At Raw K9, we take canine health and nutrition seriously. That’s why all of our products feature USDA-sourced, high-protein raw meats. If you’re new to the world of raw feeding, then you may be wondering how a raw dog food diet can help improve your pup’s health. In this blog post, we explore the many health benefits of a raw meat diet for dogs.
For the best raw dog food available anywhere, turn to Raw K9. We offer a wide variety of humanely-harvested raw meals, bundles, and treats for dogs, such as our best-selling Beef Complete Mix and Beef & Turkey Mix. We also offer nutrient-rich alternative proteins for dogs with beef sensitivities and allergies, including duck, fish, quail, turkey, and rabbit. Read on to learn how raw feeding can ensure that your best friend has optimal health and wellbeing, then shop our products today!
Most processed commercial pet foods, such as kibble, feature high amounts of grains, which dogs have difficulty digesting. When you switch your dog to a raw meat diet, they will be able to absorb more of the ingredients from their meals. The result is smaller, drier, and less frequent stools, rather than the loose, messy, smelly stools that are typical of dogs on a kibble diet.
Because your dog will be consuming fewer carbohydrates and other filler ingredients, they will also spend less time and energy digesting their food; while kibble stays in a dog’s stomach for 7-9 hours, dogs can digest raw meat in only 1-2 hours. The less time and energy they spend digesting their food, the more time and energy they can spend having fun!
Raw meat diets, such as the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet or Prey Model, are also especially beneficial for dogs suffering from sensitive gut issues and digestive conditions, such as colitis, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Often, these conditions can be exacerbated by starchy, processed foods. When you transition your four-legged friend to Raw K9 raw dog food instead, they can enjoy the comfortable life that they deserve.
Aside from looking beautiful, a soft, shiny coat is a great indicator of a dog’s overall health. A raw dog food provides canines with excellent bioavailable nutrition, ensuring that your fur baby has the dazzling, dapper coat that you desire.
Raw meat can also help dogs suffering from skin conditions such as hot spots, redness, itchiness, yeast, and flakiness. These conditions are often related to excess inflammation or allergic response as a result of something in the dog’s food. While topical treatments may provide temporary relief, the only way to get to the root of the problem is by switching up what your dog eats. Thankfully, raw meat offers the perfect ratio of omega fatty acids, amino acids, enzymes, intracellular moisture, and vitamins to reduce inflammation and prevent allergic reactions.
A raw dog food diet can also help mitigate pests, such as fleas, ticks, and worms, by providing the nutrition and immune support necessary for dogs to ward off infestations. Furthermore, starchy foods, such as kibble, can actually “sweeten” your dog’s blood, making it more tempting for pests to enjoy.
Good dental hygiene is essential for overall canine dental, and the best way to prevent periodontal disease in your dog (and the associated “doggy breath” that so many of us dread) is by providing your best friend with raw pet food and raw meaty bones. This is because these foods are natural dental abrasives, effectively acting as toothbrushes when your pet is eating. They also contain natural live enzymes and “good” bacteria to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Say goodbye to doggy breath and the Saturday slobbers for good, and say hello to cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and better overall health thanks to Raw K9!
Pudgy pups may be cute, but extra weight can provide a serious strain on your dog’s health. A raw meat diet ensures that your dog stays lean and strong, and loses any excess weight without losing muscle mass in the process. Just as with humans, dogs’ bodies need protein in order to maintain muscle and retain a feeling of fullness so that they don’t overeat. Lean dogs live longer, have stronger immune systems, and have lower blood pressure, all of which amounts to a longer, happier life for the two of you to enjoy together.
For some dogs, it seems that no amount of training can improve their bad behavior. When this is the case, you might want to look to your pup’s food bowl for the source of the problem Increasingly, researchers believe that a raw diet can not only improve your dog’s physical health, but their cognitive and mental health as well! Dry dog foods like kibble are high in carbohydrates, resulting in high blood sugar and insulin levels, which have long been linked to poor behavior, such as nervousness, fear, aggression, and hyperactivity. Switching your dog to a raw diet may help decrease their agitation, proving that dogs truly are what they eat!
Whether your dog is suffering from a specific illness or allergy or you simply want to improve their health, switching them to a raw meat diet can help ensure that they have the happy, healthy life that they deserve. All of the delicious and nutritious raw dog foods at Raw K9 feature everything your fur baby needs to thrive. So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping our collection of bestselling raw dog foods now!
]]>Your dog’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. If you’ve found that your best friend seems down in the doggy dumps or is exhibiting bad behavior, raw feeding may help. Although research is still in its infancy, there is promising evidence that a raw diet can drastically improve canine cognitive and mental health, leading to improved behavior and an overall higher quality of life. In this blog post from Raw K9, we answer the question of whether a raw meat diet means a happier dog.
For nutritious and delicious raw dog food, turn to Raw K9. Our bestelling raw meat meals, bundles, and treats provide your fur baby with everything they need to thrive from the inside out. Read on to learn more about how a raw diet can increase your dog’s happiness, then browse our raw dog food products today.
Whether you adopted your dog from a breeder or a rescue shelter, it’s likely that they may suffer from some behavioral issues. Some of the most common behavioral issues in dogs are aggression, nervousness, fear, and hyperactivity. These issues can lead to maladaptive behavior, such as howling, destructive chewing, food guarding, mounting, biting, whining, and more — all of which can seriously impact your and your dog’s quality of life. Many of our customers have confided to us that when they switched their dog to a raw diet, their dog’s behavior and mood began to improve. Below, we discuss some possible reasons why.
No one likes to see their best friend suffer. Furthermore, an unhappy, poorly behaved dog can literally destroy your home. Doggy diets that are high in proteins, such as the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet or Prey Model, are associated with significantly less behavioral issues than dry diets, like kibble.
This may be the case because 90% of your dog’s serotonin is stored in their gut, along with other feel-good chemicals such as dopamines, and various hormones and neurotransmitters. If a dog’s gut lining is healthy and pH-balanced, their gut will be strong and healthy, allowing for good bacteria to flourish and boosting overall immune function, which in turn can lead to improved behavior and mood.
Another reason why raw diets are more beneficial for canine behavior than kibble is because dogs evolved to tear off huge pieces of meat and swallow them whole without much mechanical action in the mouth, leaving their stomachs to do the majority of the hard work of digestion. Canine stomachs are adapted to break down raw meat in a matter of only one to two hours, where it can take them a whopping seven to nine hours to digest carbohydrates. Kibble contains high amounts of carbs, which dog stomachs are simply not equipped to deal with. As a result of spending much of their time breaking down starchy food, your dog’s gut lining can become very thin, providing a substandard place for all those feel-good chemicals to call home.
Now that we’ve discussed some of the most common behavioral and mood issues in dogs and how a raw diet can help, it’s time to turn our attention to what exactly a happy dog looks like. Once you switch your dog to a raw meat diet, it’s likely that they will l start exhibiting some of these signs of a carefree canine:
All pet parents dream of a healthier, happier dog. When you switch your dog to a raw meat diet with Raw K9, you can rest assured that you are giving them the best chance possible of a life full of smiles, play time, and positive behavior. Visit the Raw K9 shop now to get started with our complete beef meals, starter packs, beef bundles, bones & treats, and more.
]]>When you first decide to put your dog on a raw feeding diet, you may notice that your veterinarian is reluctant to support this decision. This is not unusual; since raw feeding is a relatively new concept within canine nutrition, many veterinarians are only just now getting on board. In fact, many (if not most) people who switch their dogs to a raw meat diet find that they also have to switch vets in order to find someone who is supportive. In this blog post, we discuss the importance of finding a veterinarian who is supportive of your decision to transition your dog to a raw diet, and who is informed on what this kind of diet entails.
For nutrition and delicious raw dog food, turn to Raw K9. Our bestselling complete beef meals, starter packs, and ultimate bundles can provide your best friend with everything they need to get the fully-rounded raw diet that they deserve. Read on to learn about the importance of choosing a raw-friendly vet, then browse our selection of products today.
When you first tell your vet that you are switching your dog to a raw diet, they are likely to give you a criticism involving benefits, bugs, balances, and/or bones. Below, we go into detail about these four major arguments that you are likely to hear from your vet, and why they are refuted by the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) — a coalition of raw-friendly vets and vets nurses on a mission to educate the world about raw feeding.
Balance: Many vets will also claim that raw diets can cause nutritional deficiencies and excesses. In fact, raw dog foods rarely require the synthetic supplementation that can often be found in kibble in order to support a well-rounded diet. As long as your dog is fed bones and organs in addition to muscle meat, they will obtain all of the nutrients that they need to thrive. At Raw K9, t Raw K9, all of our complete beef meals and other raw mixes contain organs, bones, or an all-natural bone replacement blend to ensure a complete, optimally balanced meal.
How to Determine if a Vet is Raw-Friendly
The first thing you will want to ask yourself in order to determine whether or not your vet may be receptive to the idea of a raw diet is how open-minded their attitude is in general. Do they support holistic health care and homeopathic supplements, like milk thistle or CBD? Even if you’re unsure if you support these things, the fact that they are open to even discussing them suggests that they’re willing to respect methods of alternative care.
Secondly, you will want to ask where or not your vet seems married to a particular pet food brand, such as Science Diet. As a dog owner, your vet should empower you to do research and find the food brand that works for your family, rather than be pushed into making a particular choice.
The third, and most important thing, you can do is to ask them outright! If their response is immediately negative, then you will want to look elsewhere for your dog’s care. If they’re open to the idea or, ideally, supportive, then it’s possible that you may not have to switch veterinarians at all.
Where to Find Raw-Friendly Vets
Fortunately, there are several resources on the Internet that can help make the process of finding a raw-friendly vet easier. Here are just a few:
Browse Our Pawsome Raw Dog Food at Raw K9
Whether you’re new to raw feeding or a connoisseur, you’re sure to find something that your dog will love among the flavorful fare offered here at Raw K9. Browse our delicious and nutritious meals, treats, bundles, and more today!
One of the most common questions that we get asked at Raw K9 is whether or not dogs under one years old can be fed a raw diet. We are happy to answer with a definitive “yes!” Feeding your puppy a raw meat diet is not only possible but extremely beneficial for their health and overall development. In this blog post, we discuss why puppies can be on a raw meat diet, what the benefits are, and how to properly transition your fur baby to a species-appropriate diet.
For the best raw dog foods available anywhere, turn to Raw K9. Our bestselling complete beef meals, ultimate bundles, and other nutritious and delicious raw meals and treats can help improve your puppy’s digestion, skin, coat, build, dental hygiene, and more. Read on to discover even more of what raw feeding has to offer, then browse all of our products today!
Since puppies’ digestive tracts haven’t had a chance to acclimate to any particular diet for an extended period of time, their digestive system will acclimate to any kind of food, and do so quickly. Since a puppy’s first few weeks and months set the stage for a lifetime of health or illness, it is important to start feeding them a raw diet as young as possible. This evolution-based approach to proper canine nutrition will not only boost their health but help them to cope with the rigors of a modern lifestyle, allowing them to thrive rather than merely survive. Breeders regularly boast that their raw-weaned puppies are the healthiest, strongest, liveliest, calmest, smartest, and overall most wonderful pups that ever lived!
When it comes to the benefits of feeding your puppies a raw diet, the list is nearly endless. Here are some of the most commonly sighted impacts that dog owners see when they first transition their fur babies:
As mentioned, it is best to start raw feeding your puppy as young as possible. Start your puppy off with one protein (we recommend raw beef) until you’re sure that their system has acclimated (firm stool is the key marker), then introduce a wide variety of other proteins, such as our duck, fish, lamb, quail, rabbit, and turkey mixes. Optimum nutrition is best achieved by introducing 4-6 proteins in balanced meal formats. In terms of how much food you should feed your puppy, here is what we recommend:
At Raw K9, we understand that as a dog owner you want your puppy to live a life that is as long, healthy, and happy, as possible. That’s why we created raw mixes, meals, and treats that are only ever of the quality that we would be happy to feed our own dogs. When you trust in Raw K9 for your dog’s raw diet, you can rest assured that they are getting the optimally balanced food that they need to thrive. There’s no better time than the present to transition your puppy or adult dog to a delicious and nutritious raw diet. Get started by browsing our products today!
]]>When you tell people that you plan to put your dog on a raw diet, it is likely that you will experience some pushback. People may wonder whether dogs have evolved at this point to prefer or even need cooked meat or whether a raw diet can truly provide your four-legged friend with the nutrition that they need to thrive. In this blog post from Raw K9, we discuss the various ways that science backs a raw dog food diet, sometimes referred to as a “species-appropriate diet” or “evolutionary diet.” For the most nutritious and delicious raw dog food available anywhere, turn to Raw K9. Our bestselling complete beef meals, starter packs, and ultimate bundles can provide your canine companion with everything they need to get the fully-rounded raw diet that they deserve. Read on to discover the science behind raw dog food then browse our selection of products today.
In February 2020, the results of a 24-month study by the University of Exeter in the UK into a species-appropriate diet for dogs were finally published, and the impact has been huge for raw dog food proponents. The study set out to investigate two things: first, whether a raw food diet could meet the highest possible nutritional guidelines for dogs, as specified by the European Pet Food Industry. Second, whether such a diet would be nutritionally adequate when fed to a meaningful sample of dogs over 26 weeks using the rigorous trial protocol developed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
The primary researcher — Dr. Richard Allport BVetMed, VetMFHom, MRCVS — set out with the hypothesis that a raw diet could, indeed, provide dogs with everything they needed to thrive, due to his own experience feeding his and his clients’ dogs a raw diet. Yet he wanted to back up this belief with solid scientific research. His key finding was that “it is possible to create a range of complete, species-appropriate (raw meat, raw bone, raw vegetable) adult dog foods that – when fed in conjunction with each other – meet the FEDIAF nutritional guidelines without need for additional, synthetic supplementation” (page 15). During the twenty-six week study, none of the twenty-six adult dogs enrolled in an extended version of the AAFCO food trial protocol experience any adverse health effects or significant weight loss. In short, the study concluded that a properly formulated raw food diet will meet an adult dog’s nutritional requirements.
According to a 2018 study conducted by the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, “fresh and raw diets for dogs may have health benefits.” The researchers in this study tested the palatability and digestibility of three commercially available fresh and raw diets for dogs. The results showed conclusive evidence that the raw diet resulted in lower triglyceride levels than a kibble diet, even though the raw foods were higher in fat.”
“As far as diet format and market segment is concerned,” head researcher and Professor of Animal and Nutritional Sciences Dr. Kelly Swanson concluded, “it ultimately comes down to consumer preference and philosophy. As long as a diet is shown to be safe and meets the nutritional needs of the pet in question, it is an acceptable option to me. If an owner is willing to pay more for premium ingredients and/or an improved processing method, I am fully supportive.”
One criticism that is often leveled at raw feeding proponents if that there is “no scientific research” to back raw diets. While the two examples above clearly refute this claim, it is also worth pointing out that there is similarly a dearth of scientific research proving that kibbled, processed foods are good for pets. Indeed, no research has been done to determine the long-term effects of feeding kibble, nor to determine if it is actually healthy for your dog.
As for raw diets, on the other hand, one million years of evolution confirm that dogs can indeed get optimal nutrition from eating a diet primarily composed of raw meat. There is significant anatomical and physiological evidence, mtDNA evidence, and circumstantial and statistical evidence to support this, as well as statistics that show that processed food is correlated with a high rate of diseases in pets.
The reason for the lack of scientific research into the benefits of raw diets is that the commercial dog food industry (and the veterinarians benefiting from it) aren’t about to fund this kind of study. The sad fact is that the main means of funding scientific studies today is by approaching corporations who have something to gain from your results. Since most raw dog food companies, like our family-owned company Raw K9, are relatively modest enterprises, this kind of funding is simply unavailable.
If raw diets were proven better than commercial diets, there would undoubtedly be a tremendous backlash against the mainstream pet food industry and the veterinary profession that is so financially entrenched with it. Legal ramifications would be probable, due to people suing vets for recommending products that could potentially harm their pets and people suing pet food companies themselves for creating a harmful product without warning consumers of its dangers. In addition, society would no longer have an “acceptable” outlet for disposing of its 4D (dead, dying, diseased, or down) meats and its grain waste.
At Raw K9, we firmly believe that raw feeding can have many benefits for your best friend, including improved digestion, a healthier skin and coat, better dental hygiene, a leaner and more muscular build, and improved behavior. Our all-natural, 100% pasture-raised raw beef and alternative proteins (including duck, fish, lamb, quail, rabbit, and turkey) contain everything that your pup needs to enjoy a long lifetime of optimal health. Our raw foods are rich in essential nutrients to help provide energy and support healthy overall development, no matter what age or breed your dog is. Ready to get started with nutritious and delicious raw dog foods? Browse our products now!
]]>Are you interested in switching your dog from a processed to a raw diet? You’ve come to the right place! At Raw K9 we are connoisseurs about all things related to raw feeding, including how to safely transition your dog to a raw diet. In this blog post, we explore the ins and outs of switching your dog to a species-appropriate diet, no matter what age or species they are.
To discover the best raw meat meals and treats available anywhere, browse our nutritious and delicious raw dog food products today! Our bestselling complete beef meals, starter packs, and ultimate bundles can provide your canine companion with everything they need to get the fully-rounded raw diet that they deserve. For dogs with beef sensitives, we also offer mixes featuring alternative proteins, including duck, fish, lamb, quail, rabbit, and turkey. Our mixes are rich in the essential proteins that every dog needs to enjoy a long life of optimal health. Read on to learn how you can transition your dog to a raw diet, then check out everything that Raw K9 has to offer.
Are you low on time or simply looking for a Cliffnotes version of how to transition your dog to a raw diet? Here’s the 101:
It is a good practice to keep puppies on the learner rather than the chubbier side, since carrying extra weight is not healthy for growing skeletons. Young dogs should be active and mobile, so make sure that your pup is keeping up with their exercise routine!
Transitioning adult dogs to a raw diet will take a little more work, though it typically takes no longer than a week to get them fully transitioned. Ultimately, it depends on the dog. Some will need only a few days while others may take up to two weeks to make the full transition, depending on their age, weight, and activity level.
Start the process by providing one feeding of their regular diet to one feeding of their new raw food diet. Be sure to keep each feeding separate as these products should never be mixed! Over the course of a few days gradually decrease the amount of dry food until your pet’s diet consists of 100% raw food. If you notice loose stools early in the process, cut back on the amount of raw food being fed and increase it at a slower rate. Ultimately, your dog should have smaller, firmer, and drier stools, which is a direct result of better nutrient absorption and one of the reasons why people love raw feeding! Say goodbye to struggling to pick up loose, smelly stools for good!
Looking to improve your dog’s digestion, skin, coat, dental hygiene, build, and behavior? There’s no better way than with a raw dog food diet with Raw K9! Get started by browsing our nutritious and delicious raw meat mixes and treats today.
]]>When it comes to the world of dog food — and perhaps dog ownership in general — there is no debate more contentious that of the Prey Model versus the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet. While both of these doggy diet plans advocate a raw feeding philosophy, they also have some major differences. Here at Raw K9, we believe that the choice of putting your dog on a Prey diet versus a BARF diet is a deeply personal one that should ultimately be left up to the dog owner.
In this blog post, we explore the differences and similarities between the Prey Model and BARF Diet in-depth so that dog owners can make an informed decision about which raw feeding plan is right for their four-legged friend. For the best raw dog food available anywhere, turn to Raw K9. Our high-quality, delicious and nutritious complete beef meals, starter packs, bundles, bones, and more are both Prey- and BARF-appropriate so that you can rest assured that you are giving your fur baby the humanely-harvested, USDA-grade, hormone-, antibiotic- and GMO-free beef that they need to thrive. We also offer a variety of nutrient-rich alternative proteins, such as duck, fish, lamb, quail, turkey, and rabbit for dogs with beef sensitivities and allergies. Read on to learn more about the two primary raw feeding models for dogs, then browse all of our raw dog food products today!
Before we delve into what the Prey Model and BARF Diet differ on, it is important to first discuss their similarities. Sometimes called an “evolutionary diet” or “species-appropriate diet,” raw diets purport that, because canines evolved eating raw meat, it is important for them to continue to do so in order to thrive. Anything less falls short of their body’s requirements for longevity and freedom from disease. The further a dog’s diet strays from its evolutionary one, the more likely they are to suffer from health complications and have difficulty reaching their genetic potential.
Raw feeding has been popular throughout Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, and North America since the 1960s, making its emergence roughly concurrent with that of kibble. Before this time, most dogs ate raw meat anyway, since cooked food was often considered a precious commodity that few people would waste on something like a dog, since, at the time, dogs held a much lower social status than they enjoy today. Before domestication, wolf-dogs hunted for meat with their masters and hung around nomadic camps, enjoying whatever raw meat, bones, and offal (organs) were left over.
While it is true that domestication has drastically changed dogs over time, this is only true of their external appearance and temperament — not their internal anatomy and physiology. In fact, domesticated dogs are so similar to wolves (differing at most from their mDNA sequence by 0.2%) that they are frequently used in wolf studies as physiological models for wolf processes.
Despite what many people believe, raw feeding does not consist of simply feeding your dog raw meat. Rather, it revolves around feeding your dog a carefully crafted combination of muscle meat, edible bones, and offal, such as the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, and other secreting organs. The difference between the Prey Model and the BARF Diet consists of whether or not additional foods and vitamins need to supplement this basic regimen.
Both raw feeding models come with a variety of different benefits for your best friend. For one, raw feeding can significantly improve your dog’s digestion in that it includes minimal grains, which are common in processed commercial pet foods yet difficult for dogs to digest. This often results in large, messy stools, versus the small, dry, and solid stools found in dogs who adhere to a raw feeding model. These less obtrusive stools are much easier to pick up.
Raw feeding can also give your dog a healthier, lusher coat, as well as improve any skin sensitivities. Soft, shiny fur is a great indicator of a dog’s overall health, and a raw diet ensures that your companion has pest-free skin and a dazzling, head-turning coat.
Raw feeding is also ideal for dogs who suffer from poor dental hygiene, such as toy breeds, whose mouths have a tendency for overcrowded teeth, resulting in bad breath and gum disease. A raw diet provides natural live enzymes and good bacteria to help clean teeth, improve gums, and freshen breath.
Dog obesity is becoming an increasing problem today due to the carb-heavy, highly processed ingredients found in most commercial pet foods. When you begin to feed your dog a high-protein Prey or BARF diet, you will notice that they soon shed their extra weight and develop a stronger, firmer, and more leaner body. Lean dogs liver longer, have stronger immune systems, and have lower blood pressure than dogs that are overweight or obese.
Did you know that a raw dog food diet can even improve your pup’s behavior? It’s true! Processed dog foods are high in carbohydrates, resulting in high blood and insulin levels, which have been linked to poor behavior like aggression and anxiety. Switching your dog to a raw diet makes them less reactive and fearful so that both you and your fur baby can enjoy a better quality of life.
According to the Prey Model, dogs are carnivores. Carnivore teeth are designed to rip and tear meat from the bone and then gulp it down to be further digested in the stomach. One look in your dog’s mouth shows that they possess the long canine teeth necessary for this kind of eating. Dogs also have short GI tracts — another characteristic of carnivores, as they have no need for the long process of fermentation required when digesting cellulose. Furthermore, a short GI tract and highly acidic stomach help them avoid bacterial infections that can come from eating raw meat, such as salmonella, since these bacteria can only survive in higher pH conditions (4-8+) and require at least 12 hours to reach incubation. Dogs’ stomachs have very high acidity (about pH 1) while their digestive system is very short.
According to BARF adherents, on the other hand, dogs are omnivores. In the wild, wolves commonly eat grains and even indulge in the occasional berry, as well as eating the grains contained with their prey’s stomach. Furthermore, recent studies have suggested that today’s dogs differ from their wild cousins in that their stomachs have, in fact, adapted to digest starch and glucose.
When it comes down to it, there is no easy answer in terms of whether dogs are carnivores or omnivores. While their bodies are certainly optimized to eat meat, they may also require supplementation with fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy, and vitamins as well. At Raw K9, we have customers who believe in all different types of raw feeding models, including the Prey Model and BARF Diet. We believe that the choice of which type of model to follow is ultimately a personal one, and are happy to support anyone who believes that their dog can thrive with high-quality raw muscle meat, edible bones, and offal, regardless of whether or not they need additional food.
Both Prey and BARF adherents believe that dogs require precise ratios of different types of food in order to make the most out of their evolutionary diets. Those who follow the Prey Model purport that dogs require a diet consisting of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, and 5% other secreting organs, particularly the spleen. This can be accomplished in a few different ways. Some people give their dogs whole prey animals, such as entire birds, rabbits, and other small sources of protein, including all internal organs, blood, intestinal tract, and glands with the fur and feathers still attached. While wild prey is ideal, dogs may eat domesticated prey as well.,
Other Prey adherents use multiple animal proteins. This is called “frankenprey feeding.” In this method, a variety of animal parts are fed in measured amounts so that your dog gets the same sum of parts as it would if it were eating an animal whole. Frankenprey meals often consist of a mix of different meat types, bones, and organs. At Raw K9, we offer foods for both the whole prey and frankenprey models of raw feeding.
The raw feeding ratio for the BARF Diet, on the other hand, is roughly 70% muscle meat, 10% edible bones, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organs, 2% seeds or nuts, and 1% fruit. Many BARF owners give their dogs a vitamin and mineral supplement as well. The BARF Diet is generally considered a less strict method of raw feeding than the Prey Model. You may basically use whatever you can find in the way of whole, raw, healthy foodstuffs, including ingredients found at your local supermarket. You can further enhance the diet of your BARF-fed dog with healthy supplements such as vitamins, essential fatty acids, probiotics, kelp, alfalfa powder, various herbs, and more. Our Raw K9 dog foods make a delicious and nutritious addition to any BARF Diet.
In addition to differing feeding ratios, the Prey and BARF models have different feeding guidelines for dog weights as well, though both come in at around 2 to 3% of your dog’s body weight. Below is a chart outlining how much your dog should eat daily according to their body weight and raw feeding plan:
Prey Model |
BARF Diet |
|
Dog Weight |
||
10 lbs |
3.2 oz |
4 oz |
25 lbs |
8 oz |
12 oz |
50 lbs |
1 lb |
1 lb 8 oz |
75 lbs |
1 lb 8 oz |
2 lbs 4 oz |
100 lbs |
2 lbs |
3 lbs |
150 lbs |
3 lbs |
4.5 lbs |
Whether you adhere to the Prey Model, BARF Diet, or something wholly unique, your dog can enjoy the delicious taste of human-grade, USDA-approved raw meat when you buy from Raw K9. All of our animal ingredients were humanely harvested in the prime of their health and include everything your dog needs to thrive, including muscle meat, organs, and bones or our all-nature bone replacement blend. So, what are you waiting for? Experience the Raw K9 difference for yourself by browsing our raw dog foods today.
]]>Whether you’re new to raw feeding, have been feeding your dog a raw diet for a while, or are simply “raw-curious,” it’s likely that you’ve heard a lot of objections about this form of canine cuisine. After all, we don’t eat raw meat, so why should our pets? In this blog post we debunk ten common misconceptions about raw dog food diets.
If you’re searching for the finest quality raw dog food available anywhere, look no further than Raw K9. Our complete beef meals, beef bundles, ultimate bundles and other products provide your best friend with a nutritious and delicious feast that will have them licking their bowl clean. Don’t believe us? Just hear what our loyals customers have to say. Read on to discover the truth behind ten popular raw feeding myths, then browse our products today!
Because harmful bacteria from raw meat can cause salmonella in humans, many people believe that the same is true for dogs. In reality, salmonella can only survive in higher pH conditions (4-8+) and requires at least 12 hours to reach incubation. Dogs’ stomachs have very high acidity (about pH 1) while their digestive system is very short. Therefore, any harmful bacteria from raw meat is soon killed when ingested by a dog and passed within 4-6 hours as waste.
While it is true that humans have undeniably changed dogs, we have only changed their external appearance and temperament, NOT their internal anatomy and physiology. In fact, dogs are so much like wolves physiologically that they are often used in wolf studies and as a physiological model for wolf bodily processes. According to Robert K. Wayne, Ph.D., "The domestic dog is an extremely close relative of the gray wolf, differing from it by at most 0.2% of mDNA sequence..." Even the Smithsonian Institute recently reclassified domestic dogs as Canis lupus familiaris, placing it in the same species as the gray wolf, Canis lupus.
Continuing the dog vs. wolf thought process from the previous myth, some people argue that dogs are not as efficient as wolves in digesting raw meat and bones due to weaker digestive enzymes from centuries of domestication. Yet, as discussed previously, dogs have nearly identical anatomies and physiologies to wolves.
In fact, it is highly processed, grain-based foods that have come to suppress dogs’ immune systems and cause an underproduction of the enzymes necessary to break down raw meaty bones. This does NOT mean, however, that dogs do not have those enzymes. Those enzymes are present in all dogs, and, once taken off of their kibble-based diet, they quickly return to proper working levels.
This one causes contention even among raw foodies. While all raw feeding proponents believe that dogs need raw meats, some also believe that dogs need fruits, vegetables, and supplements as well. For instance, the Prey Diet follows the philosophy that dogs are omnivores and only need to eat a diet of meat, offal (organs), and bones, while the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet contends that pets are omnivores and require fruits and vegetables as well. Choosing which diet you prefer for your canine is ultimately a matter of personal choice.
Kibbled dog foods have only been around for the last 60 years or so — way too short for an evolutionary adaptation to take place. So, what were dogs eating before the advent of kibble? Raw meat! Throughout much of history, cooked food was a precious commodity that very few people would waste on something like a dog, since, at the time, they had a much lower social status than they enjoy now. Before this? Wolf-dogs hunted with their masters and hung around nomadic camps, receiving whatever raw meat, bones, and offal were left over.
In fact, the very act of cooking meat destroys or alters many of its essential proteins, vitamins, fats, and minerals. This decreases their bioavailability, and is the reason why processed pet and home-cooked pet foods require the addition of supplements. Finding the right balance of vitamins and minerals is incredibly difficult, and often results in oversupplementation.
Technically, this one is true, with a caveat: all-meat diets are NOT balanced; you cannot feed your dog a diet of just meat and expect them to do fine. Your dog needs bones and organs as well to obtain all of the proper nutrients. At Raw K9, all of our complete beef meals and other raw mixes contain organs, bones, or an all-natural bone replacement blend to ensure a complete, optimally balanced meal.
This is false logic; dogs live longer today because of improved social status and medical care. For most of history, dogs were not considered to be the valued companions and family members that they are now. Instead, dogs were used merely to guard houses and/or gather livestock. Once they could no longer do their job, they were either retired or disposed of.
Today, dogs enjoy better, less taxing lives. They get to sleep inside with their owners, enjoy the latest advances in veterinary care, and be doted on by their loved ones. Nutrition has had a negligible role in increased longevity other than, perhaps, obstructing it; health problems previously unheard of in dogs — diabetes, cancer, IBS, arthritis, obesity, etc. — are now becoming prevalent due to processed food-related diseases
Dogs are natural hunters. They are, by nature, carnivorous. Both kibble-fed and raw-fed dogs may hunt and kill small prey, particularly if they are a breed with a higher drive to do so. Prey drive is determined by a combination of genetics, training, and behavior management — not diet.
No, nope, no way. In fact, toy breeds and small dogs need to eat bones more than most other kinds of dogs. The teeth of many small dogs are drastically overcrowded, making them more prone to periodontal disease — their bad breath is evidence of this fact! Periodontal disease can develop rapidly, spreading harmful bacteria to the rest of their body, including the heart, lungs, and brain.
The key to feeding a small dog a raw meat diet is properly sizing each meal. Steer clear of small bones that your dog could easily choke on, such as chicken wings, instead opting for mid-sized options like our bison patella bones. You will also want to avoid giving your small dog an entire slab of meat; instead, reach for one of our popular ground mixes or smaller whole proteins, such as our beef-stuffed quails.
At Raw K9, we know just how important it is to look after the welfare of your best friend, and just how devastating it can be when your dog suffers from allergies, skin issues, and other health problems. A raw diet can provide countless benefits to your dog, including improved digestion, a healthier skin and coat, better dental hygiene, a leaner build, and more. Browse our premium raw dog foods now to get started.
]]>It’s official — after a long, hard spring, summer is in full swing! Before heading out to the beach, barbecue, or your other favorite summertime activity, however, it’s important to take some time to consider your four-legged friend. Summer comes with some unique health and safety challenges for dogs. At RawK9, canine wellness is our number one priority; that’s why we’ve devoted this month’s blog to sharing some summertime safety tips for dogs.
If you’ve found your way to our blog, then you probably care about your dog’s nutrition, safety, and overall health. At RawK9, we create all-natural, high-protein raw dog food for conscientious pet owners like you to help ensure that you have as many joy-filled years as possible with your precious pup. Read on to learn how you can help keep your furry friend safe this summer, then browse our selection of raw dog food products made from USDA-sourced beef, duck, turkey, salmon, quail, and other humanely raised meats.
Unlike humans, dogs and other pets don’t sweat, meaning they get much hotter and much thirstier than we do when temperatures are high. One easy way to combat this is to keep your dog hydrated as much as possible throughout the summer months. Make sure that out on walks and other outings you have plenty of water with you, as well as a travel bowl, and watch out for telltale signs of dehydration such as dry gums, excessive panting, and lethargy.
Another easy way that you can keep your pet hydrated all summer long is switching to wet dog food, like the raw meat products that we offer here at RawK9. Wet dog food can significantly increase your dog’s fluid intake over feeding them kibble. If your dog will be transitioning to a raw dog food diet for the first time then make sure to check out our handy FAQ for some essential guidelines and advice.
The normal temperature range for a dog is between 100° and 103°F. Anything higher means that your pet is in danger of overheating, which can lead to serious, sometimes fatal complications. Make sure to keep an eye out for these possible symptoms of overheating:
If your pet shows any of these signs, move them indoors or to a cool, shaded place as soon as possible and give them plenty of water. Put a damp towel over them (don’t place them in cold water, as this can put their bodies in shock) and get them to the vet as soon as possible.
All it takes is 10 minutes of overheating for a dog to experience heat stroke and 15 minutes to suffer from permanent brain damage. While it may seem like keeping your dog in the car for just a few minutes while you run an errand is no big deal, this can prove to be a devastating and even deadly decision.
Furthermore, leaving your pet in your car can not only be dangerous for their health but also potentially illegal for you. There are currently laws in 16 states mandating that leaving a dog alone in a hot car can be cause for arrest. Don’t risk a night in the dog house; keep Fido home next time you need to run errands.
Did you know that, like humans, dogs can get sunburnt? Short- and light-haired dogs, especially, can suffer from painful and potentially cancer-causing sunburns when they spend a lot of time outdoors. If you plan to hit the beach another sunny spot with your best friend, make sure to apply sunscreen to their least hair-covered spots every 3-4 hours. Vulnerable areas include the belly, ears, and nose. Only use sunscreen made specifically for pets.
Paws are another part of your dog’s body that is sensitive to heat. Try to keep your pet off hot surfaces, like cement and asphalt to avoid burns, which not only hurt their paws but can also cause their whole body to overheat. Consider spraying your dog’s paws and stomach with water or rubbing these areas with a damp towel to help cool them down throughout the day or after walks. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest hours of the day (around noon); if this isn’t possible, then you may want to consider purchasing doggy boots.
Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites run rampant during the summer months. Not only are these pests just plain annoying, but they can also carry tapeworms, heartworms, Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, and other serious health issues. Keep your pet pest-free with parasite control products (natural options are available) and vigilant cleaning of your indoor space. Talk to your vet to learn more.
Keeping your best friend healthy and safe involves more than just caring for them during the hot summer months. It always requires that they have the wholesome, high-protein food they need to power through their days. With a raw dog food diet, your dog can enjoy improved digestion, healthier skin and fur, better dental hygiene, a more muscular build, and even improved behavior. To get started, browse our raw dog food products today. From our RawK9 family to yours, we hope you and all your four-legged friends have a safe, healthy, and happy summer!
]]>The topic of what exactly constitutes a healthy canine diet has long been a source of contentious debate among dog owners. There are those who swear by standard commercial pet food while others talk so often about their dog’s raw diet that people wonder what all the fuss is about! In this blog post, we tackle the raw versus dry dog food debate head-on, with the hopes of getting some valuable insight into how best to feed your four-legged friend.
Raw K9 is your source for fresh, high-quality raw dog food. All of our meals, packs, bundles, treats, and other dog foods are made from animals that were humanely raised and harvested in the United States at the peak of their health. Read on to learn why you should switch your dog from a dry to a raw dog food diet, then shop our assortment of nutritious and delicious doggy delights today!
If you’re new to the world of raw dog food, then welcome! You have come to the right place. At Raw K9 we are firm believers in the value of a raw dog food diet for improving the health and happiness of your canine companion.
A raw dog food diet is a diet that consists of, well, raw meat! This includes muscle meat, bones, organ meats such as livers and kidneys, and more. Raw dog food diets are based on evolutionary research that suggests that dogs thrive best by eating what canines ate before they were domesticated. The physical and mental health benefits of a raw dog food diet are manifold, and include shinier coats, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, higher energy levels, smaller stools, improved digestion, a leaner build, improved behavior, and more!
Often referred to simply as “dry food,” kibble is a form of commercially prepared dog food that consists mainly of processed grains. Kibble is often 60% carbohydrates or more, and consists of little moisture and low-quality protein, with the protein it does include being mostly plant-based.
Dry commercial kibble was introduced in response to the high cost of meat during the Great Depression. Today, it is used by more than 90% of canine caretakers since it is cheap and convenient. Like most things in life, however, when it comes to dog food, you get what you pay for.
The pet food industry has notoriously low standards for what can and cannot be included in commercial pet food, as we discussed in an earlier post. Many kibbles and other commercial dog foods contain 4D meats — meat sourced from animals that are dead, dying, diseased, or down. Eating food made from 4D meats can expose your dog to denaturing agents, harmful medications, and even the phenobarbital used to euthanize pets.
As cheap, convenient, low-quality kibble continues to rise in popularity, so does the rate of chronic ailments such as degenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancers in dogs. Many dog nutritionists believe that kibble is to blame, not only because it harbors harmful toxins, but also because it has very low nutritional value. Kibble consists mainly of “filler” ingredients, such as rice and other processed grains, which add calories to your dog’s diet yet no nutritional value. The result is canine obesity, diabetes, and other major health problems.
It’s not uncommon to face some pushback when telling people that you’re considering switching your dog to a raw diet. The truth, however, is that with high-quality raw meat products, like those we sell at Raw K9, a raw dog food diet is perfectly healthy and highly beneficial for your four-legged friend. Raw meat consists of all the vitamins and minerals that dogs need, thousands of different enzymes, and a full range of antioxidants, all in their natural form. Not to mention that dogs go wild for the taste!
Kibble has been around for approximately 60 years — a small drop in the bucket in the history of canines. If you care about your dog’s health and happiness, then we recommend switching them from kibble to a raw dog food diet. Your dog will enjoy a healthier, shinier coat, improved digestion, better dental hygiene, and so much more. Get in touch with the Raw K9 team today for any more questions you may have about the raw dog food versus kibble debate, and shop our products today!
]]>At Raw K9, we are proud participants in the Never Ever Beef program, meaning that all of the beef used in our products comes from animals that were never ever given any growth promotants, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at the Never Ever Beef program and why only choosing dog food made from Never Ever beef is essential for your best friend’s health.
The Never Ever program is a voluntary USDA standard program that was established in 2009 to indicate that a product’s meat is hormone-, GMO-, and antibiotic-free. While it does not address specific husbandry practices or access to pasture, all of the beef we use in our raw dog foods are not only Never Ever, but also 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised, and humanely harvested in the United States.
Growth promotants — sometimes referred to as “growth implants, “growth hormones,” or “steroids” — are hormones that are typically administered through a smell pellet placed under the skin on the back of an animal’s ear or through the animal’s feed. This is done to increase their feed efficiency. Feed efficiency refers to the ability of an animal to better use the nutrients in their food to gain weight. Thus, animals given growth promotants gain weight much more quickly than they would have naturally, allowing them to reach market weight for slaughter at a fast rate.
The two most common types of growth promotants are ractopamine and rbST. Ractopamine is associated with major health problems — including acute toxicity, carcinogenicity, cardiovascular effectives, and behavioral changes — in food-producing animals, as well as the humans and pets who eat their meat. The use of ractopamine is banned or highly regulated in many countries across the world, except for the United States.
Also known as “growth hormone,” rbST is a natural protein hormone that primarily works to increase milk production in cows. The use of rbST in cattle is very controversial, since it increases the risk of mastitis (a potentially fatal mammary gland infection) in dairy cows. It is also controversial for its effects on the humans and pets who eat rbST-fed beef, as some studies show that the hormone can influence the growth of tumors and may be linked to the development of prostate, colorectal, breast, and other cancers.
Antibiotic use in livestock is a widespread practice throughout the United States. Its controversy comes from its ability to promote drug-resistant bacteria (also known as “superbugs”) in humans and animals, which can pose serious, potentially fatal risks for both species. Treating livestock with antibiotics can lead to up to 90% of the medicine being excreted in their meat, thus passing on to whoever eats it. This in turn can lead to resistant bacteria colonizing the gut, causing infections which are not only unpleasant in themselves but also near-impossible to treat if they are serious enough to require antibiotics. While in 2017 the FDA strictly prohibited many antibiotics from being used for growth promotion or feed efficiency purposes, many pet food producers unfortunately continue this practice today.
The term “GMO” refers to any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. In terms of dog food, GMOs refer mostly to genetically modified plants that are used in livestock feed. Most of the GMOs being produced today are used for this purpose. GMOs are primarily created to resist certain pests, diseases, environmental conditions, spoilage, and herbicides. They also may improve the nutrient profile of certain crops.
The use of GMOs has produced ongoing controversy within the agricultural, bioethical, environmental, and consumer rights communities. One well-known risk of genetic modification is its introduction of allergens into animal feed, which can cause severe allergic reactions in humans and pets. GMOs may also cause toxicity — including hepatic, pancreatic, renal, and reproductive effects — in both the livestock being fed the genetically modified crops and the humans and pets who subsequently eat their meat. Lastly, GMOs may promote drug-resistant bacteria, since antibiotic-resistant genes are often used in the genetic engineering process.
At Raw K9, all of our raw beef products are always hormone-, antibiotic-, and GMO-free, because we never sell our customers products that we wouldn’t be happy to feed our own pets. Protect your dog's health with Raw K9.
]]>If you’re interested in canine nutrition, then you might have heard the term “4D meats” before in regards to certain types of dog foods. But what exactly are 4D meats and why should they concern you as a pet owner? In this article, we discuss the perils of buying dog food made from 4D meats and why a raw meat diet is a better alternative for your furry friend.
At Raw K9 we make all of our dog food using 100% grass-fed, USDA-certified, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef. The cattle we use were born, 100% pasture-raised and humanely harvested in the United States in the peak of their health. Our raw meat mixes always include the animals’ organs (livers, kidney, spleen, etc.), as they carry the highest concentration of nutritional value, ensuring that your dog gets all the benefits that a raw dog food diet can offer, such as improved digestion, a healthier coat, better dental hygiene, a leaner build, improved behavior, and more. Read on to learn more about the Raw K9 difference, then shop our products today!
The term “4D meats” refers to meat that was sourced from cattle who were dead, dying, diseased, or down. 4D animals are not slaughtered; they are animals found dead, dying, diseased, or down in the field, feedlot, or poultry lot. If not already deceased, they are euthanized. These animals are a 100% violation of the Food, Drug, and, Cosmetic Act, which states that they should not be included in any food, including dog food.
Dog food plants that use 4D meats are known as “rendering plants,” since they convert waste animal tissue into dog food. In addition to dead and dying cattle from meat processing plants, rendering plants have also been known to happily accept roadkill, dead zoo animals and, most shockingly, euthanized pets from animal shelters and veterinary clinics to include in their food.
Included with the carcasses in the rendering step are cattle ear tags, fly repellent, pet collars and ID tags, and packaging from expired grocery store meat.
As you can imagine, dog food sourced from 4D meats can be terrible for your dog’s health. Many 4D carcasses have cancerous tumors, worm-infested organs, and the like. In addition, eating 4D meats exposes your dog to denaturing agents, such as charcoal, fish meal, or chemical agents, which are all used to signify that the meat is of low-quality, and should not enter the human food chain. These denaturing agents can be very harmful to your dog.
Eating 4D meats can also expose your dog to harmful medications such as antibiotics, steroids, and the sodium pentobarbital used to euthanize animals in shelters, since none of these substances are neutralized during the rendering process. 4D meats often contain other chemicals with known risks, such as the preservatives ethoxyquin, BHA, and BHT.
Often, consumers are sold dog food made from 4D meats through what the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) deem “romance copy,” otherwise known as romance marketing. Romance copy attempts to “romance” the money out of our wallets through cute commercials and enticing images of steak or roasted chicken on the label, instead of the food’s actual ingredients. Since regulation of this kind of marketing is limited at best, nearly all major commercial dog food brands employ romance copy as a way of tricking consumers out of their hard-earned dollars. This is unethical, and often illegal. Companies are making millions of dollars in profits selling trusting consumers pet food made from animal sources that no animals should consume.
Ending the practices of animal rendering and romance marketing in dog food begins with you. As a pet food consumer, you can make your voice heard by choosing where to spend your money on feeding your four-legged friends.
Be on the lookout for words such as “inspected” — this does not necessarily mean “approved,” i.e. suitable for human consumption. All of the ingredients we use to create our Raw K9 dog food are human-grade, with the exception of a few ingredients that the USDA deems as “non-edible” for human consumption, such as the green tripe, trachea, lung, and spleen. However, these animal parts are perfectly safe for dogs and, in fact, highly nutritious and delicious.
The easiest way you can determine whether a pet food is healthy for your pet or not is by judging the manufacturer’s transparency. Reputable pet food brands will give a clear answer whether or not they use 4D meats and whether it’s human-grade. If companies seem dodgy about answering questions regarding their foods’ ingredients, this is a big red flag.
Pricing can also help you differentiate good pet foods from bad ones. Human-grade meats can be considerably more expensive than 4D meats, and many companies prioritize profits over honesty and your pet’s health. Some will even lie and say that their meat is human-grade when it is not. To determine the integrity of a pet food company, check how much the food costs. A low price tag is a surefire sign that a pet food is made from low-quality, often 4D meats. Pasture-raised, human-grade pet foods, on the other hand, often carry a higher price point. The difference in your dog’s nutrition, however, will be well worth the cost.
The best meats for dogs are those that have been naturally raised in a pasture and slaughtered humanely. All of the beef used to create our natural, hormone-, antibiotic-, preservative- and GMO-free dog food is 100% pasture-raised, grass-fed, and humanely harvested in the United States. We believe in only selling our customers products that we would be happy to feed our own pets. Shop our products now and experience the Raw K9 difference for yourself. Your best friend will thank you.
]]>The way that cattle are fed can have major impacts on their nutrition composition. As any dog nutritionist will tell you, grass-fed beef is significantly superior to grain-fed. In this blog post, we discuss why your dog should be eating food made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle.
At Rawk K9, all of our dog food is made from human-grade, USDA-certified hormone- and antibiotic-free beef sourced from cattle that were born, 100% pasture-raised, and humanely harvested in the United States in the prime of their health. Read on to learn why grass-fed beef, including our raw meals, bundles, mixes, and other products, offers your dog optimal nutritional value, then shop our products today!
A grass-fed diet is pretty self-explanatory; it refers to a diet fed to a ruminant (cow, bison, goat, lamb, or sheep) consisting of grass, legumes, browse, or cereal grain crops in the vegetative (pre-grain) state. Animals that are classified as “grass-fed” cannot be fed grain or grain byproducts and must have continuous access to a pasture during the growing season.
Cows may be grass-fed for most of their lives and then grain-fed for a short period of time before slaughter, however these cattle cannot have the grass-fed label, as outlined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). A label of “organic,” “prime,” “choice,” or “select” does not necessarily mean that the cattle was grass-fed. Simply put, if the beef does not contain the label “grass-fed” then it was grain-fed for at least some portion of its life.
Unlike grass-fed beef, grain-fed beef does not have any technical standard. Typically, all cows are born and spend the first portion of their lives in a pasture feeding on grass. After a certain period of time, which varies from farm to farm, they are then moved to a feedlot, also known as a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), or factory farm, and rapidly fattened with an unnatural diet based on corn and soy. To maximize growth, they are also often given drugs, such as antibiotics and growth hormones. From the feedlot, they are then slaughtered and turned into meat.
Grass-fed beef usually contains much less total fat than grain-fed beef, meaning that gram for gram, grass-fed beef contains fewer calories. The amounts of specific fatty acids vary as well.
Grass-fed beef contains up to five times as much omega-3 as grain-fed beef. Omega-3 fatty acids help support dogs’ hearts, joints, coasts, skin, and immune systems. In addition, grass-fed beef contains about twice as much Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) as grain-fed beef. CLA supports weight management and the development of lean muscle mass in dogs.
Both grass- and grain-fed beef contain high amounts of nutrients, such as vitamin B12, B3, B6, iron, selenium, and zin. Grass-fed beef, however, generally contains higher amounts of certain nutrients. These include vitamin A, which supports optimal canine health, and vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. Grass-fed beef tends to be richer in other antioxidants as well.
When you feed your dog Raw K9 raw dog foods, you can rest assured that you are providing them with 100% pasture-raised and grass-fed beef that is both nutritious and delicious. We only ever sell our customers products that we would be happy to feed to our own dogs. Browse our collection of raw dog foods now. Many of our products feature not only humanely harvested beef, but also duck, salmon, lamb, rabbit, and other scrumptious, healthy delights.
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