Raw
IainE
Glasgow
Hi, I just want to know is it ok to feed my bully kibble with his raw diet? Ive had mixed comments from alot of folk. But, still unsure. Ive heard that it can give them an upset stomach.
Comments
There's nothing at all wrong with Raw Meat diets but just understand that about 90% of those feeding their dog raw diets only they have no clue how to appropriately balance their daily food in order for it to be considered a "Well balanced" diet. I often see people taking photos of their dog's food bowl with some raw meats in it that they proudly post of Facebook as if they are doing their dog a favor by avoiding kibble. However, it's easy to see the food they provided their dog in the bowl lacks many important elements that a dog needs on a daily basis. Again, feeding raw only is not easy to maintain proper balance.
Many are under the impression that raw meats are going to provide higher levels of protein of other nutritional elements. However, when comparing raw meat to a good quality 5 star food you'll be quick to realize they use meat "meal". As an example look at the nutritional value of Victor - https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/victor-grain-free/ . On this particular version of victor the first ingredient is Beef. Beef meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh beef. Looking at the rest of the natural ingredients you'll note that this food touches base on all the areas of nutrition that is optimal for a "Well Balanced" diet. Yes, it's easy for some people to throw a chicken leg and an egg in a food bowl and think they are doing their dog a favor but this is far from true.
In short - Yes, have no fear of providing raw meats to your Bullie along with their kibble. Dogs love raw meats and mixing up their diet from time to time is good for their digestive system.
https://bulliesofnc.com/bull-terrier-nutrition/
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
From my experience, I know that balancing a raw diet is not rocket science. But it does for sure not end at a chicken leg and a cracked egg.
While it can never hurt to know about nutrition in general, owners who want to feed raw need to gather extra knowledge about the nutritional needs of a dog. They need to know about the impact of carbs from different sources, they need to know the difference between animal and plant protein, about the calcium-phosphorus-ratio, vitamin and mineral contents of ingredients, know about supplements ... and that is just part of the entire story.
But circling back to where this post started, one thing is for sure: Feeding raw does not necessarily put on muscle or fat automatically. That very much depends on the composition. Feeding more protein can put on muscle, but if it is a high quality protein it does not matter if it is being consumed in the form of kibble or raw.
If a dog gains weight and becomes lazy either the feeding schedule could be off or the dog is simply eating MORE calories than its body can burn.
It's as simple as that.
Although maybe not true for EVERY dog, generally speaking dogs should rest a little after feeding. That is a natural thing. Too much activity right after a meal can even lead to very painful and dangerous stomach torsion. Some dogs take that rest naturally while others don't have that kind of "inner control". I don't know about your dog but maybe that's what you're noticing as "lazy".
Kibble takes the lead when it comes to the dog feeling full longer simply because sits in the stomach hours longer than raw. Nothing bad in itself, can also be an advantage. Just important and useful to know the difference.
Another reason for a dog to gain weight could be the "wrong" composition of the food or the dog is simply either eating too much in general or not getting enough exercise to burn all the calories it gets.
The balance of raw food can be off in many directions, one being too fatty. While dogs can eat more fat than humans, especially when they are well exercised, too much of this high calorie ingredient can quickly push the boundaries.
Lots of fat equals many calories in a small amount of food.
Now, just cutting back on the portions may not be the perfect solution because it could leave the dog feeling hungry all the time. This is only one of several reasons why it is a good idea to also introduce fiber rich ingredients such as veggies into the equation of a raw diet. The veggies deliver less calories, but bulk up the portions and deliver fiber for digestive regulation.
Now, here comes the next issue: Introduce too much of the veggies and the dog could again start to feel hungry all the time even though it is eating huge portions (btw. also resulting massive stools and sometimes other issues), just because the veggies do not deliver enough energy.
Like Steve already mentioned: Raw is not just about feeding meat.
I recommend to search for BARF and read around.
There's a lot to learn out there.
I have learned a lot and would still not consider myself an expert.
But once the knowledge grows I am sure that the realization that raw does not necessarily make a dog strong or fat or lazy will come on its own as well.
Until then - as Steve suggested - a good quality kibble in the right amount might be the best intermediate solution.
If you do not know how to assess if your dog has the correct weight or is over- or underweight there are lots of charts, such as this one, to be found on the internet, explaining that pretty well:
http://www.reducepetbegging.com/Themes/RoyalCaninUSMarketing/LandingPageThemes/ReducePetBegging/Images/dog.jpg
If you notice that your dog is overweight put it on a lower calorie diet until it gets close to its ideal weight.
Don't fall for blaming it flat on a raw diet.
After years of trying and trying my conclusion is most dog food has grains and BTs don't do well on it.
Dave O