Like humans, do dogs get to choose what they eat? Obviously not! Dogs are dependent on their human guardians for the fulfillment of nutritional requirements, and responsible pet parents are always in a quest to feed their canine companions the healthiest foods. But what makes a food healthy? Dog foods are available in various types and forms such as raw food, dry dog food, wet dog food, etc., and different parameters determine the nutritional value of a food.
In this blog, we have outlined a comparison of raw and dry dog foods by displaying the major advantages and disadvantages of these food types so that you can make the best choice for your furry mate and keep them in fine fettle.
What is raw dog food?
A raw food diet primarily consists of uncooked ingredients such as muscle meat, organ meat, yoghurt, raw fruits, veggies, eggs, and bones. Raw food can be easily prepared at home or purchased from the store in frozen, freeze-dried or dehydrated forms.
Pros of feeding raw food to dogs
Let’s have a look at the benefits offered by raw dog food:
- Weight management: Since raw foods are high in protein and low in calories, they help maintain a healthy weight in canines.
- Natural ingredients: Raw foods contain healthy and natural ingredients that are free from grains, additives and artificial additives including colours and flavours. They help prevent food-related allergies and promote overall health and well-being.
- Healthy skin & coat: Rich in omega fatty acids, raw foods help promote shinier, softer coats and healthy skin.
- Boosts hydration: Enriched with high moisture content, raw foods provide adequate hydration, thereby eliminating toxins and promoting joint health.
- Improved dental health: The majority of the raw foods need to be chewed thoroughly they help keep teeth and gums clean, prevent bad breath, and improve overall dental health.
- Enhanced digestive health: Packed with natural ingredients, raw foods are easier to digest and promote smaller, less stinky stools. Additionally, they help improve gut functioning and help reduce inflammation in the body.
Cons of feeding raw food to dogs
Now, take a look at some of the disadvantages of raw dog foods:
- Palatability: Raw foods lack palatability as they are unseasoned and uncooked, making them less appealing for dogs.
- Risk of choking: Raw bones and meats can lead to choking hazards as they can get stuck in your pet’s throat. Moreover, chewing raw bones can break your canine’s teeth and cause internal injuries.
- Bacterial infections: Some animal meats and eggs contain harmful organisms including salmonella, causing bacterial infections in dogs.
- Nutritionally unbalanced: Raw foods lack some vital vitamins and minerals essential for dogs to remain healthy in the long run.
What is dry dog food?
Typically containing grains, meat, veggies, etc., dry dog food is usually prepared by cooking and drying the primary ingredients and reshaping them into small pellets or kibbles. It is a convenient yet nutritious food option for dogs of various life stages.
Pros of dry dog food
Let’s learn about the advantages offered by dry dog food:
- Long-lasting: Kibbles are easy to source and store as they have a longer shelf life, making them a preferred choice for busy pet parents.
- Flavourful: Dry foods are cooked and infused with different enticing flavours, making them highly palatable for canines.
- Well-balanced: Dry dog foods are often packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them highly nutritious and well-balanced. They also help rule out nutritional deficiencies and keep dogs healthy.
- Hygienic: Dry food prevents the risk of spillage making it less messy to wet or raw food. In addition, it prevents the risk of cross-contamination and bacterial infections in raw foods.
- Hassle-free feeding: Dry foods are very convenient to feed because of their availability in portion size. Moreover, no prior preparation or freezing is required before serving.
- Cost-effective: Commercially packed dry foods are cheaper than raw foods and do not require large storage space or specific storage conditions.
Cons of dry dog food
Mentioned below are some of the disadvantages of dry dog food:
- High on carbs: Dry foods are high in carbohydrates, leading to obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
- Digestive issues: Dry foods are processed at high temperatures, affecting their digestibility and freshness compared to raw foods.
Which food is best for your furry companion?
When it comes to what to feed your furball, in the end, it all comes down to keeping your pet in the best of health. Each type of food has its pros and cons and choosing the most appropriate one depends on a lot of factors such as your dog’s age, weight, breed, preferences and health issues. Either raw or dry food, feed the one that works as a complete and balanced diet for your four-legged companion. No matter what you choose, always consult your veterinarian for tailored recommendations.
