Is it better for dogs to eat raw or cooked food

In the days spent with dogs, every meal they eat touches our hearts. We always hope to provide them with the highest quality food to promote their healthy growth. However, the debate over raw and cooked food choices for dogs has never stopped. This issue not only concerns the health of dogs, but also carries our full love and care for them.

1、 Raw food: a gift from nature or a hidden crisis?

(1) The primitive treasure of nutrition

The significant advantage of raw food lies in its complete preservation of the original nutrients of the food. Taking beef as an example, raw beef is rich in nutrients such as protein, vitamin B complex, iron, zinc, etc., and these nutrients can be fully absorbed by dogs without being damaged by high temperatures. Studies have shown that natural enzymes in raw meat help dogs with digestion and absorption, promoting metabolism. In addition, the fatty acids in raw meat are beneficial for the health of dogs' skin and hair, and many dogs that consume raw food have smoother and brighter hair.

(2) A dietary pattern that is close to nature

From an evolutionary perspective, the ancestors of dogs primarily consumed raw food in the wild, which was more in line with their instinctual needs. For example, the Husky, as an ancient breed of dog, can better maintain vitality after consuming raw food, and its digestive system can better adapt to this diet. Moreover, the chewing process of raw meat helps to clean the dog's teeth, reduce the formation of dental plaque and tartar, and give the dog a healthier mouth.

(3) Health hazards that cannot be ignored

Although raw food has many benefits, there are also serious health risks. A study by the American Veterinary Association shows that harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli were detected in about 30% of raw meat samples. After consuming contaminated raw meat, dogs are highly susceptible to intestinal diseases, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Parasitic infections are also a major problem, such as Toxoplasma gondii, tapeworms, etc. These parasites can seriously affect the health of dogs and may even be transmitted to humans. In addition, certain nutrients in raw meat, such as calcium and phosphorus ratios, may be imbalanced, and long-term consumption may lead to bone development problems in dogs.

2、 Cooked food: a guarantee of safety or a loss of nutrients?

(1) Safe and easily digestible choices

The biggest advantage of cooked food is its high safety. High temperature cooking can effectively kill bacteria, parasites, and viruses in food, greatly reducing the risk of dogs contracting diseases. Meanwhile, the nutrients in cooked food are more easily digested and absorbed by dogs. For example, cooked chicken protein structure becomes loose, making it easier for dogs' digestive system to break down. For puppies and elderly dogs with weaker gastrointestinal function, cooked food is a more suitable choice.

(2) Balanced allocation of nutrients

The cooking process allows us to match ingredients reasonably according to the nutritional needs of dogs. We can combine meat, vegetables, grains and other ingredients together to provide comprehensive nutrition for dogs. For example, cooking chicken, carrots, broccoli, and rice together. Chicken provides high-quality protein, carrots are rich in vitamin A, broccoli is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, and rice provides carbohydrates to meet the energy needs of dogs.

(3) The regret of nutrient loss

However, cooked food is not perfect. High temperature cooking can lead to the loss of some nutrients, especially heat sensitive vitamins and minerals. Research has shown that vitamin C is easily oxidized and decomposed at high temperatures, and vitamin B groups are also lost to varying degrees. In addition, improper cooking methods, such as excessive frying or grilling, may produce harmful substances such as acrylamide, posing a potential threat to the health of dogs.

3、 How to make the best dietary choices for dogs?

(1) Respect individual differences

Every dog is unique, with different ages, breeds, health conditions, and lifestyle habits. Puppies and elderly dogs have weaker gastrointestinal function and require easily digestible cooked food. Large dogs like German Shepherds have a high level of exercise, and while ensuring safety, appropriate raw food can meet their high protein and energy needs.

(2) Seeking professional advice

It is crucial to seek professional advice from a veterinarian before deciding on a dog's diet. Veterinarians can develop a scientifically reasonable diet plan for dogs based on their specific conditions. They can also provide detailed guidance on food selection, cooking methods, feeding amounts, and other aspects to help us better take care of our dogs' dietary health.

(3) Pursuing dietary diversity

Whether it is raw or cooked food, a single dietary method is difficult to meet all the nutritional needs of dogs. Therefore, we can try to combine raw and cooked food to provide dogs with a diverse diet. For example, scheduling a few days a week to feed cooked food and a few days to feed raw food allows dogs to enjoy the nutritional advantages of raw food while avoiding the risks associated with it.

There is no absolute answer to whether dogs are better off eating raw or cooked food. We need to have a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of raw and cooked food, and make the most suitable dietary choices for dogs based on their individual circumstances. Dogs are our most loyal companions in life, providing us with endless love and companionship. We should also do our best to carefully and patiently care for their healthy diet. Let's work together to create a healthy and happy living environment for dogs, accompanying them through every wonderful time.