By Brigitte Smith

photo by exfordy

Animals have lived for centuries in the wild, thriving on the most organic and simplest of fare, so why should today be any different? Unless they evolved to take on opposable thumbs to start operating stoves and ovens it would be safe to say that our canines are still meant to eat food in its most natural state. A raw dog food diet (sometimes referred to as the BARF diet) is one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy and strong.

Raw dog food is easy to prepare – you don’t even have to cook anything, that’s the point. Cut up chicken necks, backs and legs complete with the skin to provide the fat and calcium that are beneficial to the dog. Mix in fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cucumber with raw meat or any organ meat. Chop the bones and the other ingredients into small pieces to prevent any danger of the animal choking on his food.

As you make his meals, always make sure to include grains and fruits in his dog supplies. Fresh fruits particularly supply antioxidants that will aid in keeping your pet from certain diseases. Season meals with herbs and spices that will make the food more interesting to eat for the canine. Garlic is an excellent healthy ingredient but do not overdo it. Too much of this pungent bulb can be the cause of digestive problems for the poor animal.

Walking your dog gives him opportunity to feed on the grass that cover the park and line most homes. If he does, let him go ahead and munch on these blades. Grass actually cleanse the canine’s colon and will help in proper elimination of undigested food in the doggie’s digestive tract.

One of the most obvious benefits of giving your pet a diet of raw food is a set of white teeth and them having fresh breath – better than their commercial pet food fed buddies at least. This is thanks to the enzymes found in natural food as well as lessened amount of toxins. It is these toxins that get stuck between their teeth that cause bad breath.

Another good reason to switch to this all raw diet is the decrease in the quantity of poop the dog makes; and the smell of it is not as bad as it used to be. You can determine through the appearance of the stool, how to improve the diet of the canines. If the stool looks too soft, you need to put in more bones to the meals. On the other hand, if the stool is too hard, raise the amount of vegetables you serve in his meals.

Perhaps the best thing about this is that you won’t need a lot of dog supplies – but the advantages are considerable. Imagine wounds and allergies healing faster, their coats are shinier, their stamina and energy levels are higher, among others. If not for the regular check-ups, your vet might be calling you because he misses seeing your pet. Transition your pet from processed to natural food gradually but begin as soon as you are able – you will not regret it.