Why Raw Feeding Is the Better Choice
When choosing what to feed your dog, understanding what’s in their food is crucial. Many commercial kibble brands rely on fillers—low-cost, non-nutritive ingredients added to bulk up the product. These fillers often comprise a significant portion of the kibble and can have long-term consequences for your dog’s health. By contrast, raw feeding provides a more natural, nutrient-dense diet that aligns with your dog’s biological needs.
What Are Fillers in Dog Food?
Fillers are ingredients used primarily to increase the volume of dog food without adding substantial nutritional value. Common fillers include:- Corn
- Wheat
- Soy
- By-product meals
- Beet pulp
These ingredients are cheap and help manufacturers keep production costs down. While some fillers may offer minimal nutritional value, they are often used in quantities far exceeding what a dog actually needs.
Why Are Fillers Problematic?
Low Nutritional Value: Fillers don’t contribute to the high-quality nutrients dogs need to thrive. Instead, they provide empty calories, leading to potential weight gain and poor energy levels. For example, corn and wheat are primarily sources of carbohydrates, which are not essential since dogs lack sufficient pancreatic enzymes to effectively break them down.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Many dogs develop allergies or sensitivities to common fillers like wheat, soy, and corn. These ingredients can cause itching, ear infections, digestive upset, and other chronic conditions that are often misattributed to other factors.
Digestive Strain: Fillers are harder for dogs to digest, leading to larger, more frequent stools. This indicates that much of the food is passing through their system unused, which is a sign of poor bioavailability.
Risk of Chronic Health Issues: The long-term consumption of filler-heavy diets has been linked to chronic health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases. Fillers often contribute to an imbalanced diet, which can exacerbate these issues over time.
Raw feeding takes dogs back to their biological roots by providing a diet made of fresh, whole ingredients: muscle meat, organ meat, and raw bones. These components mirror what dogs’ ancestors would eat in the wild, delivering nutrients in their most natural and bioavailable forms.
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Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
Raw feeding eliminates the need for fillers by focusing on high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Every ingredient serves a purpose, nourishing your dog from the inside out. -
Improved Digestibility
Raw diets are much easier for dogs to digest compared to kibble. This means more nutrients are absorbed, and you’ll notice smaller, firmer stools—a clear sign that their body is utilizing the food effectively. -
Fewer Allergies and Sensitivities
By removing common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy, raw feeding can significantly reduce allergic reactions. Many pet owners notice improvements in skin, coat, and overall health after transitioning to a raw diet. -
Enhanced Overall Health
Without fillers, dogs benefit from improved energy levels, healthier coats, better digestion, and a stronger immune system. Raw feeding supports long-term health, reducing the likelihood of chronic illnesses linked to poor diet quality.
Why Transition with RawFedK9?
Transitioning to a raw diet doesn’t have to be daunting. At RawFedK9, we simplify the process with premium-quality raw food, expert guidance, and resources designed to make the switch seamless. Whether you’re moving from kibble or another raw brand, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Before You Start: Set Yourself Up for Success
Know Your Dog’s Needs: Use our Raw Feeding Calculator to determine the precise daily amount of food your dog requires based on weight, age, and activity level.
Order a Transition Pack: Start with a gentle protein like chicken in both Pure Meat and Complete Mix options. This easy-to-digest choice helps ease your dog into raw feeding. Choose a pack size that covers your pup’s first 16 days.
Your Transition Timeline- Completely stop feeding kibble. 🛑
- Feed only Pure Meat patties to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust.
Days 6–9: Add Nutritional Variety
- If stools are firm and digestion is stable, introduce variety:
- Feed 50% Pure Meat patties and 50% Complete Mix patties per meal.
Days 10–15: Fully Transition
- Gradually shift to feeding only Complete Mix patties for all meals.
Day 16: Expand the Menu! 🎉
- Introduce new proteins and rotate at least 3–4 options monthly for balanced nutrition.
Day 2: Transition to a 50/50 mix of your current raw diet and RawFedK9.
Day 3: Increase RawFedK9 to 75% and reduce your current raw diet to 25%.
Day 4: Feed 100% RawFedK9! 🎉 Explore new proteins and flavors to keep your dog’s diet exciting and well-balanced.
Temporary Loose Stools? Totally Normal!
Soft stools are common as your dog adjusts to a raw diet. Expect improvement within a week as their system adapts to the nutrient-dense meals.
Every Dog is Unique
Some dogs transition quickly, while others take longer. If you have concerns, check our FAQ or reach out to our team for personalized advice.
Variety Matters
Aim to feed 3–4 different proteins monthly to ensure your dog receives a broad spectrum of amino acids and essential nutrients.
Say Goodbye to Fillers
By choosing raw feeding, you’re giving your dog the gift of health and vitality. Every bite is packed with essential nutrients, free of fillers, and designed to nourish them as nature intended. It’s time to ditch the fillers and embrace a diet that truly supports your dog’s well-being!