Incorporating Freeze-Dried Dog Food into Your Wild Dog Food Plan
As the name suggests, freeze drying removes moisture from your pet’s food, which helps give it a long shelf life. Unlike conventional dog food, freeze-dried dog food isn’t cooked. This keeps the food intact and minimizes nutrient loss. When you buy a variety that includes wild dog food ingredients like ocean-caught salmon and whitefish, your pet is getting key proteins, amino acids and omega-three fatty acids. Freeze-dried dog food isn’t limited to the sea. You’ll also find protein-rich options like beef, chicken, turkey and even venison dog food.
Is Raw Dog Food Right for Your Pet?
Raw dog food diets have been in the picture as long as dogs have. Before the advent of mass-produced dog food, canine kind generally ate raw meat, bones and whatever scraps they could find. Kibble and canned food, however, have been standard fare for dogs for a long while.
For different reasons, many pet owners have begun to look at different options such as raw dog food. Some dog parents prepare raw dog food themselves, but some small and mid-sized companies produce it commercially. Typically this will involve raw dog food ingredients that are primarily meat based but also include smaller portions of ground bone and organs in dog food. Some raw dog food producers also add small amounts of vegetables.
One thought you’re bound to have is whether or not raw dog food is safe for your pet. Your chocolate labradoodle or chihuahua looks and acts a far cry different than its wolf ancestors.
What about dangerous pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella? Even though your dog has a highly acidic stomach, concerns about dangerous bacteria shouldn’t be dismissed. To help minimize this risk, some raw dog food companies use high-pressure pasteurization, a process done without heating or cooking. This neutralizes the threat posed by bacteria while also preserving nutrients.
Is Grain-Free Dog Food Right for Your Dog?
Your lovable beast evolved from wolves. He needs meat, meat, and more meat! Right? Although your dog needs the proteins and amino acids that meat provides, you should talk it over with your vet before you switch to grain-free dog food.
Whole grains have protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins, all of which dogs need. However, not all dogs tolerate grains well. Some dogs experience fur loss, dermatitis, and scabs, which are sometimes allergic reactions caused by consuming grains. Switching to grain-free dog food might be necessary if your dog experiences any of these symptoms.
Even though many dogs handle grains without issue, that’s not always the case. You may also want to give grain-free dog food a shot if your pet has a sensitive stomach or other digestive issues.
Venison Dog Food
Only the mightiest dogs would eat deer in the wild. Nevertheless, many pet parents are opting to give their dogs, both large and small, venison dog food. Let’s learn why.
One reason is because venison dog food is leaner than beef and other red meats. If your pooch has begun to pack on the pounds, switching to venison dog food could help it get back to a healthier weight. It’s also high in iron, B6 and B12 vitamins, which can help stave off anemia while also helping boost energy levels.
You may have also heard that venison dog food contains novel protein. In case you’re not familiar, a novel protein is one your pup wouldn’t normally consume. Put another way, they aren’t found in more commonly eaten meats such as chicken, beef or turkey. What’s more, eating novel proteins like those found in venison dog food can help your dog avoid allergic reactions and other digestive ailments.