I’m sure all dog owners have heard of the debate of feeding a raw diet vs kibble. In this post I will be exploring the positives and negatives of both diets so you can make an educated decision on how you want to feed your dog.
What is a raw diet?
A raw diet usually consists of raw meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, fruit, vegetables and dairy products. The basic concept of a feeding a raw diet is for the dog to eat similarly to what its wild ancestors would have. Then because the dog is eating what it would have naturally eaten the theory is that its healthier for them.
Benefits of a raw diet
It’s said to promote shiny coats, healthy skin, good dental health and increased energy. In addition, you will know exactly what your dog is eating so you can completely control their diet. Making sure they don’t eat any preservatives, by-products or fillers that are often found in kibble.
Negatives of a raw diet
One negative is that it can be difficult to ensure your dog is getting all of the nutrients it should be getting and is eating a balanced diet. Dogs are not wolves, they have been bred for thousands of years so have adapted to digest grains and cereals. In addition, raw meat can contain bacteria that is dangerous to both human and dogs. This bacteria can not only be spread by the raw meat itself but also a raw fed dogs poo!
What is kibble?
Sometimes referred to as dry food, kibble is what the majority of dog owners feed their dogs. It’s a mixture of regulated ingredients (however they do vary considerably in different brands) that are processed together and cooked to form dry pellets.
Benefits of a kibble diet
A kibble diet is supposed to reduce dental plaque, promote healthier gums, is easy to store and is cost effective. A complete kibble also provides a balanced diet containing all the nutrients your dog needs, so you won’t need to worry about their diet.
Negatives of a kibble diet
It can be hard to find a good quality kibble as they quite often have a lot of preservatives, by-products and fillers which are not very healthy. Because of this you should find a good quality kibble that lists all of its ingredients and preferably have a source of protein as the first ingredient. Kibble is also very low in moisturewhich could dehydrate your dog.
In conclusion, both diets have their positives and negatives! Make sure you take all factors like cost, nutrition and preference into consideration when deciding what to feed your dog. But ultimately it mainly comes down to what is best for you and your dog!
P.s. you can shop our large range of dog food and treats here!
