Ok, so I am not going to lie...I truly thought the DIY raw feeding was going to be challenging (or well, at least take more thought). Truth is, I like it a lot better than commercial raw (and foods are right at your fingertips in the grocery store!). It provides A LOT more variety and control of ingredients.
I think one of the most important things for people to remember is your dog needs animal protein (and well, kibbles have A LOT of fillers). People have to keep in mind how a dog's digestive tract is made up to better understand how they break this animal protein down as many people often question, "is raw meat good for my dog?"
Dogs have strong hydrochloric acid in their stomach which allows them to breakdown harmful bacteria and fully digests proteins, bones and fat. They can eat all sorts of things we would not be able to (and well, a raw burger really does not sound all that appetizing). Dogs break foods down in their stomachs for up to eight hours and send smaller amounts of digested foods through the small intestines quickly. It is their digestive tracts job to kills germs and stop them from multiplying.
A picture truly is worth a 1,000 words (but I will write a few more!). Stare at the two images above. Just for a second. Now, picture a McDonald's Coke, burger and fries next to an "ideal" human meal including quality, fresh foods. There is no way someone could tell me a processed meal from McDonald's is going to be better than a quality home-cooked meal. Now, that being said...the McDonald's meal probably wont KILL you....but the affect it has on the body...well....you decide. For anyone that has ever cleaned up their diet or done some "testing" to see how they feel eating quality foods and cutting processed foods out can probably attest to the amazing differences. Why not allow your dog the same benefits?
If you have inquired about diet at some point in your life I am sure you may have been advised to "shop the perimeter of the store." That is where the fresh fruits and veggies, meats, and fish are. Grains are cheap to add to dog food and have a longer shelf life. I guess it is sort of like a Twinkie.
I have been very hesitant to post any graphic images of dog's stool vs. raw stool. HOWEVER, I think this alone can influence someone to take a look at what they are putting into their dog's body, how often their dogs are going to the bathroom...and just the overall disgust and size of a kibble fed dog's stool.
Stay tuned...
Sources:
Olson, Lew. Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs: The Definitive Guide to Homemade Meals. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic, 2015. Print.