Fresh and Flesh
One of the most controversial topics about canine nutrition is fresh meat-based diets. This is majorly due to lack of correct and unbiased information and guidelines regarding fresh feeding. A fresh meat based diet is what dogs, by virtue of being Carnivores are meant to eat and is the closest to their ancestral diet.
We have listed out a few common myths that we have encountered and we think it’s extremely important to throw light on some of them below.
Dogs find it difficult to digest meats
Dogs, being carnivores thrive on a meat-based diet. The digestive tract of dogs is short which enables them to easily digest meat. When added in the required quantities meat is one of the most bioavailable and complete sources of Protein for dogs and is a source of PUFA, Vitamins & Minerals. Meat based diets are the closest to their ancestral diets. Providing multiple meats on rotation help provide a wide range of nutrients while also ensuring the dog does not develop an intolerance towards a certain protein.
Bones are unsafe for dogs
The safety of bones depends mainly on the processing involved, whether or not it is appropriate for the particular size of dog and most importantly depends on how dense a bone is.
• Processing
Raw bones, when given after proper cleaning & handling are safe for dogs and can be digested well. However, cooked bones must be avoided as they can splinter and cause damage to the esophageal and/or gut lining and are not well digested by dogs. Raw bones are not only a source of Calcium & Phosphorous but chewing bones also provides mental enrichment and helps dogs decompress. Chewing on bones help reduce plaque and tartar build up on the teeth while also preventing various periodontal diseases & maintaining a good oral hygiene.
• Size & density
It is very important to feed bones that are appropriate to each dog’s size and chewing preference in order to avoid any hazards. Dogs must be trained to chew the bone instead of gulping it and bones should always given under supervision.
Dogs should not be fed organ meat
Organs are a great source of various vitamins and minerals in the diet like Vitamin A, B, D and E, as well as Minerals like copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium and zinc to name a few. According to glandular therapy, feeding organs also help enhance the function of the particular organ in the dog’s body especially in cases of health issues eg : Feeding kidneys to dogs suffering from renal diseases, feeding Pancreas to dogs with EPI, adding Liver to dogs suffering from Tick Fever, Hepatic Dysfunction, etc. Hence feeding a variety of organs from various meats over time help derive nutrients rich in each. Organs are very nutrient dense which is why they are meant to be fed in moderation. Feeding large quantities of a single organ or feeding a diet with major portions of organs may lead to digestive upsets.
Fresh feeding is an expensive & exhausting process
Fresh Feeding does take more efforts than adding processed meals directly from the bag with no prepping/cooking/storing. But when you start feeding fresh to your dogs you are in 100% control of each and every ingredient going inside their bowl and thus in their body. Fresh feeding is a preservative free process and a diet closest to their natural habitat. Moreover, the efforts while making a switch can be made simpler by bulk meal prepping & proper planning. A fresh food diet is an investment in your dog’s health and wellbeing more than an expense. Feeding a fresh food diet approximately costs as much as feeding high quality kibble but without any major processing involved.
Feeding meats makes dogs aggressive
Feeding a balanced meat based diet does not make a dog aggressive. This myth is mostly based on fear. Just like with any food that a dog really enjoys, he/she may be defensive around it. They would want to guard their food/bone and would not want to share or have their space invaded while
they’re eating. Teaching a dog polite behavior around food is essential regardless of the type of diet he/she is on.
Feeding a variety in the diet will make a dog picky.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Just like humans, dogs also thrive on variety. Having the same meals every day starts to reduce the food drive and the appetite in a lot of dogs over time as noticed in a lot of cases especially with growing age. Providing a diet with variety of ingredients and rotating it frequently makes them look forward to their meals and enjoy their food. The variety can be in any form, example rotation of the meats, rotation of the organ meats, rotation of the vegetables used or even frequent change in the texture of food.
We hope we could simplify & debunk some common myths around fresh meat-based diets. Any diet, when not followed correctly can cause issues. Hence it is always best to research about everything going into your dog’s body and to consult a professional who could help plan a diet according your dog’s requirements and your convenience.
