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Dr. Rachel Coustan, president of the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association, demystifies three doggie diets.
Raw
Pros: The biggest plus is that a raw
diet — ground up bones and meats such as beef and chicken — is closest to a dog’s “natural” diet in the wild.
Cons: “Close to natural” doesn’t mean dogs are getting all the nutrients they need. A vet nutritionist can analyze the diet to make sure it’s balanced and make recommendations on quantity of food. There’s a human health risk — pets shed things like salmonella on a raw diet, and handling raw food increases exposure to bacteria found in uncooked meats.
Home Cooked
Pros: Can be fairly cost effective, depend-ing on ingredients sourced (dog-friendly foods include chicken, beef, rice, and eggs). Cookbooks by vets provide ideas plus recipes for pets with specific ailments. For a well-rounded diet, follow a recipe; don’t just improvise.
Cons: Neither home cooked nor raw
diets are convenient, and both — if you’re not careful — can break the budget.
Store Bought
Pros: Cost varies widely: The more expensive ones tend to be nutrient dense, so less volume is needed. Many have added antioxidants and other supplements for things like aging and arthritis.
Cons: Specialized diets (think urinary health) can be helpful but often don’t provide the same support that a prescription diet does. There’s always a risk (albeit small) of contamination or that the food’s been stored improperly. Quality varies greatly among commercial brands, which range from generic to high-end holistic. To ensure a food is balanced, look for the dietary seal.
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