Do dogs who eat raw meat live longer
Can dogs eat raw meat?
If you have consulted your veterinarian, understand the risks, and still want to give your dog raw meat, take a few extra precautions to minimize their chances of becoming sick or malnourished. Ensure that you:
Only feed your dog quality meat Only buy meats for your dog that look and smell fresh. If a piece of raw meat has been left unrefrigerated for a while or is old, avoid feeding it to your dog.
Avoid feeding meat with bones This will minimize the possibility of an obstructionTrusted SourceVCA HospitalsCommunity of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information.Go to source.
Freeze raw meat Keep raw meat in the freezer until its ready for use, and thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave (not in the sink or on the counter).
Practice good hygiene Wash your hands frequently when handling raw meat to avoid spreading harmful bacteria, and dont let your dog lick your face. Once they eat, clean any surfaces and food bowls with dish soap and hot water.
Stay on top of your dogs nutrition If youre going to feed your dog raw meat, ensure their complete nutritional needs are being met. You can do this using raw fruits and veggies, though experts tend to recommend commercially prepared products like supplements to limit the guesswork.
Add organ meats to your rotation Organ meats have essential nutrients like vitamins A and B, selenium, and coenzyme Q10.
How much raw food to feed your dog
Make sure your dog is getting a complete nutritional profile when feeding a raw food diet to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Avoid certain raw foods like grapes, raisins, avocados, and other harmful foods. Youll also want to feed your dog based on their age, weight, health, and activity level.
Aim for around 2-3% of their body weight each day. Some younger dogs who get more exercise or need to gain weight may need more than 3% of their weight. Other dogs that are less active, more senior, or overweight may need around 1.5% of their weight.
Make sure to consult your vet and ask them about feeding your dog other things like fruits and veggies for a complete nutritional diet.
Study Shows Raw Feeding Extends Dog Longevity: Lets Talk About It
Today, we are thrilled to have a guest blogger, James Woller, owner ofRelease the HoundsandJet Pet Resort, write an article for us that further supports the reason why not to feed kibble but to go raw instead.
As per our company's mission statement, we are dedicated in educating pet parents the benefits of raw feeding, which ultimately contributes to your pets' well-being and longevity, so without further ado...
****************************************************************************************
Study Shows Raw Feeding Extends Dog Longevity: Lets Talk About It
There is no doubt that humans' eating behaviors have dramatically changed in the past century. The past 100 years have seen humans largely move away from farming and rural environments towards suburban areas, consuming enormous amounts of convenience foods: some of which would be unrecognizable to our ancestors just two or three generations back.
This same time period has seen a dramatic increase in the domestication of dogs, and the change in our eating habits has unavoidably caused a change in the way we feed our pets. But as we are now learning, dogs are no better equipped to handle cooked, processed foods than humans are. This new unnatural diet is causing dramatic negative repercussions for dogs' health, wellness, and even their lifespan.
Not only does a diet of processed food see dogs presenting with human-style health ailments like diabetes, cancer, and obesity, causing worried pet owners to search for tips to help your dog lose weight, studies have shown that switching to a raw food diet can measurably increase a dog's lifespan.
What Are Dogs Built To Eat?
Dogs existed and thrived in the wild for hundreds of years before becoming domesticated by humans. Descended from the wolf, dogs are clearly carnivores, with their internal physiology, gut layout, and teeth structure providing unavoidable and unambiguous evidence of this fact.
Historically surviving primarily off live prey, wild dogs could survive many days between feeds, with their internal physiology facilitating the consumption of a large amount of protein in a very short period of time. A dog's digestive system is simply not created to facilitate the slow digestion required when consuming carbohydrates, including grains and plant food: nor do dogs have the molar teeth required to adequately grind plants and complex carbohydrates.
Surviving, Not Thriving
That being the case, it seems baffling that the majority of commercial dry kibble is primarily made up of plant-based carbohydrates, with a very small quantity of low-quality protein. Historically, commercial dry kibble was largely carbohydrate-based during times of meat shortages, however, there is no need for this trend to have continued to the present day.
It's true that dogs are, for the most part, able to survive on a diet of commercially produced kibble. Or are they? Scientific studies are now starting to reveal what many have suspected for some time: that commercial kibble is causing a host of diseases and illnesses for dogs, while measurably decreasing their lifespan.
While a dog can technically survive on a diet of dry kibble, it can hardly be said that they are thriving.
When Raw Is On The Menu
A scientific and statistical study by Belgian researchers Bruno Sapy and Dr. Gerard Lippert looked at more than 500 dogs over a five-year period and conclusively proved that diet is one of the greatest factors that can affect a dog's lifespan. Further, while a dog's size and breed will inevitably affect their lifespan, these are obviously factors that are outside the control of a dog's owner. Family configuration and housing were also considered in the researchers' report, "Relation between the domestic dog's well-being and life expectancy," but were found to have no impact on a dog's life expectancy. That left sterilization and food as the only factors under the control of humans that have a measurable impact on a dog's life span.
Sterilization was shown to add as much as 15 months to a dog's natural life expectancy by reducing the chances of the dog suffering from cancer or other illness of the reproductive system.
It was a raw food diet, however, that had the greatest impact on life expectancy, adding as much as 32 months almost 3 years to a dog's life. Indeed, the statistical study showed that dogs fed with industrially processed food live an average of 10.4 years, while dogs fed with home-made food can reach an average age of 13.1 years.
Increased lifespan is just one advantage of feeding your dog a raw food diet. Let's look into the background and benefits of raw food for dogs:
- Natural weight control
- Fewer dental problems following cleaner teeth and fresh breath
- Improved mobility in later life
- Reduced chance of developing allergies
- Improved stamina and energy
- Potential savings, especially when you consider visits to the vet and the cost of the food itself. For more information, see raw vs dry commercialized kibble: cost per daily feed.
It can seem a cruel twist that dogs with whom we share our homes, our families, and our lives have a maximum lifespan that pales in comparison to our own. As a dog owner that loves your pet and wants the best for them, it makes sense that you would do everything you can to not only prolong your dog's life, but ensure they enjoy health and happiness during their limited years.
As we now understand, the type and quality of a dog's diet are directly related to their lifespan. Learning that feeding a raw food diet can increase your dog's lifespan by as much as three years potentially a quarter of your dog's natural lifespan should be incentive enough to consider making the switch to raw.
About The Author:
James Woller is a long-time dog enthusiast, and owner of Release the Hounds and Jet Pet Resort, professional dog walking and boarding companies in Vancouver, Canada. On his days off from running his companies, he enjoys learning and writing about topics that are of interest to caring pet owners.
Do Dogs On Raw Diet Live Longer
Not only will a raw food diet increase your dogs lifespan by up to three years, but your dog will also enjoy increased healthfulness and energy during their longer life. Change is never easy, but switching from commercial dog food to raw doesnt have to be hard, expensive, or time-consuming.
Do vets recommend raw diet for dogs?
CDC recommends against feeding raw food to dogs and cats because of the risk of illness to the pet as well as to people living in the household. Do not feed your pet a raw diet. Here is why: Raw diets consist of foods such as meat, poultry, milk, and eggs that have not been cooked or treated to remove harmful germs.
Why raw feeding is bad for dogs?
A raw food diet for dogs consists of uncooked meats, raw eggs, and whole or ground bones. But raw food could be contaminated and lead to bacterial infections that compromise your dogs and your ownhealth. Feeding your dog raw food could also lead to your pup having nutritional deficiencies.
Why are vets against raw diet?
Even with the greatest care, the risk of cross-contamination is much higher so you could accidentally spread around bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and even Tuberculosis (TB) via the food or via your pet. Bones are also another hazard with raw feeding, especially with Raw Meaty Bones-type foods.
Is a raw diet healthier for dogs?
A raw diet usually includes organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and a dairy product such as yogurt. Advocates of raw food diets site these benefits: shinier coats, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, and smaller stools.
How long do dogs live on raw food?
The comprehensive research found that dogs on a commercially-prepared processed food diet have an average lifespan of 10.4 years, while dogs given a diet of home-made raw food can reach an average lifespan of 13.1 years.
Is it OK to mix raw and dry dog food?
It is perfectly okay and safe to feed your dog dry food and raw food at the same time, unless your dog has a delicate or unhealthy digestive system.
Can dogs eat raw meat everyday?
Yes, dogs can eat raw meat. RuthAnn Lobos, a Purina veterinarian, says feeding a diet consisting primarily of raw meat may not provide the complete and balanced nutrition your dog needs.
Can raw diet hurt dogs?
As Dr. Reimschuessel explained, the study identified a potential health risk for the pets eating the raw food, and for the owners handling the product. Owners who feed their pet a raw diet may have a higher risk of getting infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
What is the healthiest diet for a dog?
It is entirely acceptable to feed your dog a pure kibble diet. Or you can mix their diet up with some cooked or raw meat, fish, vegetables and rice. Many owners like to feed a raw meat diet to their dogs, and while this can suit some dogs very well, there are some important considerations you need to be aware of.
Can a dog get worms from eating raw meat?
Avoiding raw feeding deliberate feeding of raw meat and offal is a significant route of protozoal transmission to cats and dogs, as well as tapeworm transmission to dogs. Avoiding raw feeding altogether would eliminate parasites being transmitted via this route.
Can you warm up raw dog food?
However, raw dog food isnt intended to be heated, nor to undergo the changes that cooking causes, and cooking raw dog food can cause a range of problems for your dog.
Can I feed my dog raw in the morning and kibble at night?
Kibble in the Morning, Raw at Night On their dinner meal, load them up on raw food. There should be a time gap of at least 10-12 hours. Between the morning meal and the evening meal, your dogs body will have plenty of time to fully digest the food. The starch will no longer have an effect on the pH level.
Do dogs prefer raw or cooked meat?
For those dogs, lightly cooking the food is the best approach. Surveys from Darwins customers indicate that about a third cook their meals for their pets, and two-thirds feed raw. Both groups see dramatic improvements versus commercial kibble, and neither group reports any health problems resulting from their choice.
How often should dogs eat raw meat?
How often should dogs eat raw meat? If youre wondering how often you should feed your dog raw meat, we recommend feeding pups 2 4 times per day and older dogs 1 2 times per day, as part of a fully balanced meal. Feeding your canine twice a day may assist with begging tendencies.
Do vets support raw feeding?
In spite of resistance from most veterinarians and from public health authorities, the popularity of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats continues to grow. Though they are a minority, some veterinarians promote raw feeding and attack the safety and nutritional value of cooked commercial diets.
What food helps dogs live longer?
Meat, the most important and natural source of protein for canines, should be in two of the top three ingredients in the food. Meal, the rendered product of lamb, beef or chicken meats, is next in the desirability scale, as long as it doesnt have nasty stuff such as horn, hide trimmings, manure and stomach contents.
Does kibble shorten dogs life?
Scientific studies are now starting to reveal what many have suspected for some time: that commercial kibble is causing a host of diseases and illnesses for dogs, while measurably decreasing their lifespan. While a dog can technically survive on a diet of dry kibble, it can hardly be said that they are thriving.
How can I prolong my dogs life?
7 Things You Can Do to Help Your Dog Live Longer Feed Your Dog a Healthy and Balanced Diet. Dental Care. Keep Your Dog Active, But Dont Overdo It. Provide Mental Enrichment and Stimulation. Regular Veterinary Visits. Supplements. Pay Extra Attention.
