Nutrition Services in Kingston: What to Know About Raw Food Diets for Pets
You’ve probably heard of the Paleo diet for humans. It advocates a return to an evolutionarily appropriate meal plan. Dogs and cats have their version of the Paleo diet, called the raw food diet. It was first popularized by an Australian veterinarian, Ian Billinghurst, in the early 1990s. If you’re curious about the raw food diet for your dog or cat, talk to your veterinarian at vet clinics Kingston before making the transition.
At Grah Kingston, we are
providing quality Nutrition service in Kingston. We
are known as one of the best dogs & cat Nutrition vet clinics in Kingston
open 7 days a week.
Overview of the Raw Food Diet
for Pets
There are different versions of
the raw food diet, but the most recognizable one is Dr. Billinghurst’s BARF
diet. It stands for biologically appropriate raw food, or bones and raw food.
The BARF diet eliminates all grains from pets’ diets. There are slight
differences, depending on whether the BARF diet is intended for dogs or cats,
but the basic food groups in it are:
·
Muscle meat
·
Bones
·
Organ meats
·
Raw eggs
·
Small amounts of vegetables
·
Small amounts of fruits
·
Minimal dairy
Potential Benefits of Raw Food
Many pet parents turn to the raw
food diet after their beloved canines or felines were diagnosed with medical
issues. Some of them say they’ve noticed a positive change in their pets’
health, and that pets without medical conditions also seem to thrive on this
dietary approach. Some of the benefits that proponents attribute to BARF
include:
·
Reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease
·
Shinier coat and healthier skin
·
Smaller, less odoriferous stools
·
High energy
Potential Risks of Raw Food
However, most veterinarians at
vet clinics Kingston and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remain
skeptical about the raw food diet. They point out that raw meat contains
bacteria and may contain parasites. It could pose a risk to animals and their
human companions. There’s also a potential risk of nutritional deficiencies or
imbalances. Another risk is the possibility that the whole bones could cause
choking, broken teeth, or intestinal perforation. The bottom line? Talk to a
vet at vet clinics Kingston to find out how to safely transition your pet’s
diet if you’re concerned that the current food isn’t adequate.
Here at Gardiners Road
Animal Hospital, we bring together evidence-based medicine and a compassionate,
individualized approach. One of our veterinarians in Kingston will be happy to
discuss your pet’s nutritional services needs with you.
Pet owners are welcome to visit
our Animal Hospital in Kingston. Ongoing
proper nutrition services in Kingston, leading to optimum health and
performance is an important goal for every pet owner.