Why dogs need a RAW diet?

A raw diet for dogs promotes digestion, immunity, and overall health. Learn why a species-appropriate diet, rich in raw meat, bones, and organs, is essential for canine well-being.

Team JCRF
31 March 2025
8:08 PM

As a canine nutritionist and dog expert, I’m often asked why raw diets are gaining popularity and how they compare to conventional processed foods. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what a raw diet for dogs is, its many benefits, and how it stands apart from traditional kibble. We’ll also cover practical feeding guidelines, transitioning methods, and address common concerns. Whether you’re an experienced pet parent, a trainer, or a fellow nutritionist, this article will help you understand why many believe that raw dog food—fresh, natural, and species-appropriate—is the key to optimal canine health.

Understanding the Canine Ancestry

Dogs, our loyal companions, share a significant genetic lineage with wolves, with studies indicating a 98.8% DNA similarity. This close relationship suggests that their dietary needs are akin to those of their wild ancestors. In the wild, wolves and other carnivores thrive on a diet primarily composed of raw meat, bones, and organs. This natural diet provides essential nutrients in their most bio-available forms, supporting optimal health and vitality.

Dogs as Facultative Carnivores

While dogs have adapted over thousands of years to live alongside humans, their physiological makeup remains largely carnivorous. They are classified as facultative carnivores, meaning that although they can digest plant matter, their bodies are optimized for a meat-based diet. Their digestive systems are designed to process animal proteins and fats efficiently, with shorter digestive tracts and higher stomach acidity compared to omnivores or herbivores. This adaptation allows them to break down raw meat and bones effectively, extracting maximum nutrition.

What Constitutes a Species-Appropriate Diet?

A species-appropriate diet for dogs mirrors what they would consume in the wild. It includes:

Muscle Meat: Provides high-quality protein essential for muscle development and repair.
Bones: Offer calcium and phosphorus, crucial for bone health and dental hygiene.
Organs: Liver, kidneys, and other organs are rich in vitamins and minerals, supporting various bodily functions.
Raw Eggs: A source of protein and essential fatty acids.
Vegetables and Fruits: In small quantities, they provide fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

This balanced approach ensures that dogs receive a wide spectrum of nutrients necessary for their well-being.

Benefits of a Raw Diet for Dogs

Improved Digestion: Raw diets are easier to digest than processed foods, leading to better nutrient absorption and smaller, firmer stools.

Enhanced Coat Condition: Many pet owners report that their dogs develop shinier coats and healthier skin when switched to a raw diet. citeturn0search15

Increased Energy Levels: Feeding raw food can result in higher energy levels and improved overall vitality in dogs. citeturn0search15

Weight Management: Raw diets can aid in maintaining a healthy weight due to their high protein and low carbohydrate content. citeturn0search8

Dental Health: Chewing raw bones naturally cleans teeth, reducing plaque buildup and promoting healthy gums.

Reduced Allergy Symptoms: Some dogs experience relief from food-related allergies and intolerances when transitioned to a raw diet.

Stronger Immune System: The natural nutrients in raw food can bolster the immune system, helping dogs fend off illnesses.

Achieving Nutritional Balance Over Time

It’s important to understand that a balanced diet doesn’t necessitate every meal being perfectly proportioned. Balance is achieved over time, much like how humans consume a variety of foods to meet nutritional needs. Incorporating different meats, organs, bones, and occasional plant matter over days and weeks ensures that dogs receive all necessary nutrients. This approach mimics the natural feeding patterns of wild canines, who consume a diverse range of prey over time.

Challenging the Commercial Pet Food Narrative

Commercial pet food companies often portray feeding dogs as a complex science that only they can master. This narrative can make pet owners feel dependent on processed kibble formulated in laboratories. However, feeding our pets shouldn’t be more complicated than feeding our children. Just as we provide our families with wholesome, varied diets, we can do the same for our dogs. By taking control of our pets’ nutrition, we move away from reliance on commercial diets that may contribute to health issues.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a raw diet aligns with the natural dietary needs of dogs, offering numerous health benefits from improved digestion to enhanced vitality. As responsible pet owners, embracing a raw, species-appropriate diet empowers us to provide our canine companions with the nutrition they inherently require. By doing so, we honor their ancestry and promote their overall well-being, ensuring they lead healthier, happier lives by our sides.

Why dogs need a RAW diet?

Team JCRF