Raw Feeding Myths

Bacterial pathogen conerns

Some people are concerned about the risk of bacterial pathogens from raw meat. You would just prepare raw food the same as you do for yourselves and clean the surfaces and utensils used well after feeding. Ensure a separate space is kept in the fridge for the food and always clean up any poop from your dog  A survey by DogRisk in Helsinki surveyed 16,475 raw feeding households. 99.6% did not report any pathogen transference from the dog food to humans. In fact there has been more recalls around the world for Salmonella in dry dog food than there ever had been for raw food. So faeces may contain Salmonella whether you feed dry or raw. You need to be washing your hands after feeding dry dog food too!

Dogs have the enzyme lysozyme in their saliva which breaks down the bad bacteria.

Raw feeding causes aggression

Raw feeding has anti depressive and calming qualities. Chewing raw bones releases happy hormones and raw fed dogs have increased levels of GABA ( gamma aminobutyric acid) in their faeces from ingesting meat. GABA calms and and reduces certain processes in the brain.

Senior dogs require less protein

This comes from a study done on rats that suggested excess protein damages the kidneys. Further studies have shown that a dogs requirements for protein when in their senior years increase by 50% to prevent muscle mass decreasing as you often see. Dogs fed lower protein diets had a higher mortality rates and chronic kidney problems did not have any effects from a higher protein diet. It's end stage kidney disease that requires lower protein foods.

Raw feeding is not balanced

Studies has shown that most commercial foods (94% of canned and 62% of dry) are deficient in some nutrients, so it it unlikely a balanced diet is being fed to most dogs on commercial foods. Synthetic vitamins and minerals put into commercial foods are not as easily absorbed in the body like natural fresh food. Raw feeding provides a more complete profile of vitamins and minerals that are absorbed more easily. Trying to compare raw feeding to the pet manufacturers standards of NRC/AAFCO would be unsafe as the standards are designed from kibble data not raw food. Raw food provides all the necessary nutrients if provided the the correct quantities to allow your dog to be healthy. We don't eat using spreadsheets to compare foods to ensure we are eating a balanced diet, a variety of fresh whole foods is best for you and your dog.