Why Raw

WHY B.A.R.F.

Your Dog’s Dentition is that of a carnivore
Canine Teeth to Catch Prey
Incisors to Shear Meat
Powerful Jaw Muscles
Back Teeth to Crush Food Before Swallowing

Herbivores like horses and cows have large grinding teeth to macerate plant material.
Part of digestive tract is used for fermentation
Carnivores do not have this mechanism
If dogs eat a plant-based diet, inflammation happens
Blood glucose levels and insulin levels increase with carbohydrates like processed grains, legumes, and potatoes
Wheat, corn, and soy are GMO
Many crops are sprayed with glyphosate
Peas, lentils, and beans accumulate glyphosate

Dry Food Kibble

Pros:

Most affordable pet food option
Readily available in grocery stores and pet stores
Easily stored in sealed dog food containers
Can be found in a wide range of dietary formulas
Can be found in large, medium, or smaller packaging sizes
Bulk buying can save money

Cons:

May contain less meat content
Meat is often replaced with lower quality meat by-products that are not healthy
Dogs may develop more allergies depending on ingredient content (wheat, corn, soy, and other grains)
Dry food can be difficult or impossible for older or unhealthy dogs with dental problems to eat
High preservatives, additives, and fillers

Wet Canned Dog Food

Pros:

Many dogs prefer the taste and texture of canned wet dog food over dry dog food
Easier to chew or swallow
Wet dog food has a much longer shelf-life than dry kibble (1-3 years)
Much higher fat and protein contents compared to kibble

Cons:

Might cause diarrhea and digestion issues
Longer shelf-life coincides with high preservatives
Increased BPA health risks even with brands labeled BPA-free
Strong odor when can is opened, can also be smelly to store leftovers

Cooked Dog Food

Pros:

There is a fairly low risk of salmonella and other bacterial diseases because the food is cooked to a threshold temperature.
Most companies stick to AAFCO guidelines, so we can be reasonably satisfied that the product is nutritionally balanced.
Most companies use high-quality meat that would be fit for human consumption. This may enhance the dog’s health

Cons:

This diet is not as “natural”
It removes some vital amino acids (such as Taurine) from the meat. Synthetic versions must be added, and we cannot be sure if these are absorbed properly.
It makes it less palatable, so synthetic flavors must be added to enhance the taste.
It is less digestible than raw (or lightly cooked) food.

Biologically Appropriate Raw Dog Food

Pros:

Better weight control
Shinier, healthier skin and coat
Reduction of allergy symptoms
Harder, smaller, less smelly stools
Increased mobility in older animals
More energy and stamina
Strengthened immune system
Improved liver, pancreatic and bowel health
Raw diet has been used to treat IBS syndrome, colitis, atopy, and dental problems.
Savings due to less trips to the vet

Cons:

Most expensive dog food option
Some dogs don’t adjust to the taste of raw. It will take some time.
Meals tend to be packaged separately and this creates a lot of plastic waste.