Feeding your pet a raw food diet is an excellent way to make sure your furry little friend receives the very best vitamins and nutrients for a long and healthy life. That said, there are several do’s and don’ts you need to follow in order to avoid negative side effects of some less than desirable food products.
Always Monitor Your Pet
When making the switch to raw food, always monitor your pet to see how they react. It is generally best to transition slowly from traditional food to raw in order to avoid upset stomachs or bathroom issues.
Watch their mood, level of energy and also keep track of their fur and skin. Pets do have allergies, so write down what you feed them. This helps you identify and remove problematic ingredients.
When feeding bones, supervise your pet to prevent choking hazards. Raw bones are less likely to splinter than brittle, cooked bones, but it can still happen.
Food Safety
When handling raw food, always make sure your preparation surface is clean. After you finish, wash your hands to avoid any contamination.
Never serve your pet foul-smelling food.
If you prepare food for more than one meal, store the extra in the freezer. This prevents spoilage and the breakdown of important nutrients. Do not re-freeze portions you’ve thawed.
Remember to wash and sanitize your dog’s bowls, no matter how much he or she licks it clean.
Food Quality
Thaw frozen food before serving cats and small dogs. If they eat quickly, frozen food can shock their digestive system.
Don’t just give your pet whatever you happen to be preparing to cook. Raw food diets need to be balanced. Feel free to call us at 916-432-5418 with any questions. If this seems a bit overwhelming, ask about our Pet Nutritional Consultation Service as it’s a great resource to help guide your pet care.