Dr Nicole Rous has shared a video on the topic of whether or not all dog breeds can be fed a raw diet – and the answer may surprise you. There are some things pet owners need to know
A veterinarian has issued advice to dog owners who feed their pets raw food. There are some vital things you need to know about their eating habits.
Dr Nicole Rous emphasized that, while any dog breed can potentially be on a raw diet, it's important to proceed with caution and understand the reasons behind this. There are some rules our animals need to follow but, it's important to remember, this is just one expert's advice.
She explained: “Some breeds are more sensitive to certain proteins than others. For example, commonly Cavoodles I see reactions to chicken and beef, so they might not be the first proteins that I'd choose, or I might not want to choose to be a big part of their diet.
“And then the other thing is just remembering every breed or every dog has a different energy requirement, so some are sedentary and others are really active and sporting dogs, so they might need more or they might need leaner proteins or fattier proteins, but absolutely every dog can be fed raw.”
Her video on the subject sparked an online debate among pet parents, with one offering: “Definitely not breed specific. Balanced correctly, raw is fantastic for optimal health and longevity.”
Another observed an allergy trend, writing: “Seems to be a common occurrence that chicken sets German Shepherds' allergies off too.”
Meanwhile, a third also added: “My Shar Pei vomits after having any raw meat.”
Can dogs eat raw meat?
While dogs can consume raw meat, it's not recommended to limit their diet to just that. The trend of raw food diets for pooches has gained traction, possibly because owners want to mimic a dog's natural wild diet.
Yet, feeding dogs mostly raw meat might not cut it for a well-rounded diet, especially for growing pups with specific nutritional needs. Older dogs, too, might struggle with raw diets due to weaker immune systems and delicate tummies. Cooking the meat can aid in digestion.
Still, some experts are against raw meat for dogs altogether. As petMD points out: “Dogs are natural carnivores that can digest raw meat, but that doesn't necessarily mean raw meat is good for them.
“Uncooked meat can harbor harmful bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, which cause foodborne illnesses that can make your dog very sick.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and animal nutrition experts do not recommend feeding a raw food diet for dogs. Instead, choose a regular balanced dog food diet that contains all the nutrients needed to keep your pet healthy.
“That said, if your dog eats a small amount of raw meat that falls on the floor while you're cooking, they'll likely be fine. But even a small amount of E. coli or Salmonella can be harmful, so monitor your pup for signs of illness and call the vet if you have concerns.”
Before introducing any new food to your pooch, especially human snacks, it's smart to have a chat with your vet. Every dog is unique, and can react to certain foods in different ways.
Take into account their age, past health, existing conditions and what they usually eat. If your dog is on a prescription diet, they should avoid anything not included in their specific eating plan.
