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There are many conflicting views about whether we should feed dogs raw dog food. Proponents claim that it is the closest to their natural diet, therefore it must be the best type for them. Opponents believe that processed fare includes all of the nutrients for a well rounded, healthy diet. The official verdict is still out, but in the end, it is our decision, as caregivers for our pets, to feed them what we feel is best.

Processed products are made by combining meat, vegetables and other nutrients. They combined ingredients are thoroughly cooked and either dried to form pellets, or canned. They are adjusted to fill the age and breed requirements. A recent development has been that contaminated products were included in canned food, causing renal failure in some animals. An investigation uncovered wheat gluten that was tainted with melamine, a poisonous substance. The matter has been rectified and contaminated products removed from the shelves, but some people are still concerned about its safety.

Some owners feel that the only way they can protect the health of their pets is to switch to a raw diet, like their distant ancestors, wolves. Studies have been done on the wolf diet and the research shows that almost the only thing they will refuse is a toad. Their favorites are hoofed animals, but they also eat fish, fowl, wild fruits and berries, bugs and many plants.

Concern that raw meats contain pathogens has encouraged some people to feed their pets processed products. Regulations that are concerned with the amount of bacteria in raw meat have put stricter rules in place for raw meat sold in pet stores than that sold to humans. Perhaps it is a comment about our society that what is sold for dogs to eat is safer than what is sold to humans to eat.

Regulations for products that are to be ingested in the raw state are stricter than for those that are to be cooked, even for dogs. It raises some questions about the safety of human products and makes one wonder if humans should be doing their grocery shopping in pet stores.

The first step is to decide which raw diet you will provide for your pet. The vote is split between whole prey diets and a diet with a combination of raw meat, vegetables and supplements. Some owners even raise their own animals organically to be sure their dogs are eating the purest diets.

Whenever you change the products you feed your dog, it is important to do so slowly. Their systems can be sensitive and take time to adjust to new nutrients. Symptoms of changing diets too fast include diarrhea and an upset stomach. Whatever diet you use, dogs become bored with the same diet all the time, so introduce a little variety. Some dogs can eat almost any mixture with no adverse effects.

As always, the final decision is in your hands. You are responsible for the health and happiness of your pets. Regardless of your final choice, whether processed or raw dog food, your dog will love you and think that whatever you put into the bowl is the most wonderful thing in the world.

Jamie is a pet health consultant who specializes in natural pet food.

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