Have you ever wondered if fresh food for dogs is worth the hype? As we become more aware of how fresh food helps our health, we should think about how it can help our dogs too. Our pets depend on us to make the best choices for them. Unlike us, they can’t choose what they eat.
Many of us have switched from fast food to fresh, whole foods over the years, but our dogs have been eating the same store-bought kibble. You might think, “Isn’t commercial dog food good enough?” Or maybe you worry, “Is fresh food too expensive and time-consuming?” These are valid concerns, and you’re not alone in wondering about them.
In this article, we will explore why fresh food is a great choice for your dog. We’ll address common worries like cost, time, and how to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet. By the end, you’ll see how fresh food can improve your dog’s health and even save you money on vet bills. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!
Commercial dog food
When it comes to the benefits of dog food, it loses all the nutrients including all the vitamins and minerals as they are cooked at a very high temperature to kill all the bacteria and viruses. Also, many commercial pet foods contain meats and by-products and contain a huge amount of preservatives and artificial chemicals which can cause severe health issues to your pet. So even though you are buying that organic variety of kibble that claims to be the best for your pet, the reality is different.
Plus, how much we humans can technically survive on eating French fries or chips every day. Like us how long our pets can survive on the same old processed food, even they also need fresh home-cooked meals just like us for better health.
10 Benefits of Feeding Fresh Food to your Dogs
Here are some benefits of feeding fresh food to your dogs.
1. Prevent diseases
Fresh food helps in preventing a lot of ailments in pets as these foods are rich in high-quality protein and immune-boosting antioxidants. According to a study feeding green, leafy, and yellow vegetables two or three times a week to your canine can prevent urinary bladder carcinomas in them (study 1).
2. Improves digestion of your dog
A mixture of vegetables and fruits is great for your dog as it contains a balance of essential nutrients for dogs. Also in summer yogurt is great for your pups as it keeps its digestive system optimum. Regarding the best grain free food for dogs, you can feed them wheatgrass as it is highly beneficial for dogs as it detoxes their system. The non-fermentable fiber help in regulating the bowel movement of the dogs and prevent issues like gas and loose stools.
3. In managing weight
Managing a healthy weight is not only essential for humans but also for your dogs as it prevents many weight-related ailments. Homemade dog food has a high concentration of nutrients, fibers, and water that makes your dog full even without consuming a lot of calories. Unlike store-bought dog meal, which contains a lot of starch and causes weight gain.
4. It makes your pups smarter
Healthy dog food is really beneficial for the cognitive function of your dogs. When dogs are fed with fresh and antioxidant-rich diet, the dog’s brain functions at its best level. Best dog food contains a mixture of plant and chicken which is naturally rich in anti-oxidants and is way better than the store-bought dog food near you.
5. Increases your Dog lifespan
A study shows that a dog who was fed fresh food lived for 13.1 years on average. However, the canine who were fed store-bought dog food or dog biscuits lived up to 10.4 years on average (study 2). So if you feed your dog home-cooked fresh food you can live those two extra years with your dog. Also, during their younger years dogs can digest chemical-laden processed food, but as your dog gets older tolerance towards all the chemicals-laden food reduces.
6. Stronger bones health
When it comes to food supplements for dogs glucosamine and probiotics are a must as this help support the bone health and overall health of dogs. You can give them chicken bones as these are rich in calcium and phosphorus which is great for the bone health of the dogs. Apart from that, you can also feed your puppy carrots, quinoa, apple, and yams.
7. Softer and shinier coat
Itching, scabs, and rashes are very common skin problems in dogs. Although most of the dog parents blame these symptoms for allergies, however, the ones to blame are processed dog food as they contain many chemicals. A fresh food containing zinc and essential fatty acids will improve your puppy’s skin and keep its fur shiny and glossy.
8. Fewer visits to the veterinarian
Once you start feeding your dog fresh food full of nutrients and vitamins, your dog’s health will start becoming better. When it comes to dog nutrition tips, feeding fresh green vegetables, which are rich in Vitamins A and C, and freshly cooked meat, which is rich in zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, improves your dog’s immune system. That means no last-minute visits to your vet.
9. Improved energy level
Don’t you feel sleepy when you eat a heavy meal? That same thing happens when your dog eats a bowl of kibble. Since it is filled with so many preservatives and additives that it becomes harder for the digestive system of the dog. When you feed them homemade food made up of fresh ingredients, it gives them the boost of minerals and vitamins along with fiber which is easily digestible and results in improved energy levels.
10. Peace of mind
When you feed your puppy whole food, which is full of nutrients with no preservatives and 100 percent fresh ingredients, then you don’t have to worry about their health. It gives you a lot of peace of mind, which is really important.
These are the few benefits you will see when you switch your dog to a fresh food diet from kibble. So, if you are thinking of switching your dog to a fresh home-cooked meal, then we are here to tell you that you are on the correct path.
Conclusion
Switching to fresh food can make a big difference in your dog’s health and happiness. It can prevent diseases, improve digestion, help manage weight, and even make your dog’s coat shinier. While fresh food might seem more expensive and time-consuming, the benefits are worth it. You can give your dog a longer, healthier life and enjoy more happy moments together. So, if you’re thinking about making the switch, go ahead – your dog will thank you!
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16013542
https://www.ukrmb.co.uk/images/LippertSapyFullReport.pdf
https://www.ukrmb.co.uk/images/LippertSapyFullReport.pdf
Mrs. Richa Khurana has completed her MBA in Marketing from IBS, Pune, Post Graduate Diploma in Business Journalism & Corporate Communication from Delhi University, and her BBA from IP University. Beyond her Read more
