Raw Benefits
in Depth
Can cats and dogs eat raw meat?
Have you thought about changing your cat or dog’s processed diet with a raw alternative? But are you unsure whether you can feed your cat or dog raw meat? You can, and transitioning your cat or dog to a raw diet can be a transformative and beneficial choice for their overall health and well-being.
However, it is natural to have questions and uncertainties about making this shift. Rest assured, cats and dogs are biologically designed to consume raw meat, and there are numerous advantages to embracing raw feeding. Learn about them here where we take a deep dive in to some of the benefits.
We have all seen dogs and cats with plaque and bad breath but we may not have associated this with their diet of kibble and/or canned food. People generally believe that because their pets have to chew their kibble, they are cleaning their teeth at the same time. This approximates to us feeding our children hard biscuits and looking for the benefits!!
It is a fact that around 80% of domesticated cats and dogs suffer from periodontal disease requiring veterinary intervention at an early age. Recreational bones will give your dog an enjoyable time, but provide no benefits to removing plaque. Your dog should be eating raw meaty bones that he has to chew through, thus scraping the plaque from the teeth and providing a gum massage which increases circulation.
Nutriment’s adult range contains finely ground bone (apart from the beef and Just Tripe) and this acts like a scourer in removing any built up plaque.
Any dog or cat that exhibits the signs of periodontal disease, i.e., commonly known as ‘dog breath’ is in danger of this causing systemic problems in the body due to the constant presence of bacteria in their system. You will be truly amazed at the difference in your pet’s oral health after trying Nutriment for a few weeks.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats have a very short digestive system which deals with their food intake quickly and effectively, greatly reducing the threat of bacteria. Thus, when we feed the heavily processed meat, grains and fillers, the dog’s digestive system is not built to deal with this. They do not have the digestive enzyme amylase which is required to digest grains. The pancreas is then put under a huge strain, working overtime to break down the foods the body is not designed to deal with.
Because dry food absorbs the moisture from the gut this can lead to diarrhoea and long term bowel problems. Chronic dehydration from years of eating a dry diet can contribute to crystals and kidney disease. By feeding a species appropriate diet of raw meat, bones and organs, the digestive system works with the food they are designed to eat and does not become worn out by years of over-exertion.
Because raw meat, bones and pureed vegetables are digested more completely than cooked grains and meat, this means less waste. The stools will be smaller, fewer and harder as well as less odourous. If left out in the sun for a few days, they will generally turn to dust.
The difference in your pet’s coat will show within two weeks on a raw diet. It will become softer, shinier and very silky. Animals will often detox through their skin, culminating in a greasy, smelly coat. On a raw diet, this noxious smell will disappear.
It is a sad fact that in recent years, more and more pets are showing signs of skin allergies. The grains, fillers, dyes and preservatives in a commercial dry diet can culminate in this type of allergy. Pets may also become allergic to different types of proteins as well. However, it is possible that they may be allergic to a cooked meat, but not in the raw form.
Many pets suffer with severe itching all their lives and will then be treated by their vet with antibiotics and steroids, when a cure may be as simple as switching to a biologically appropriate diet.
Arthritis and bone disease can be caused by genetics, but in the main, are largely due to an inappropriate diet, high in carbohydrates and low in essential fatty acids. It has been found that diets high in essential fatty acids and omega fatty acids, decrease the inflammation and ease the pet’s suffering. Raw diets are full of these nutritional benefits.
Bone disease begins with puppies and kittens. When puppies are grown too fast, they will begin to experience structural problems. Many kibble diets are often too high in calories and certain minerals which can cause rapid growth spurts and uneven growth. This can potentially lead to joint disease such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Your dogs fed a raw biologically appropriate diet tend to grow more slowly and steadily without the growth spurs and uneven bone growth.
By giving your pet raw meaty bones to chew, you are providing great exercise for the jaw, neck, forearms and shoulders. It will keep your pet’s teeth clean and white with no plaque build-up and the exercise the dog receives will be very relaxing and is a great stress reliever.
This is probably the most notable benefit. Preventative medicine is a common phrase these days, nutrition being the cornerstone to health and vitality for every species.
What are dogs and cats meant to eat?
Dogs are omnivores, which means that their nutritional needs are met by both plant- and meat-based food. Meat is an important part of a dog’s diet. However, they can also get nutrients from fruits and vegetables, for example.
Cats, on the other hand, are carnivores, which means eating raw meat is a large part of their natural diet. Vegetables mostly consist of carbs and fibre, which are not nutritionally appropriate for felines. Instead, your cat mainly needs fat and protein.
Despite belonging to different classifications, both cats and dogs can benefit from a diet of raw meat, and at Nutriment, we offer raw diets for both animals. The formulas vary so that they specifically suit the two animals’ needs. This means that recipes for dogs are based on different types of meat while also containing vegetables such as:
- Fresh broccoli
- Fresh green curly kale
- Fresh carrots
- Fresh butternut squash
On the contrary, our recipes for cats mainly consist of meat, such as beef, chicken, and rabbit, but they also include superfoods like spirulina and salmon oil. This goes for our raw dog food diet as well.
What are the benefits of raw food for dogs and cats?
Choosing raw feeding for both dogs and cats brings numerous benefits to their overall health and well-being. Firstly, raw feeding provides pets with a biologically appropriate diet, closely resembling what they would consume in the wild. This means that there are no artificial ingredients, fillers, or grains in the recipes that can cause digestive discomfort for the animal.
Raw food for dogs and cats contains unprocessed ingredients that are rich in essential nutrients, making them highly digestible and bioavailable for your pets. These essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals ensure optimal nutrition for their specific dietary needs. As a result, this raw diet can promote healthier digestion, improve coat condition, increase energy levels, and enhance immune function.
Additionally, raw feeding may help alleviate common issues like allergies, gastrointestinal problems, and dental concerns. Raw feeding has been linked to enhanced dental health, as chewing on raw bones and meat helps to clean teeth and prevent plaque build-up.
Furthermore, feeding your dog or cat raw food can alleviate allergies, intolerances, and digestive issues, as it does not contain additives and other ingredients causing discomfort and common allergens. Since raw diets eliminate the presence of fillers, additives, and artificial ingredients, pets are less likely to develop sensitivities or allergies triggered by these substances.
Overall, raw feeding is a natural approach that supports the vitality of dogs and cats, making sure your four-legged friend gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients that he or she needs. And once you have changed your dog or cat’s diet from commercial pet food to raw recipes, you might witness your best friend’s overall health improve.
Choose hypoallergenic raw food
Choosing raw food can be incredibly beneficial for cats and dogs with allergies. Our raw food diets are hypoallergenic, which means that the recipes do not contain common allergens, such as grains, artificial additives, and fillers, often found in processed pet foods. Instead, it provides a natural and nutrient-rich alternative that supports their overall health and well-being.
Even if your cat or dog does not have allergies, opting for a raw food diet, pet owners can avoid ingredients that can trigger allergies and intolerances in their furry friends. By selecting hypoallergenic raw food, you can ensure that your beloved companion receives the nourishment he or she needs while minimising the risk of allergic reactions.
Avoid grains and gluten when raw feeding
With raw feeding, you avoid bulking agents like grains and gluten. Grains, such as wheat, corn, and oats, contain a protein called gluten, which can cause allergies in some dogs. By opting for a raw meat diet, you can eliminate the risk of these allergies altogether.
Grains are usually added to dog food for carbohydrates, but at Nutriment, we use other ingredients to ensure that your dog gets enough energy from its food. Raw feeding allows you to provide a more natural and biologically appropriate diet for your four-legged friend, free from any potential allergens or irritants.
Raw diets for sensitive skin and stomachs
Allergies can cause symptoms such as sensitive skin and a sensitive stomach. Skin issues might be sores, rashes, or flaking skin, and stomach issues might be constipation, gas, diarrhoea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing, besides overall discomfort for the animal.
The absence of potentially irritating ingredients often found in commercial pet foods can help alleviate digestive issues and promote overall gut health. Moreover, Nutriment's commitment to using high-quality, raw ingredients ensures that pets with sensitive skin can benefit from a diet that minimises the risk of allergies and skin irritations. Instead, your dog or cat can get a natural and balanced meal that is gentle on their sensitive stomachs as well as their skin.
Raw dog food and cat food can benefit oral health
Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to prolonged suffering for your dog or cat, along with significant veterinary expenses for you. The culprit behind these issues can be acid-producing bacteria that thrive in your dog or cat’s mouth, primarily fuelled by starches found in carbohydrates. These bacteria live in plaque on the teeth, and it is the acid they produce that gradually erodes tooth enamel, causing teeth to rot and resulting in bad breath.
This cycle can progress to the accumulation of harmful bacteria, eventually leading to gum disease and potential tooth loss. It is essential to recognise that cats and dogs were never evolutionarily adapted to subsist on a carbohydrate-heavy diet. And for wild dogs and cats, tooth loss could mean the end of an animal's ability to survive and reproduce.
Feeding your pet a low-carbohydrate raw diet, such as the ones Nutriment offers, can play a crucial role in maintaining clean and healthy teeth – eliminating bad breath and reducing the risk of dental problems. By opting for a diet more in line with their natural evolutionary needs, you are helping to ensure the well-being and longevity of your beloved pet.
Try raw treats for allergic cats or dogs
Raw treats serve as the perfect supplement for dogs and cats following a raw diet, ensuring they receive all the essential nutrients they need, even when it comes to snacks. This way, you can make sure that your dog or cat is fed with natural and raw ingredients all the way through, giving them a complete and balanced nutrition.
At Nutriment, we offer a wide range of raw treats carefully crafted with high-quality ingredients and free from common allergens such as grains, artificial additives, and preservatives. For example, you can get natural treats, such as chicken wings, fish twists, and liver chews, making it easy for you to find your dog or cat’s favourite flavour.
With Nutriment's raw treats, pet owners can rest assured that their furry friends are getting optimal nutrition – even if they have allergies – seeing as our natural treats are hypoallergenic as well. You can feel confident that you are providing your furry friends with the best care, promoting their overall health, and ensuring that they enjoy every moment of their treat time.
Try Nutriment’s raw food diet
So, to answer the question, “Can dogs and cats eat raw meat?” – yes, they can. In fact, there are multiple benefits of a raw meat-based diet, and if you are looking to give your best friend the best possible nutrition, look no further than Nutriment's raw food diet.
With a wide range of options available for both cats and dogs, Nutriment offers a variety of raw diets that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Our selection of recipes is based on human-grade ingredients, superfoods, and high-quality protein. And whether your cat craves chicken or your dog delights in duck, Nutriment has the perfect raw food diet to keep them happy and healthy.
