The Raw Diet

By studying the anatomy of our pets we find that they are carnivores, flesh-eating animals. Their teeth are designed for tearing into flesh and bone, not for masticating grains, usually found in kibble. The canine and feline digestive systems are short and very acidic. The dangers of bacteria in uncooked food do not apply to carnivores. Your dog may even prefer the most “off” carrion he can find, and chances are he will eat it with gusto and no stomach upsets! Though our companion animals may not look like the wolf, their digestive organs have not changed. Remember, evolutionary changes take thousands of years. Kibble has been in existence for only 60-70 years, and it began as a way to make profits on grain waste by-products, not as a diet for maintaining health in pets.

Unlike dry kibble, raw food contains all the enzymes and probiotics in their natural, unadulterated forms. Kibble has been heated and processed to temperatures that destroy all enzymes and beneficial bacteria.

Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Dogs, who are scavengers, especially benefit from the regular addition of small amounts of veggies to their diet. Cats, who are obligate carnivores, need considerably less or none. Neither dogs, nor cats have the ability to assimilate vegetables unless the cellulose wall in plant matter has been crushed or pureed. All vegetables and fruits in our mixes are finely ground.

The best raw diets are prepared from a variety of meat sources. Many new raw feeders make the mistake of picking up the easiest and cheapest protein source (usually chicken), and feeding it over and over. While this may be better than feeding kibble, it is not the correct method of feeding the raw diet. The diet must be balanced over a period of time. Nutrients are supplied from natures diverse food sources. For example, for a couple of meals during the week, one protein may be served as a raw, meaty bone, but later on in the week, there might be a mixture of vegetables and another different protein source, perhaps with some added organ meat. Thus, the meals over the period of the week, will have had all the nutrients that the animal needed, even though each individual meal was not completely balanced. Often, pet guardians hesitate to feed raw, thinking that it is too complex. But if you can feed yourself and your family, you can certainly feed your pet! Balto Raw helps to make raw feeding a “no brainer.” Just pick up a frozen container of one of our beef, chicken, turkey, pork, rabbit, lamb, or tripe, thaw, and you’re ready to go. All these different recipes ensure that your pets will receive all the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids they need.