Making the choice to switch your pet from commercial kibble to a raw food diet can be a big change. There are new things you have to consider, such as how much to feed your pet, what is the appropriate meat-bone-organ ratio, and most importantly, is raw feeding a safe choice for my pet.
Feeding your pet a raw food diet is a safe alternative, as long as you keep a few guidelines in mind. First, unlike, kibble, you can’t just scoop out a few cups of raw food and leave it sitting out for your pet to eat. Remember, raw food does have an expiration date, and you never want to leave it sitting in your pet’s bowl for too long. If your pet tends to take their time eating, you can serve them smaller portions in the morning or evening.
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You also want to avoid serving your pet food that is too old, or hasn’t been properly refrigerated. Food that is left out for too long, has reached its expiration date, or hasn’t been properly refrigerated can contain an increased level of bacteria, which is harmful to your pet if digested.
In fact, bacteria are a big concern for many people who are considering switching to a raw food diet. You might be wondering if the common bacteria found in raw food is harmful to you or your pet. As we mentioned above, increased bacteria growth can be a concern, but only if you don’t handle and care for the raw food properly. Remember to always cut up the food on a clean surface, and to wash that surface, along with the utensils used, and your hands after you’re done preparing your pet’s food.
Many people think they are not exposed to bacteria if they feed their pet a commercial kibble diet, but the truth is both commercial kibble and raw foods contain bacteria, which means you should wash your hands after serving your pet their food, as well as after picking up your pet’s fecal waste.
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As far as the effects bacteria can have on your pet, unless their immune system is already compromised, there is no need to worry about a raw diet. Your pet’s saliva contains antibacterial properties, which work to destroy bacteria. Additionally, because their digestive tracts are shorter, food doesn’t linger in their systems for too long, making it harder for bacteria to colonize.
Finally, an important raw food guideline to consider is the ratio of meat, bone, and organ your pet is consuming. An ideal complete, balanced raw food diet should consist of 80% meat, 10% meaty bone, and 10% organ, 5% of which being liver. Failing to feed you pet the proper ratio of food could mean they aren’t receiving all of the nutrition they need. However, even if your ratio is ever slightly off, your pet will still be eating a safer, healthier diet than their previous commercial kibble.
Raw feeding can be a safe alternative to commercial kibble. By following the guidelines listed above you can provide your pet with a, healthy, nutritionally balanced diet throughout their furry lives.
