Fresh Food Diet for Dogs

Proponents of fresh food diets for dogs believe that these types of diets may reduce allergies and other health conditions. The dog food industry has been criticized for its use of artificial ingredients, cheap fillers and incidences of disease outbreaks, leading many people to choose fresh food diets instead.

History

The origins of raw food diet are unknown but the Bones And Raw Food (BARF) is one of the earliest and most widely used fresh food diets for dogs, having been around since the early 1980s. The diet advises feeding dogs a combination of raw meat, eggs, meaty bones, vegetables and a small amount of regular dog food. It was developed by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, an Australian veterinarian.

Dietary Needs

According to the National Academies Research Council, research has shown that an adult dog's daily macronutrient intake should be around 50 percent from carbohydrates, a minimum of 5.5 percent from fats and a minimum of 10 percent from protein. Calorie needs differ widely: a 90-pound adult active dog should eat around 2,100 calories per day; a 50-pound adult active dog should eat around 1,300 calories per day; and a 10-pound adult active dog should only eat around 400 calories each day.

Health Benefits

While research on the efficacy of fresh food diets is scant, some people find that a fresh food diet can help alleviate issues such as seizures, digestive disorders, allergies, skin problems, chronic ear infections and arthritis, according to an article on DogAware.com. A benefit of a fresh food diet is that you know exactly what you are feeding your dog--some dog food companies use artificial ingredients that have not been widely tested. Processed foods may contain growth hormones and antibiotics, the effects of which are unknown.

The Dog Food Industry

Pet foods are sometimes recalled due to outbreaks of Salmonella and other pathogens, which can cause injury or death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs and cats that become ill from Salmonella generally have symptoms like diarrhea or vomit that may contain blood or mucus; can often be more tired than usual; and may exhibit symptoms of fever.

Types of Foods

When deciding upon fresh foods to feed your dog, it's important to feed your pet a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Choose cooked carbohydrates like whole grain pasta, brown rice, oats and barley. Choose meats such as chicken, turkey, lamb, liver and fish. Talk to your veterinarian about whether you should feed your pet cooked versus raw meats, because there are differing opinions about which is healthiest for dogs. Pour some safflower oil or fish oil on your pet's food to add a healthy dose of fats. Lastly, puree fruits and vegetables such as carrots, berries, apples, broccoli, peas and beans for your dog.