Most dog owners have heard of the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet or Bones and Raw Food diet). This is a diet first developed by Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billingshurst in the early part of 1990.
The goal of feeding raw foods, which includes raw meat, raw bones, vegetables and fruit to dogs in specific ratios, is overall digestibility and nutrition benefits. This is designed to replicate the natural foods that dogs, and their relatives the wolves, eat in the wild. Cats, which can also benefit from a raw diet, do not need the fruits or vegetable elements to the diet as they are what is known as obligate carnivores and need to eat meat to survive.
There have been multiple studies provided on the benefits of feeding natural raw dog food. Many of the top vets, breeders and animal nutritionists in New Jersey recommend a balanced raw food regime for both dogs and cats. In just a short period of time, many dog owners have noticed dogs of all ages, and all breeds and activity levels start to have the following changes.
Higher Energy Levels
Kibble and other types of processed dog food contain a lot of ingredients and additives that are not natural to a dogs diet. When feeding natural raw dog food, all of these additives and chemicals are removed from the food, providing a higher level of nutrition that is more easily used by the body.
This is similar to someone who eats a lot of meals out or buys mostly processed and pre-packaged meals. Upon switching to cooking at home and eating natural fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, all types of beneficial changes occur, including increased energy levels.
Healthy Skin and Coat
Without all the chemicals, additives and other artificial ingredients, dog owners in New Jersey will definitely notice a change in their pet’s coat and skin. The skin will stay naturally moist and healthy, with much less scratching and licking.
The coat also becomes shiny, strong and healthy, which means less shedding or faster seasonal shedding, another important benefit of feeding natural raw dog food.
