Raw pet food has been around a few decades, and although a niche concept, it has definitely grown in the last few years, as pet owners continue to become increasingly conscious of the impact of nutrition on their pet’s well-being. In this article we look at some of the benefits of raw food and what to take into account, when considering this food option for your beloved pet.
Before deciding whether to go raw or not, it is important to know and understand what dogs and cats need from their diet.
We chatted to two experts on the topic, our veterinarian, Dr. Candice Cooper and Nutrition Hub’s animal nutritionist, Lourens De Wet and gathered some essential insights into optimal nutrition for pets.
Dr Cooper says that dogs and cats require animal protein for proper nutrition, and carbs are not a necessity, particularly for felines. Fruit, vegetables, and essential nutrients complete their dietary requirements.
One of the major benefits of raw food is that it is mainly made up of animal protein (if it’s a good quality one). Raw food also has a high water content, which is very beneficial for animals.
Animal nutritionist, Lourens De Wet, says that the high protein element of raw food can counteract the issues that crop up from a diet that’s too high in carbs: “In general we see a lot more overweight pets or pets with diabetes and that’s often because of a carbohydrate-rich diet or sugar-rich treats. Moving from a carbohydrate-focused diet to something that is more meaty will have benefits, in terms of the animal’s metabolic condition.”
But he and Dr Cooper point out that high-quality pellet diets will also contain healthy amounts of protein –raw food and pellets can both be good options for your pet as long as they tick all the ‘quality’ boxes. Both of these food options should be made up of mostly protein and have vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables.
A wet nose, waggy tail, breath that doesn’t smell too much, small stools, and a healthy coat– these are the signs of a well-nourished pet.
Should you decide on raw food, take note of the following:
- Ensure it is made from high-quality animal protein for a nutritionally complete diet.
- You should buy from a reputable supplier so that you can have peace of mind that there is a proper cold chain and quality control.
- The product needs to be registered with the Department of Agriculture and display a nutritional analysis, which will help you understand the nutritional value of the food. This part can be confusing for many pet parents, which is where professional advice comes in. Our Pet Care Advisors are all highly trained and can answer any questions around the topic.
- With a raw-food diet you need to be extra-vigilant about cleanliness.
- Many brands of raw foods will state that it is “complementary”, so you need to ensure that you are giving your pet a balanced diet, as raw food might not be sufficient.
- If you decide to make a change to raw food from pellets (or vice versa), then it is advised that the change in diet is not made abruptly. It is important to follow a transitioning process to minimize or eliminate any reactions in your pet’s digestive system.
Ultimately, Dr Cooper and De Wet agree: As long as the food you choose is high quality, provides a balanced diet and is from a reputable brand, then it doesn’t matter whether it is raw or in pellet form. If those elements are seen to, it then comes down to personal choice and what best suits your pet’s dietary or nutritional needs and both you and your pet’s lifestyle.
At Absolute Pets, we stock all types of pet food to ensure you have a great selection of premium products for your pet's diet.
You can shop our range of raw food in store or online: