Health foods and “clean eating” are all the rage, so it’s no surprise that people have begun to wonder about what they’re feeding their pets. In a time when information is more readily available than ever, companies feel the pressure to be more transparent with ingredients as consumers ask more questions.
That’s why more and more people are switching their dogs to a whole, all-natural way of eating. Major pet food companies are being exposed for their half-truths and low-quality products, and advocates are sharing this information with concerned consumers. In addition, mass amounts of recalls from “trusted” brands are leading pet lovers to lose their faith in big companies.
Our pets are our family, and we want to feed them as such. The only reason loving pup parents may give their pals sub-par food is because they’ve been duped by the industry.
Ready for a change? Here are 7 major reasons why so many people are switching their dogs to a raw diet.
1. FIVE big pet companies call (almost) all the shots.
There may be thousands of varieties and brands of pet products out there, but did you know that most of this $60 billion industry has been monopolized by only 5 companies?
Certain ingredients from the same manufacturer are often used in multiple products and packaged under different names. This is why recalls can effect many different items and brands at once. If you buy Fido’s food from a store, you should look for products from small companies with natural ingredients, often only found in specialty shops.
2. Pet product recalls are scary – and common.
If you’ve been baffled by the huge amount of recalls over the past few years, you’re not alone. While no product on the market is immune from possible contamination, mass-produced and loosely-regulated pet foods tend to be more susceptible, especially when parts are manufactured in foreign countries.
3. The promises advertised on packages are deceiving.
Everyone knows that the bulk of their dog’s diet should contain protein, right? But did you know that the protein promised in your pup’s kibble doesn’t have to be from meat? That’s right – the amino acid that your dog depends on could have been sourced from wheat gluten that’s been fortified with protein.
What’s more, buzzwords like “formula” or “dinner” only have to contain a small percentage of meat. And if the food is “flavored”? It doesn’t have to contain any meat at all.
Foods that boast about using whole wheat or corn leave out one important detail: these are completely unnecessary for your dog’s diet, and only serve as a cheap way to bulk up food.
4. Pet parents only trust themselves to do what’s best for their pups.
The information above is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to pet industry fallacies, and many dog owners have decided that they’d rather prepare the meals themselves. That way, they know exactly what their dog is eating and where each ingredient came from.
5. Raw diets are “species appropriate” for dogs.
Believe it or not, dogs share 99.9% of their DNA with wolves. That tiny .1% difference defines each pup’s different features. It’s similar to how hair and eye color varies on humans – we all look different, but our bodies have the same basic nutritional needs. This means that dogs will be at their healthiest when they eat like their wild cousins, and a raw diet nourishes them the best.
6. It’s actually quite affordable.
Another misconception about raw diets is that it can be expensive, but in reality, it shouldn’t be any pricier than purchasing “high end” packaged food from a specialty store (and may even cost less). Your pup will love savoring juicy, low-cost chicken thighs and ground turkey, and eggs are another cheap and healthy food that you can buy in bulk. Plus, you can add any dog-safe produce to his food dish, which is helpful when you buy more fresh veggies than you can eat!
7. Dog owners say that their pups have never been happier or healthier.
Some people may have mixed feelings about raw diets, but almost anyone who’s switched their pup to healthy, homemade food will tell you that their dogs have more energy, better coats, and they’re just happier.
Raw diet advocates say that feeding your dog whole, unprocessed, uncooked foods is the best way for them to get the nutrition they need. But if you’re not ready to take the plunge yet, that’s okay! You can still make healthy meals at home that are cooked, natural, and still provide your pup with more benefits than your average store-bought kibble. Click here for an easy, vet-approved crockpot recipe.
If you’re not ready to prepare and make all your pooch’s food at home just yet, there are numerous at-home, delivery services, but choosing the right one for your dog can be tricky. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of the Best Raw Dog Food companies for you.
For more information on making the switch, check out 5 Things You Need To Know About Raw Diets and the documentary Pet Fooled, which is available on Netflix or for rent on YouTube.
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