Hello Dog Lovers! Hope you’ve all had a good week! Summer is winding down, the nights are getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. Pretty soon it’ll be time to think about (gasp) Christmas shopping! Ok, enough of that…
This week you’ll read about the pros and cons (mostly cons) of feeding your dog a raw diet. Our curated article talks about rawhide bones and the precautions you should take before giving your dog these treats.
Enjoy! And as always, send in photos of you and your dog, I’ll feature it in an upcoming issue. Feedback and ideas are also always welcome!
But first, Pablo has some things to say.. he’s not a happy camper this week lol:
Pablo’s “Paw”donerings
Hello my furry friends! Pablo here, with some sad news; I've officially been put on a 'diet'. I went to the V-E-T last week and they weighed me. I am 120 pounds! I thought that was a good thing, but the V-E-T said I needed to lose at least 10 pounds. Mom said it's all the bacon and goodies she's been feeding me. I must admit, I've been enjoying eating the last bite of her breakfasts, dinners and snacks.
Now that I think about it, I have been enjoying a lot of hooman food. Bacon, toast, chips and of course some meat from whatever dad BBQ's. Brandon, (my best bud), said mom was 'killing me with kindness'. It's not really her fault. I'm REALLY good at giving her my best sad puppy look and she eventually caves and gives me small bites of whatever she's having. But alas, I think that's about to stop. I have to go back to eating my boring dog food.
Hopefully, the next time I get weighed at the V-E-T, I hope to have lost a few pounds. Wish me luck!
Pablo’s Product Pick of the Week:
I’m sad, my ball’s empty!
Large Treat Ball
Guys, this ball is soooo much fun! My hoomans fill it with my regular food and I push it around the house, and the kibble comes out! It keeps me occupied for a long time! I use this as an appetizer and then I go to my food dish and eat my regular meal. Ha ha!
If I look a little sad in the pic, it’s because I only get my ball filled once a day now ☹
Here is the link for your hoomans to order from Amazon:
Should I feed my dog a raw diet?
Raw diets have become popular over the past few years (for humans too!) But what is a raw diet exactly, and more importantly, is it a good idea for your dog? The answer is no.
Most vets discourage raw diets, particularly for large breeds, due to the health risks. These include e. coli, listeria and other bacterial contaminations, (which can also cause illness in humans handling the food).
Raw diets can also cause a nutritional imbalance which may lead to vitamin deficiencies or excess of other nutrients.
Think feeding your dog raw bones is a good idea? Think again. While your dog may love them, they can cause catastrophic injuries to their teeth, jaws, and can cause intestinal punctures.
Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to complications from a raw food diet.
So if you’re wondering about my opinion on raw food diets, dear readers, I think you know the answer: I don’t encourage it!
What is a Raw Diet?
A raw diet consists mainly of uncooked organs, meat and bones. It can include raw eggs, vegetables and fruit. The idea behind a raw diet is to feed your dog foods that are closer to what a dog's digestive system is naturally designed to process.
A raw diet consists mainly of:
raw meat, on or off the bone. This provides essential amino acids, protein and water-soluble vitamins
raw bones, either ground or whole, which gives your dog calcium and other minerals
Organ Meats such as kidney and liver. These contain a variety of vitamins and minerals
Raw Eggs for additional nutrients and protein
Fruits and Vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, apples and peaches. These are optional, but provide micronutrients and fiber.
There are two main approaches to a raw food diet:
Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF):
Developed by veterinarian Ian Billinghurst, this approach combines raw meaty bones, muscle meat, and fruits and vegetables.
Prey-Model Diet:
Focuses on mimicking the wild diet of a dog, with a higher percentage of meat and bones and a smaller percentage of organ meats.
Potential Benefits of a Raw Food Diet:
· Improved digestion and nutrient absorption
· Healthier skin and coat, Increased energy levels
· Improved dental health, and Stronger immune system.
Before switching your dog to a raw food diet, consult your vet! Every dog is different and some will be able to tolerate the switch better than others. Your vet will have advice and suggestions on how to make the switch smoother for your dog.
Proper hygiene is critically important when dealing with raw food. Make sure you’re practicing good hygiene habits when preparing raw meats, eggs, etc.
So, what is the best diet for your dog? Generally, the answer is one that he LIKES to eat. The same can be said for us humans, right? If we don’t enjoy what we eat, our lives can turn boring and miserable quickly. Of course, take into consideration nutrition and your budget. Some higher end dog food can be pretty pricy! Again, ask your vet for their recommendations.
Raw eggs have mixed reviews, some vets discourage this as the risk for salmonella is high. Others rave about mixing a raw egg with dry food to give your dog a shiny, healthy coat.
Ultimately, you're the final decision maker. Just make sure you have done as much research as possible and have consulted with your vet to make sure you're making the best decision that you can.
… An excerpt from the American Kennel Club (akc.org)
Are Rawhide Bones Dangerous for My Dog?
It is generally not recommended to give rawhide bones to dogs due to potential health risks. Rawhide can cause choking, intestinal blockages, and digestive problems if swallowed in large pieces. There are safer alternatives available that satisfy a dog's chewing instincts without the associated risks.
Reasons to avoid rawhide:
• Choking and Blockages:
Rawhide can be difficult to digest and can break into pieces that can cause choking or blockages in the esophagus or intestines.
• Digestive Issues:
Even if swallowed in smaller pieces, rawhide can cause digestive upset and discomfort.
• Contamination:
Rawhide can be a source of bacterial contamination during the manufacturing process.
• Chemicals:
Rawhide production may involve chemicals like bleach, artificial colors, and preservatives.
To read the full article, click here: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-rawhide-chews-dangerous-for-dog/
Fun Fact:
Did you know that dogs can get heartburn just like humans? According to Dr. David Brummer, a veterinarian with Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center in Orchard Park, New York, the acids that are produced are similar in both dogs and humans. That means that they may respond to the same antacids we do (although talk to your vet first to avoid reactions to other medications). Dr. Brummer also recommends staying away from a raw food diet, as it could increase the risk of food poisoning.