As feeding raw is a relatively new concept when compared to the 150+ years that commercial wet and dry diets have been around, it comes with a healthy share of myths and misinformation that may put owners off giving it a try. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common concerns when it comes to feeding raw to help you make an informed decision on the best diet for you and your dog.
It’s all too confusing!
The beauty of feeding raw is that it can be as simple or as involved as you wish, available in either as 100% complete (meaning nothing needs to be added), or as complementary meats, if you want more control on the exact ingredients. We've recently launched our own range of raw recipes - Honest Raw aims to make feeding raw just as easy as any other food - it’s 100% complete and ready to defrost and serve as is, with all the nutrient rich ingredients that make raw food unique. Just pop it in the fridge overnight and it’s ready to go! Plus it stays fresh for up to 4 days if kept refrigerated.
Is feeding bone dangerous?
Cooked bones are brittle and easily splinter, which is where issues can occur, but this is not the case with raw bones. Honest Raw contains ground bone, so there is no need to add whole bones to your dog’s diet if you don’t want to. That being said, as long as you are able to supervise your dog while they are chewing, and provide them with bones that are large enough for them not to swallow whole (think great dane + chicken wing - not such a good idea!), they can be a fantastic source of nutrients and help to maintain good dental health, as well as being a fun and delicious occasional treat, of course!
Is raw more expensive?
All dog foods can vary in price and raw is no exception, ranging from budget-friendly to something a bit more lavish! Honest Raw is prepared with fresh, quality, local ingredients, using ethically sourced meat from UK farms. We want everybody to be able to see the difference that feeding raw could make to their dog, so we’ve kept our price as low as possible by using simple packaging and working directly with the manufacturer to cut out any unnecessary costs.
Can my dog get worms from eating raw food?
It is very unlikely that the meat would contain worms in the first place, but any parasite that could be present will be killed in the process of freezing.
Can my dog get ill from eating raw meat?
Dog digestive systems are very different to our own, as they have evolved to consume raw meat and easily tolerate a level of bacteria in what they eat. Certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases can make dogs more susceptible to bacteria in their diet, but healthy dogs will not get ill from a raw dog food diet.
All food - raw, wet or dry - must be managed in line with the UK and European food safety legislation, and as part of this, raw food is tested to ensure that the levels of bacteria in it are safe. That being said, always ensure normal hygiene precautions are taken when handling raw meat and picking up poos!
Written by: Jessica
