Benefits of Raw Food Diets for Dogs and Cats and How to Switch!
Raw food diets have many advantages for dogs and cats, but it’s not always an easy diet for pet parents. Let’s explore the benefits of raw food, how to switch your dog or cat, and the easiest and most nutritious way to incorporate raw food into their diet!
Are you considering a raw diet for your dog or cat but don’t have enough knowledge to make the switch? Raw diets have many benefits for companion animals, but if you don’t know where to start, then they can be expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are prepared diets that give your dog or cat complete and balanced raw nutrition without you having to take on the role of personal chef! Here are the seven main benefits of raw food diets for dogs and cats, instructions on making the switch, and tips about making it easy for yourself.
7 Key Benefits of Raw Food
Raw diets include fresh meats, bones, and organs that are high in protein, healthy fats and oils, vitamins, and minerals. The nutrients in raw food may be more digestible for dogs and cats, and the food is free of grains, fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that may cause issues with digestion, allergies, or food sensitivities. The benefits of raw food diets for dogs and cats can include:
- Improved digestion
- Healthy skin and coat
- Better dental health
- Increased energy and vitality
- Weight management
- Fewer allergic reactions
- Healthy joints
How to Introduce Your Dog or Cat to Raw Food
It’s important to introduce new foods gradually into your dog’s or cat’s diet, and that includes raw food. Here’s a timeline you can follow:
- Days 1 and 2: Feed your dog or cat 75% of their regular diet and 25% raw
- Days 3 and 4: Switch to 50% regular diet and 50% raw
- Days 5 and 6: Go 25% regular diet and 75% raw
- Days 7 and 8: Transition to 100% raw
Another alternative is to stick with your dog’s or cat’s regular diet and incorporate raw treats, bones, and toppers into their daily routine to give them the additional benefits of raw without switching completely.
Make Raw Food Diets Easy with Northwest Naturals
The most convenient way to switch to a raw diet is to use frozen and freeze-dried food and treats that eliminate concerns about food-borne illnesses and ensure the food is nutritionally complete and balanced.
Northwest Naturals has a variety of frozen and freeze-dried products for companion animals, including:
- Delicious raw meaty bones for dogs naturally clean teeth and are an excellent source of protein, fat, and minerals
- Frozen and freeze-dried Raw Rewards treats for dogs and cats are nutrient-dense and delicious!
- Frozen and Freeze-Dried Nuggets are complete and balanced meals or nutritious and delicious toppers for dogs
Available in a variety of recipes and made with biologically appropriate ingredients, Northwest Naturals’ products offer the benefits of raw and the quality of a natural diet with the convenience of prepared diets, ensuring your dog or cat gets all the nutrients they need to live a happy, healthy life.
Visit Northwest Naturals to learn more about raw food diets for dogs and cats.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Animal Wellness
Animal Wellness is North America\’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
