The Benefits of Fresh Food Options
When it comes to our beloved furry friends, providing them with optimal nutrition is crucial for their overall health and well-being. While kibble is often what people expect when discussing pet food, there is a growing trend towards feeding cats and dogs real fresh food options. This can include raw diets, freeze-dried raw meals, and gently cooked or dehydrated meals.
And why not when benefits of feeding meals like raw or fresh foods offer great benefits like:
Â
Raw diets for pets closely mimic what our pets would naturally consume in the wild. Dr. Karen Becker, a renowned veterinarian and co-author of The Forever Dog, explains, "Raw food diets for dogs and cats are based on the evolutionary requirements of these animals." By feeding our pets a raw diet, we provide them with the essential nutrients they need for optimal health. We are feeding them the way nature intended.
One of the advantages of raw diets is that they are minimally processed. This makes the nutrients present in the food more bioavailable and easily absorbed by your pet. Kibble undergoes a highly processed extrusion process, which involves high heat and pressure. Rodney Habib, a prominent pet health advocate, founder of Planet Paws and co-author of The Forever Dog, highlights the downside of kibble processing, stating, "The extrusion process destroys many of the fragile nutrients, enzymes, and vitamins essential for our pets' well-being."
The extrusion process depletes natural nutrients in kibble, leaving pet food manufacturers no choice but to spray on synthetic vitamin and supplement additives. This raises concerns about the quality and effectiveness of these added nutrients. Dr. Becker warns, "Synthetic additives may not have the same bioavailability as natural sources, and they can potentially have negative effects on our pets’ health.”
While raw diets are a great option for pet owners seeking a fresh food alternative, there are other options as well! Freeze-dried raw meals and gently cooked meals offer convenience and still provide many of the same benefits as raw foods. These options can be particularly beneficial for pet owners who find preparing homemade meals time-consuming or demanding.
For pet owners who seek pre-made fresh food options, there are many brands available in the market. However, it is important to choose reputable brands that prioritize quality ingredients and have undergone rigorous testing. Additionally, pet owners can opt for homemade diets but should consult a pet nutritionist (like Pet Grocer's custom recipe services) to ensure their recipe gives pets a nutritionally balanced meal.
Incorporating fresh limited ingredient treats into a pet's diet is equally important. These treats can complement the fresh diet by providing additional nutrients and variety. And don't forget that veggies and fruits can be offered as treats too. Making a salad? Many dogs love the crunchy ends of lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, and other pet safe veggies. Fresh or frozen berries and apple pieces also make antioxidant rich treats that pets love. Raw meaty bones, chicken or duck feet, and turkey or chicken necks make great additions to your pet's diet providing necessary nutrients and exercise for the teeth and jaw.
Feeding our cats and dogs fresh food options can greatly benefit their overall health. No matter what healthy fresh diet you choose it is essential to prioritize high-quality ingredients and seek professional guidance of a holistic veterinarian or a fresh feeding pet nutritionist when necessary. At Pet Grocer we believe that a fresh food diet can help our pets thrive and enjoy a longer, healthier life. We are proud to provide pet owners with the great nutrition options and love to witness the positive impact fresh foods have on their pet’s well-being.
Check out our wide selection of fresh feedings options
Raw:
Freeze Dried:
Gently Cooked:
Gently Baked/Air Dried:
Â
Did you know Pet Grocer Delivers? Learn More