What is real food?

In today's society, it is becoming more common for dog owners to consider alternative food options for their four-legged friends. One of the most discussed and controversial alternatives is providing your dog with a diet consisting of "real food," which means a diet based on natural ingredients like raw meat, bones, and vegetables. This article will explore the advantages of feeding your dog "real food" compared to relying on traditional, processed commercial food options such as dry kibble, canned food, and fresh diets.

Your Dog's Natural Diet

To understand why a "real food" diet is an appealing option, we need to start by examining the natural dietary habits of dogs. Dogs originated from wolves and have evolved over thousands of years to eat a diet based on raw meat, bones, and plant materials. They have a short digestive tract that is optimized for breaking down raw foods and absorbing the nutrients they need. This biological adaptation means that dogs have difficulty digesting and benefiting from the complex carbohydrates and processed ingredients found in many commercial dry foods.

"Real Food" Provides Natural Nutrients

A diet based on "real food" primarily consists of raw muscle meat, bones, organs, and vegetables, closely mimicking the diet that dogs and their ancestors have adapted to. This means that dogs get a natural source of protein, fats, and other nutrients that are easy for them to digest and utilize. A "real food" diet also allows for dietary variety, providing a broader spectrum of nutrients, much like a varied diet benefits humans. It's a significant myth, perpetuated by the industry, that dogs should eat balanced, i.e., the same thing every day. Imagine not having any variation for your taste buds. I will delve into this aspect of variation in the article.

The Industry's Interests and Relationship with Dry Food

It's important to be aware that the dry dog food industry is a multi-billion-dollar business. It markets itself as convenient and complete for dogs, but it's crucial to understand that these products are highly processed and contain preservatives, fillers, and additives. This is often necessary to give dry kibble a long shelf life and to make it cost-effective to produce and transport.

Additionally, many veterinarians have close ties to the dry food industry. Many major dry food companies sponsor research, events, and education for veterinarians. This can create a potential conflict of interest between the care of animals' health and financial incentives.

Dogs' Health and "Real Food"

Many dog owners who transition to a "real food" diet report benefits such as:

Better digestion: Dogs that eat "real food" often have fewer issues with digestive problems and diarrhea.
Healthier coat and skin: A natural diet rich in essential fatty acids can improve a dog's skin and coat condition.
Increased energy levels: A "real food" diet provides a more balanced and natural energy level.
Reduced risk of certain diseases: Some studies have linked a natural diet to a decreased risk of conditions like dental issues, obesity, allergies, and diabetes.

The choice between providing your dog with a "real food" diet or commercial dry food is an important decision that should be based on your dog's individual needs and your own belief in which diet is best. It's essential to understand the significance of nutrition for your dog's well-being and to know how to best feed your dog "real food" before making the switch.

A "real food" diet offers an opportunity to provide your dog with a more natural and biologically appropriate diet. It's important to be aware of the industry's connections to dry food and to be critical of marketing claims. Your dog's well-being should always be the primary focus when making decisions about its diet, and a balanced, natural diet with "real food" can be a valuable option to consider.

Ensuring that your beloved dog receives the right nutrition is crucial for their overall well-being. I am here to guide you through the different food groups that make up a balanced dog diet.

Meat

Proteins: Animal proteins are the cornerstone of a dog's diet. They provide essential amino acids necessary for muscle development, immune support, and overall health. You can include various types of meat such as beef, horse, pork, rabbit, chicken, turkey, and lamb. Additionally, raw fish (frozen for at least 3 days to kill potential parasites) is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.

Bones: Raw bones are an excellent addition to your dog's diet, as they offer dental benefits and essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. However, it's important to choose appropriate bones for your dog. Some dogs chew bones very aggressively and carelessly, and for these dogs, it's best to avoid giving weight-bearing bones. Instead, provide ribs, vertebrae, shoulder blades, etc., to prevent them from risking dental damage. Dogs that are more cautious can be given all types of bones, including the hardest marrow bones. There is a common misconception about bones from chicken, fish, and pork; these can be given raw. Dogs have such strong stomach acid that they can digest bones, so you don't need to worry about sharp bones entering the intestines. If you're unsure, you can assist the stomach by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to their food on bone-feeding days. This helps soften the bones. Bones that the stomach can't digest properly will come back up. Avoid cooked/prepared bones, as they can splinter and become dangerously sharp before the dog has a chance to digest them.

Grains and Pasta

While dogs don't require carbohydrates in large quantities, moderate portions of whole grains like brown rice or cooked gluten-free pasta can be included for extra energy. These can serve as filler ingredients to complement a meal, but the primary focus should be on meat and vegetables.

Vegetables

All common vegetables should be cooked for optimal nutrient absorption. Some give the vegetables whole, while others mix them into a mash. I believe it can be beneficial to let the dog pick out what it wants, as animals often have a sense of what they need and don't need. If your dog consistently avoids a particular vegetable, it may not need it at the moment.

Mixed Vegetables: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in vitamins and fiber. Squash, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, turnips, and beets are some examples of what you can provide.

Carrots: Carrots are a significant source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, also found in liver. Be cautious about giving too many carrots when also providing liver, as excessive vitamin A can lead to various issues.

Sweet Potatoes: A nutritious option that offers complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and fiber. You can bake or steam sweet potatoes and then mash them for your dog.

Fruit and Berries

Fruit and berries can be given as they are without cooking, but all fruit should be ripe, preferably overripe, as they contain simple sugars that the body absorbs more easily. I recommend choosing a specific day of the week to only provide fruit and berries. This minimizes the energy required from the metabolic system, allowing the dog's stomach to rest.

Provide organic fruit as much as possible, as it is less pesticide-treated. Melons, papayas, pineapples, bananas, etc., should be peeled and cut into pieces. Apples and pears can be given as they are or sliced, and all types of berries can be provided as they are. Be a little cautious with grapes; they contain a lot of cellulose that can be difficult to digest, which not all dogs appreciate. Fruit with large seeds should be given sparingly, and all seeds should be removed.

Avoid dangerous foods

It's important to be aware of foods that can be harmful to your dog:

Onions and Garlic: These ingredients, in all forms, can be toxic to dogs and should be completely avoided.
Avocado Skin: While avocado flesh is usually safe in moderate quantities, the skin and pit contain a substance called persin, which can be harmful.
Corn Cobs: These can lead to severe intestinal blockages if ingested. Always remove corn from the cob before giving it to your dog.

In summary, creating a nutritious diet for your dog involves a balance of animal-based proteins, selected carbohydrates, and a variety of vegetables and fruits. Remember that individual dietary needs can vary depending on your dog's age, activity level, and specific health requirements. Consult with your veterinarian or a professional dog nutritionist for personalized dietary recommendations to keep your dog happy and healthy. More information will be available in the blog in the future.