Hello all! I thought I would post something slightly off-topic. Dog nutrition!!
Since 2012, I have been feeding my dogs raw food only. After much research and considering all of the toxic substances and regular recalls in commercial dog kibble, I decided to feed my dogs a species-appropriate diet. A dog's DNA is extremely close to that of a gray wolf, and should eat a similar diet.
“The domestic dog is an extremely close relative of the gray wolf, differing from it by at most 0.2% of mtDNA sequence....
In comparison, the gray wolf differs from its closest wild relative, the coyote, by about 4% of mitochondrial DNA sequence.”
Robert K. Wayne, PhD.
“Molecular evolution of the dog family”
Theoretical and Applied Genetics
We feed our dogs raw meaty bones, organs, and a small amount of veggie/fruit mix that I make in a food processor (this would contain all the vitamins and minerals which aren't in the meat and bone). I typically give them raw chicken quarters, raw chicken drumsticks and thighs, raw turkey necks, raw ground turkey, whole Cornish hens occasionally, chicken livers and hearts, etc. They absolutely love them, and can't eat them fast enough!
A common concern is that the meat has bacteria (such as salmonella) and can make a dog ill...not true at all! A dog's digestive tract already contains harmful bacteria to us humans, and they come into contact with it all the time when they clean themselves. A dog will fully digest their raw meal, so its really nothing to worry about. Both of our dogs are in perfect health, and have had ZERO trips to the vet for any health related issues (other than their annual checkups and shots of course).
Another concern would be that the dog cannot digest the raw bone when chewed and swallowed; another myth. The pH of a dogs stomach acid is about 1, which is EXTREMELY acidic. Any raw bone they ingest will be fully digested...raw bone is crucial to a dogs health and it should be part of their diet on a daily basis. It is recommended that a dog consume about 70% raw meat, 20% bone, and about 10% organ meat. It's no coincidence that whole chickens and turkeys (when consumed whole) provide this ratio almost exactly!
So, my fellow Steemians, do any of you feed your dogs a raw diet, or possibly considering it? Lets share our knowledge and experiences on here so we can all benefit! Thanks all!