Why More Dog Owners Are Choosing a Raw Diet: Health, Nutrition, and Real-Life Results

The Rise of Raw Feeding

"36 Billion reactions in the body will not happen without the building blocks of nutrition." Dr. Robert Silver"

In recent years, feeding dogs a raw diet has moved from niche to mainstream. While some veterinarians remain cautious, many owners are choosing raw diets to improve health, prevent chronic issues, and gain control over their dog’s nutrition.

Owners cite reasons such as:

• Chronic skin conditions, ear infections, rashes, and hot spots

• Dental problems and bad breath

• Chronic disease management (heart, kidney, or other serious health conditions)

• Distrust of commercial dog food recalls and synthetic ingredients

• Desire for transparency and control over protein and nutrient sources

Why Some Owners Distrust Commercial Dog Food

1. Limited Protein Variety

Dogs require multiple protein sources to meet all essential amino acids. Many commercial diets rely on a single protein, which can be insufficient for long-term health.

2. Artificial Preservatives

Common preservatives raise health concerns:

• BHA & BHT: Carcinogenic in high doses (Kahl, 1993)

• Ethoxyquin: Potential liver and blood toxicity

• Propylene glycol: Banned in cat food, still allowed in dog food (Hand, 2010)

Natural alternatives such as tocopherols (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and rosemary are now used in some commercial diets due to consumer demand.

3. Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals

Overdoses of synthetic vitamins have caused recalls:

• Blue Buffalo (2010) – Synthetic vitamin D overdose

• Royal Canin (2006) – Vitamin D overdose

Raw diets provide naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, eliminating the risks of synthetic supplementation.

4. Aflatoxins in Grains

Aflatoxin, a carcinogen from fungi in corn, grains, cottonseed, and peanuts, can damage the liver and reduce protein synthesis (Hand, 2010). Significant recalls occurred in 2006 and 2011 (Becker, 2013).

Real-Life Benefits of Raw Feeding

Many owners report dramatic improvements after switching their dogs to raw:

• Cleaner teeth and gums

• Reduced stool size and odor

• Shinier, thicker coat and improved skin

• Increased energy and playfulness

• Fewer veterinary visits

• Positive changes in behavior and confidence

Agility competitor L. Page observed:

“After four weeks on raw, my shy terrier became more confident. Both dogs play together daily, sniff constantly on walks, and greet strangers. They no longer smell doggy—it’s like they feel better.”

Kaz became more confidant after switching to a raw diet

The Weston Price Philosophy and Raw Feeding

Dr. Weston Price, a dentist and nutrition researcher, found that traditional, nutrient-rich diets supported strong bodies, excellent dental health, and robust mental function in humans (Morell, 2000). Feeding dogs a raw diet aligns with this principle—offering nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate food for overall health and vitality.

Conclusion

Feeding a raw diet isn’t just a trend—it’s a conscious choice to provide dogs with the highest-quality nutrition possible. With careful planning, raw diets can support:

• Healthier teeth and gums

• Reduced stool odor and size

• Improved skin and coat condition

• Increased energy and playfulness

• Stronger immunity and potentially better mental health

For many owners, switching to raw diets has resulted in healthier, happier, and more vibrant dogs.

Donna ACCN

Head to Tail Canine Nutrition