Feeding Raw Can Help Reduce Nutritional Imbalances
A balanced diet is the cornerstone of your dog’s health. Poor coat condition, weakness, fatigue, and digestive issues often indicate nutritional deficiencies, while excess nutrients can manifest as obesity, joint problems, or behavioral changes like hyperactivity or aggression. Feeding a raw diet can help mitigate these issues when done correctly, providing your dog with the nutrients they need for optimal health.
Understanding Nutritional Deficiencies
Poor Coat Condition: A dull, dry coat or flaky skin may signal a deficiency in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. These nutrients are vital for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. Including omega-rich options such as salmon in your dog’s raw diet can make a significant difference. For example, our Salmon PMR Patties are an excellent way to boost omega fatty acid intake naturally.
Weakness and Fatigue: Lethargy or unusual tiredness could point to a lack of protein, iron, or B vitamins in your dog’s diet. Protein is a primary energy source, while iron supports oxygen transport in the blood, and B vitamins play a key role in energy metabolism. To address these needs, consider high-protein options like beef, bison, or green tripe, which are nutrient-dense and energy-boosting.
Digestive Issues: Frequent diarrhea or constipation often indicates dietary imbalances. For instance, excessive fat or insufficient calcium can disrupt digestion. Our Complete Mix PMR Patties (80% muscle meat, 10% organ, and 10% bone) provide a well-rounded foundation for stiffening stools, while our Pure Meat Patties (100% muscle meat) can help loosen stools when there is too much bone content.
Recognizing Nutritional Excesses
Obesity: Excess calorie intake, often from fatty meats or overfeeding, can lead to weight gain. Obesity not only limits your dog’s mobility but also increases the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Regularly monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portion sizes to maintain an ideal body condition.
Joint Problems: An imbalance of calcium and phosphorus, especially too much calcium, can contribute to skeletal and joint issues, particularly in growing puppies. To avoid these problems, ensure that bone content in your dog’s diet is carefully proportioned and balanced with muscle meat and organ content.
Behavioral Changes: Hyperactivity or aggression may be linked to excessive protein levels. Dogs require protein to thrive, but too much can lead to behavioral shifts. Balancing high-protein options with lower-protein alternatives can help manage these issues effectively.
How to Maintain Balance in a Raw Diet
Achieving the right balance in a raw diet requires careful attention to variety and nutrient ratios. Here are some tips to ensure your dog’s raw diet is as beneficial as possible:
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Rotate Proteins: Offering a variety of proteins—such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish or the many others we offer—ensures a broader spectrum of nutrients. Each protein source has unique benefits and rotating them can prevent deficiencies.
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Monitor Portion Sizes: Overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to imbalances. Use your dog’s weight and activity level as guides to determine the right portion size. Use our calculator on our Raw Feeding Guide to figure out how much to be feeding per day.
The Benefits of Feeding Raw
When done correctly, raw feeding offers a host of benefits for your dog, including shinier coats, improved digestion, increased energy levels, and better overall health. By addressing both deficiencies and excesses, a raw diet helps your dog thrive and reduces the risk of chronic health issues associated with poor nutrition.
Balancing your dog’s diet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and resources, feeding raw can become a rewarding way to support your dog’s long-term health and happiness
