Friday, February 22, 2013

Gerald Buchoff on the Benefits and Preventable Risks of a Raw Diet for Pets

Raw food diets for animals are becoming increasingly popular. These diets contain plant and animal tissues that have not been processed enough to break down their natural fats, proteins, and starches. Raw food still contains the natural enzymes a pet’s body needs, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Muscle meat, organ meats, raw eggs, vegetables, bones, and fruit are typical ingredients of a raw food diet. Pet owners who have switched to such a diet have noticed their pets often have a shinier coat, cleaner teeth and better breath, and higher energy.

There have been some concerns about the risks a raw food diet presents – for example, the risk of bacterial contamination. It is very important to use the same sanitation process for a pet’s raw food that you would when preparing your own food. When handling raw meat, always wash your hands and utensils before and after. It is also a good idea to keep your pet’s food in a separate freezer from human food. The risks inherent in a raw food diet are preventable and the right actions will result in a happy, healthy pet.

About Gerald Buchoff: A holistic veterinarian, Gerald Buchoff is the President of Dr. B’s Holistic Pet Products and is the creator of a raw food diet for pets.