Raw Feeding Week Has Arrived!

The Raw Food Movement

In response to the poor foods available for dogs, a movement to find better feeding options began. The most beneficial of these feeding options is the Raw Food Diet, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF).

What is the BARF diet?

The BARF diet aims to mimic the ancestral diet of wild dogs and consists of raw meats, bones, liver and other organ meats, and fruits and vegetables. Fresh, wild and organic, the BARF diet supplies dogs with all the necessary nutrients without any of the mystery ingredients found in commercial kibble. Additional benefits include:

Strong Teeth and Bones

• Unnatural ingredients and sugars found in commercial kibble increase the chance of tartar buildup and dental decay. While humans brush their teeth daily, this was not an option for wild dogs. Gnawing on raw bones, however, naturally kept doggie teeth clean and free of plaque and tartar! The calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine and other nutrients found in raw bones also improve your dog’s bone health.

Healthier Skin

• Dogs that suffer from allergies and dermatitis will benefit from a raw diet as it does not contain any of the additives and high grain content found in kibble. Proponents of the BARF diet claim to see a quick reduction in their pet’s itchy, red and inflamed skin. Hair loss, ear infections, and other common skin issues can also be reduced or eliminated with the nutritious benefits of a raw diet.

Shiny Coat

• The omega fats and high protein content found in raw diet recipes are responsible for promoting coat health. Dogs thrive on a raw diet and their fur will be soft, manageable and wonderfully shiny!

Fewer Digestive Issues

• Watery stools, constipation, vomiting, and low appetite are common digestive issues that dogs experience when fed a kibble diet. Many ingredients found in commercial dry foods are hard for your dog to digest and can even cause malabsorption of essential nutrients. Switching to the BARF introduces foods that your dog’s digestive system was designed for. When feeding raw, expect a reduction or elimination of previous digestive concerns.

High Energy Levels

• As mentioned above, the unnatural and unnecessary ingredients in dry kibble take a toll on your dog’s digestive system. Constant digestive issues can lead to a reduction in energy levels. Many BARF feeders report increased energy levels and improved stamina in their healthy, happy pups.

Healthy Weight

• Dogs struggling to maintain a healthy weight will also benefit from a raw diet. BARF recipes are high in lean proteins and do not contain any unnecessary grains or additives, which helps keep your dog trim.

How to Feed Your Dog the Raw Food Diet

Any diet change should happen slowly, so take your time when introducing raw foods to your dog. You can choose to either prepare meals at home yourself or purchase pre-packaged raw food meals. If you decide to prepare at home, be sure to do your research and meet with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure you are covering all of your dog’s nutritional requirements.

If you’re interested in the benefits of a raw diet for your dog but not sure where to start, Wag N' Wash has plenty of products that can help you make the switch.

• Bone Broth Hydrators
• Nutritious Toppers: goats milk, stews, and shredded meats
• Dehydrated Raw Kibble
• Frozen or Freeze Dried Patties and Nuggets
• Raw Treats: frozen bones and nuggets
• Healthy Supplements

Any questions or concerns you may have about feeding raw can be answered by our incredibly knowledgeable staff. Feel free to stop in and browse our selection of quality raw foods, and be sure to bring your four-legged pal along!