There is good reason why the popularity of raw pet food is surging.
An explosive sector
From Belgium to Bulgaria, Argentina to Australia, the number of raw food producers I have consulted recently about raw food start-ups, education and brand development in this explosive sector is eye-opening.
What once was niche is rapidly expanding into all other areas of canine and feline nutrition and the recent acquisition of Benyfit Natural in the UK by the global Real Pet Food Company Group attests to a confidence that raw is here to stay.
What is not to like?
Why this sudden popularity of feeding dogs and cats with raw or fresh food? Because it is simple, economical and immensely satisfying. But more than this, the results are blatantly obvious to the owner and can be seen within days.
Improved stool quality is usually the first change. Sometimes within the first 48 hours. Clients ring me in tears because their pet has passed the first solid poo in their entire life. Coat quality is often noticeably better within the first two weeks – less scurf, smell and more luxurious shine. Teeth usually clean up quickly and overweight dogs often slim beautifully.
As a vet I use the diet to treat, without drugs or surgery, Irritable Bowel Disease, anal gland issues, behavioural problems (aggression and hyperactivity notably), chronic itching issues and inappetence.
What is not to like? I cannot see a problem in managing intractable and otherwise incurable disease with diet. But many vets and academics are fearful of perceived risks.
Promoting understanding
A small but vocal minority of detractors claim that the risks of bacterial infection, bone blockage in the gut and nutritional deficiency outweigh the benefits. They even dispute there exists evidence of the benefits.
Science is sprinting to catch up with what is happening, safely, in kitchens all over the world. These sceptics are clinging to the kibble and tin/pouch model of pet nutrition like passengers on a sinking ship.
Even they admit that there are conspicuously few documented accounts of raw food problems relative to the number of pets being fed every day across the globe.
The Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (rfvs.info) has been in existence since 2013 and is a group of over 150 veterinarians worldwide. Their aim is to promote understanding, research and best feeding practices for cats and dogs.
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