Raw Feeding Myths

Just like everything else that isn’t mainstream, raw feeding has its host of myths. Much of the fear around raw feeding comes from a lack of understanding of raw diets and how they impact a pet’s life. At Rawsome Pet Pantry, we believe pet owners should be informed and empowered to make the best decisions for their pets. And that begins with knowing fact from fiction.

Here are the three most common myths around raw feeding:

 

MYTH #1 – Raw feeding will make a dog or cat aggressive towards humans.

FACT:
An imbalanced raw diet that lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan can have a negative impact on serotonin in the brain. One symptom of tryptophan deficiency can be aggressive behavior. However, by feeding your pet a properly balanced raw diet that supplies the recommended allowances for tryptophan, these affects can easily be avoided or reversed. We love this complete and balanced blend from Wholesome Raw. 

 

MYTH #2 – Raw feeding will drive a dog or cat to kill other animals.

FACT:

DNA, not what you feed your pet, is the main determining factor of prey drive. Being that dogs and cats are carnivores, they are naturally hunters. And since some breeds have higher instinctual drive to hunt and kill prey, some pets will naturally hunt while others never do.

 

MYTH #3 - Harmful bacteria in raw meat* will make pets sick.

FACT:

Contrary to popular belief, dogs and cats are not humans.

Gasp!

As carnivores, their stomachs are highly acidic, and their digestive systems are short and lack complexity. What does all this mean? Bacteria, like Salmonella, is naturally killed when ingested, and expelled within 4-6 hours as waste. Which means the bacteria doesn’t stay in their bodies for long.

Here’s an excerpt from a great article by Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM, that sums it up pretty well:

“When it comes to bacteria, I have not seen one single client who reported salmonellosis when feeding raw meat. I have also come to accept that dogs and cats are naturally resistant to intestinal pathogens and that they are not humans. Cats often eat mice that are frequent carriers of salmonella and other bacteria without any ill effect and let's be real, dogs sniff and eat worse things than a piece of raw meat.”

We hope this information helps you and your pet stay happy and healthy on your Rawsome feeding adventure.

 

Your Friends at Rawsome Pet Pantry

 

Rawsome Pet Pantry exists to bring premium, nutritious and affordable raw pet food to as many pets as possible. Whether you want a BARF or PMR type of food for your pet, we have what you want. Plus, your dog or cat will love it! We’re located in Fair Oaks, CA, conveniently close to Orangevale, Folsom, Roseville and other cities in the Greater Sacramento area.

 

*Please note: it is NEVER appropriate to purposely feed rancid meat or meat that has not been stored and handled properly. Always practice safe food handling and dispose of any spoiled ingredients.