. Other breeds may need raw meat for bone development and strength, though. If unsure seek advice from a vet or a dog nutritionist.
Immune System
The immune system will determine if your dog should take raw meat often or not. Raw meat has some specific health issues. When you feed a dog with a poor immune system too much raw meat, they may develop diseases caused by bacteria, that will deteriorate their health status. If your dog has a history of poor health to start with, it may be better for them to be fed cooked meat only.
See Also: Why Will My Dog Only Eat Cat Food?
And: Is the Roman Rottweiler a Pet or a Guard Dog?
Can Puppies Eat Raw Meat?
Raw food is a reflection of what most animals fed on before domestication. Cooking food for your puppy is not a bad idea. However, most vets state that it is dangerous especially cooking meaty bones. The bones may become soft and break into pieces, which will hurt your dog’s mouth.
Young Dogs Use Raw Meaty Bones to Acquire Calcium.
The uncooked meaty bones provide less dense bones that most young dogs can feed on. Here are some types of raw meat you can feed your puppy.
Young Puppies Can Feed on Raw Skinless Chicken Neck.
The neck of a chicken has soft bones that a young dog can easily chew. They offer proteins, calcium, fats and carbs, that are essential when your puppy is growing.
Ground Raw Minced Meat.
If the puppy is too young, you can ground the meat for it to make it easier to chew. They will acquire calcium and fats.
Quail.
Quail is a smaller bird with smooth and edible bones. They are best at offering proteins, meat and moisture.
Raw Pork.
White meat is a healthy meal that adds more carbs that increase energy for the body to carry out normal activities.
Raw Meat
Raw meat helps young puppies get a smoother skin and develop the bones to get stronger. However, you should regulate the amount of raw meat that should be fed, to reduce the chance of any health risks.
Conclusion
As animals, most domestic dogs will love raw meat. In most cases, as a dog owner, you need to watch the diet of your dog. Raw meat is fine for most dogs, but like anything else in life, moderation may be the key to giving your dog what it wants, against worrying if you are giving it food that may be riskier to their health than cooked meat. If you at all worried, or if you see a change in your dog, for better or worse, then seek advice from a vet or a dog nutritionist.
Featured image: A Jack Russell offered a juicy steak
