Feeding raw meat to dogs: myths and facts
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As the popularity of feeding raw meat to dogs increases, so does the amount of misinformation about it. Some of the information becomes entrenched myths, passed down from mouth to mouth and becoming almost facts. How do you avoid getting lost in the endless stream of information and separate myths from facts? Here we will review the key myths - we hope you will find it useful.
Myth: Feeding raw meat is not a balanced diet.
Fact: Responsible, BARF-based feeding of raw meat to dogs is a balanced diet. Of course, if you just give your dog a piece of beef ham or chicken breast, he will definitely not get all the necessary nutrients, but by feeding a variety of meat, bone meat, organs, vegetables and berries, your dog will get all the substances and elements he needs.Myth: Dogs fed raw meat become aggressive towards humans.
Fact: Feeding a balanced diet of raw meat does not cause aggressive behavior. However, feeding an improperly balanced diet that lacks the essential amino acid tryptophan can negatively affect serotonin in the brain. One of the symptoms of a deficiency in this amino acid can be aggressive behavior. Therefore, we emphasize once again that when feeding raw meat, it is extremely important to have a responsibly balanced diet that does not lack any essential substances and elements.Myth: Dogs fed raw meat tend to hunt other animals and birds.
Fact: Dogs are natural hunters. Some breeds are more prone to hunting prey, while other breeds may never hunt. The food a dog is fed does not affect their hunting and prey instincts. It is determined by genetics and obedience training.Myth: Eating raw meat can transmit salmonella bacteria.
Fact: Salmonella can only survive in a high pH environment (4-8 and above), and its incubation period is more than 12 hours. Hydrochloric acid in a dog's stomach acts as a protective enzyme against bacteria, including salmonella. A dog's stomach is a very acidic environment (its pH is about 1), and its digestive system is short and simple. After ingestion, salmonella bacteria are killed and eliminated within 4-6 hours. During such a short digestion time, salmonella bacteria do not have time to survive in the dog's body.Myth: Cooked meat is better for dogs than raw meat.
Fact: Cooking meat destroys a large part of the proteins, vitamins, fats, and minerals that are essential for dogs. It is true that certain nutrients are released when meat is cooked, but the benefits of raw meat to a dog's body are undeniable.Myth: Large and giant breed puppies should not be fed raw meat as it will affect their growth.
Fact: Large and giant breed puppies are no different from other puppies. They, like other breeds, need to grow proportionately slowly to avoid joint and bone problems. Maintaining a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio is crucial here, but this does not mean that they cannot be fed a balanced BARF diet during the growth period.So, a responsibly balanced BARF diet debunks every one of these myths!
