Is there a best way to feed your dog?

Should I Consider a Raw Food Diet or Stick to Commercial Kibbles and Canned Food?

Deciding what to feed your dog can feel like a monumental decision, especially with so many opinions and options out there. Should you consider a raw food diet, or stick to the traditional commercial kibbles and canned food? Let’s dive into the evidence-based pros and cons of both to help you make an informed decision.

The Raw Food Diet: Back to Basics?

Pros:

1. Nutritional Benefits: Proponents of raw food diets argue that it offers a more natural way of eating for dogs, mirroring what their ancestors would have eaten. Although not always guaranteed, raw feeders have attested to shinier coats, healthier skin, and cleaner teeth in their doggos. 
2. Customization: A raw diet allows for precise control over what your dog consumes, which can be beneficial for dogs with specific allergies or dietary restrictions.

Cons:

1. Nutritional Imbalance: Without careful planning, a raw diet can easily become nutritionally imbalanced. Dogs need specific nutrients in the right amounts, and it can be challenging to ensure this with a homemade raw diet.
2. Health Risks: Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can pose health risks to both dogs and humans handling the food. 
3. Cost and Convenience: Preparing a raw diet can be time-consuming and expensive, requiring careful sourcing and preparation of ingredients to ensure they are safe and nutritionally complete.

Commercial Kibbles and Canned Food: Tried and Tested

Pros:

1. Balanced Nutrition: Commercial dog foods are formulated to meet the nutritional standards set by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This ensures that your dog gets a balanced diet with all necessary nutrients.
2. Convenience: Kibbles and canned foods are easy to store, measure, and serve, making them a convenient option for busy pet owners.
3. Cost-Effective: Compared to a raw diet, commercial dog food is generally more affordable and accessible.

Cons:

1. Quality Variance: Not all commercial dog foods are created equal. Some may contain fillers, artificial additives, and lower-quality ingredients. It’s important to choose high-quality brands that prioritize whole ingredients and have good manufacturing practices.
2. Potential Allergens: Some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients commonly found in commercial foods, such as grains or certain proteins.

The Middle Ground: Combining Diets

Some pet owners opt for a combination approach, using high-quality kibble as a base and supplementing with raw or cooked meats and vegetables. This can offer a balance between convenience and the perceived benefits of a more natural diet.

Making the Decision

When deciding between a raw food diet and commercial kibbles/canned food, consider your dog’s specific needs, your lifestyle, and your ability to manage the diet safely and effectively. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of raw food vs. commercial dog food. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and what works best will depend on your individual dog and circumstances. I always say feed your dog with the best dog food you can afford, in both $$ and time! 

What Fergus Eats

We have opted for the middle ground diet with Fergus feeding him high quality kibble (Savour Life Ancient Grains Range) that has 70% Meat content mixed with lightly cooked (steamed) chicken/beef mince, organs and vegies.

We've found that this diet works the best with our busy schedule since we can batch cook the cooked component and freeze 30-40 portions at a time. This means we only need to cook every 2-3 weeks. This diet has also proven to be the best for Fergus as his poo is firm every time. Of course we top up with treats, Fergus' favourites are Roo Tendons, Chicken Feet, Moo Tripe and Roo Jerky.