It’s National Raw Feeding Week!
We’re big proponents of feeding a fresh, raw, whole food diet. We’ve seen the results ourselves (as have literally countless others), and know that there are major benefits for our adored beast.
We’ve talked a lot about raw feeding in on the Adored Beast Blog in the past, so we thought we’d make it super simple and gather all those blogs together for you!
In this post, we’ll cover:
- Common raw feeding myths (& the truth behind them)
- How to switch your pet to raw
- Talking to your vet about raw food
- Raw feeding for sick animals
- Choosing the best raw food
- And much more!
Interested in raw feeding? Just starting out? An avid or experienced raw feeder? There’s something for everyone!
But first…
The Benefits of Raw Feeding
Raw feeding is the practice of feeding pets, like dogs and cats, a diet primarily consisting of uncooked meat, edible bones, and organs, as well as things like fruits and vegetables.
Our founder, Julie Anne Lee, has been feeding raw for almost 3 decades. She recommended it in her holistic veterinary clinic when it was still considered taboo. And she taught thousands of pet parents how to make the switch.
As mentioned, we’ve seen the benefits of raw feeding. So, what are we talking about?
- healthy skin and shiny coat
- clean, white teeth
- fresh breath
- healthy digestive system
- stronger immune system
- decreased allergies
- healthy body weight and muscle mass
- no doggy odor
- smaller, less smelly poop
Raw Feeding Resources
1. Debunking Myths: The Truth About Raw Feeding for Dogs and Cats
Whether you feed raw, kibble, home cooked, dehydrated, or some combination of the many different options, you’ve no doubt heard some of the reasons why raw feeding in particular might be problematic. From raw diets being unsafe to raw diets causing dental disease, we’ve heard it all.
This blog isn’t meant to try and convince you to switch to raw feeding for dogs and cats. Not at all, in fact. Instead, the goal is just to help dispel some of the common myths regarding feeding raw for dogs and cats.
2. Is Raw Pet Food a Faux Pas with Your Vet?
This is a sensitive topic, but an important one: Why do so many veterinarians object to raw feeding?
After all, when done correctly and mindfully, raw pet food is completely safe. In fact, scientific research proves that it promotes health and longevity.
In this blog, canine nutritionist Sarah Griffiths digs deep to provide insight into why some vets are so against raw feeding and how you can prepare yourself with research that supports raw feeding.
3. Switching to Raw Food: How to Make the Move
Over the last few years, many, many pet parents have chosen to make the move from kibble to raw. Many more vets are accepting (even encouraging), there are many commercial options, and there’s a wealth of information available on the internet.
But even with all of this acceptance and acknowledgement, we know that the transition to raw can seem scary and overwhelming – especially if you don’t know exactly how to do it.
Whether you’re considering the move to address a current health concern, or just want to do it for overall health and longevity, we’re here to help with some simple approaches to make the move easy. We’ll also cover things you may notice, and additional ways to support your animal throughout the process.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SWITCHING DOGS.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT SWITCHING CATS
4. How to Choose the Best Raw Food for Dogs and Cats
If we had a nickel for every time we are asked about recommendations for raw food for dogs and cats…
Lots of people choose commercial raw food for their animals. That’s what we choose to feed in our house. There are many, many different brands and offerings out there, so we get it; picking the best option for your animal, particularly if you’re new to raw, can be overwhelming.
So, in this post, we get back to the basics with lots of tips and advice on how to find the best food for your pet, as well as how to add value to that dinner plate no matter what you’re feeding!
5. Raw Bones for Pets: A Great Idea or a No-go?
Raw bones for pets are often a controversial topic. And much of this controversy stems from the fact that they are a misunderstood food option that has both pros and cons just like any other food.
However, raw bones are a natural part of canine/feline diets. When fed correctly, bones can offer a wide variety of benefits to your pet. Just like any other ingredient you add to the diet, it’s important to assess if they’re right for your dog or cat.
And that’s exactly what we’ll help you do in this blog!
6. Raw Food for a Sick Dog: What Should You Be Feeding?
When a dog is healthy, a species-appropriate raw food diet provides the greatest access to vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It is, in our humble opinion, the best way to feed a pet.
But what about when a dog isn’t feeling well or is struggling with a health condition? One of the things that people struggle with when it comes to feeding is how to manage raw food for a sick dog. Sometimes, depending on the illness, raw food for a sick dog can play a big role in the healing process. Other times, though, it may need to be held off for a length of time to give the body time to gently heal.
In this post, ABA founder Julie Anne Lee talks about raw feeding, and how to reintroduce raw food, especially after an acute and chronic illness. It’s important, as we want to best support our animals when they’re not feeling well.
7. Meaty Meatballs: Raw Dog Treat Recipe
Of course we’re going to end things off with a raw feeding recipe – great for all pets no matter where you are on your journey!
Just a few healthy ingredients and a lot of fun. Here’s how we make this nutritious raw dog treat recipe. These are sure to make your pup’s tail wag!
8. How to Make Cat and Dog Kibble Healthier (& Tips for Raw Feeders Too!)
Raw feeding may not be for everyone, and that’s ok!! You have to make the choice that is right for you and your animal, and that choice could be based on so many things.
If you feed kibble but would like to try adding some fresh food to the bowl, check out this post. There is a wide variety of things you can add, from fresh food to supplements, to boost the nutritive value and digestibility of cat and dog kibble!
No matter what you feed, we’re here to support you! These raw feeding resources should cover everything you need to either get started if you’re new or add a little fun to the bowl if you’ve been feeding raw forever. Enjoy!
