Raw Dog Food - A Balanced Perspective from Nurturing by Nature

Concerns:

Raw diets often carry microbiological risks, including contamination with pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Yersinia. These pathogens pose health risks to both pets and humans, particularly through zoonotic infections (Davies, Lawes, & Wales, 2019), (Fredriksson-Ahomaa 2017). Commercial raw diets frequently do not meet hygiene standards and can contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which further raises public health concerns (Nüesch-Inderbinen 2019).

Counterarguments:

1. Natural Exposure and Immune System Strengthening: Dogs, by nature, are scavengers and have evolved to handle a variety of bacteria. Regular exposure to these pathogens in controlled amounts can help strengthen their immune system, much like how humans build immunity through exposure to various microbes.


2. Proper Handling and Preparation: Just as with human food, proper handling, storage, and preparation can significantly mitigate the risks of contamination. Pet owners who are diligent about cleanliness and hygiene can reduce the risk of pathogen transmission.


3. Commercial Improvements: The raw pet food industry is continuously evolving, with many companies now adhering to stringent quality control measures and pathogen testing to ensure the safety of their products. Look for brands that are transparent about their safety standards and testing protocols.

Parasitic Hazards

Concerns:

Feeding pets raw meat can introduce parasitic agents into the household environment, potentially affecting both pets and humans. This includes parasites like Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis species (Ahmed 2021), (van Bree 2018).

Counterarguments:

1. Sourcing Quality Meat: Using high-quality, human-grade meat from reputable sources reduces the risk of parasitic contamination. Many raw feeders opt for meats that are less likely to contain harmful parasites.


2. Freezing Techniques: Freezing raw meat at specific temperatures for recommended durations can kill most parasites. This method is a widely used practice among raw feeders to ensure the safety of the meat.


3. Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: Regular vet visits and parasite control programs can help detect and treat any potential issues early, ensuring the health and safety of both pets and their human families.

Concerns:

Raw dog Food diets often lack nutritional balance, leading to deficiencies or excesses in essential nutrients. These diets can be particularly problematic if not properly formulated (Vecchiato 2022), (Brozić 2020). These are some of the claims you may commonly hear.

Counterarguments:

1. Customised Diet Plans: Working with a knowledgeable raw feeding expert can ensure that a raw diet is well-balanced and tailored to the specific needs of the pet. Many resources and professionals can help pet owners formulate balanced meals. Here at Nurturing by Nature we understand the raw dog food diet better than most. 


2. Diverse Ingredients: A varied raw diet that includes different types of meat, organs, bones, and supplements can provide a wide range of nutrients, mimicking the natural diet of wild canines.


3. Monitoring and Adjustments: Regular monitoring of a pet's health and periodic blood tests can help identify any nutritional deficiencies or excesses early, allowing for timely dietary adjustments.

Human Health Risks

Concerns:

The handling and preparation of raw pet food can pose risks to humans, particularly in households with vulnerable individuals such as children or immunocompromised persons. Studies have shown instances of pathogen transmission from raw pet food to humans (Anturaniemi 2019), (Domesle 2020).

Counterarguments:

1. Education and Training: Educating pet owners on proper food handling techniques, such as washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, and using dedicated utensils for pet food, can greatly reduce the risk of cross-contamination.


2. Segregated Feeding Areas: Designating specific areas for feeding pets and preparing their food can help contain any potential pathogens and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the home.


3. Safe Practices: Implementing safe food practices such as thawing meat in the refrigerator, promptly refrigerating leftovers, and regularly cleaning feeding bowls can minimise health risks to humans.

Find out more about how we process our Raw Dog Food in this article - Behind the scenes

Veterinary Perspectives and Owner Preferences

Concerns:

Many veterinarians express concerns about the safety of RMBDs due to the risk of infection and nutritional imbalance. Nonetheless, some pet owners continue to favour these diets based on perceived benefits and mistrust of commercial pet foods (Davies, 2020), (Stogdale, 2019).

Counterarguments:

1. Improved Health and Vitality: Many pet owners observe significant improvements in their pets' health, coat condition, energy levels, and overall well-being when switching to a raw diet. These observable benefits contribute to the growing popularity of raw feeding.


2. Transparency and Trust: Raw diets often provide a level of transparency that commercial pet foods do not. Pet owners can see exactly what their pets are eating, which builds trust and confidence in the diet.


3. Building Knowledge: Pet owners who choose raw diets often become highly knowledgeable about pet nutrition, leading to more informed and deliberate feeding practices. This knowledge helps mitigate many of the risks associated with raw feeding.

Raw Feeding for Pets: A Balanced Perspective

In recent years, the raw pet food industry has experienced significant growth, driven by a rising interest among pet owners in providing a diet that aligns more closely with what nature intended for their pets. Despite this trend, the body of scientific research on raw feeding remains limited, often overshadowed by concerns over potential health risks. We belive it is crucial to delve into both sides of the story, particularly focusing on how Nurturing by Nature exemplifies the positive aspects of raw feeding through their commitment to nature-inspired and biologically appropriate nutrition for pets.

The Current Research Landscape

The current research on raw pet food often highlights potential health risks, such as microbiological contamination, parasitic infections, and nutritional imbalances. These concerns are valid and should not be dismissed lightly. However, it is important to recognise that much of this research is limited in scope and often fails to account for the stringent safety measures and sourcing practices employed by reputable raw pet food companies like Nurturing by Nature.

Learning from Nature and Biology

Nurturing by Nature stands out in the industry by focusing on the natural dietary needs of pets, drawing lessons from the wild and the biological makeup of dogs and cats. The company emphasises the importance of mimicking the natural prey diet that pets' ancestors thrived on, which is rich in raw meat, bones, and organs. This approach not only honours the biological design of our pets but also seeks to provide the full spectrum of nutrients they require for optimal health.

Addressing the Risks

While the potential risks associated with raw feeding are often highlighted, it is crucial to put these risks into perspective. Proper handling, sourcing, and formulation practices can significantly mitigate the dangers. Companies like Nurturing by Nature adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the safety and nutritional adequacy of their products. This includes regular testing for contaminants, maintaining high standards of hygiene, and carefully balancing the diet to meet pets' nutritional needs.

The Benefits of Raw Feeding

When executed correctly, the benefits of raw feeding can be substantial. Many pet owners report improvements in their pets' health, including shinier coats, healthier skin, increased energy levels, and better dental health. Additionally, the satisfaction of providing a diet that is closer to what nature intended can enhance the bond between pet and owner.

While the current body of research on raw pet food often underscores potential health risks, it is essential to consider these within the broader context of safe handling and responsible sourcing practices. Companies like Nurturing by Nature, with their long-established history and commitment to natural principles, demonstrate that the benefits of raw feeding can far outweigh the risks when done correctly. By staying informed and adopting best practices, pet owners can successfully navigate the raw feeding landscape, ensuring their pets reap the many rewards of a biologically appropriate diet.

Read more informatino about a raw dog food diet and Nurturing by Nature here, in our other articles and advise.