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Is Raw Pet Food Safe?
If you are worried about bacteria or parasites, then rest assured that raw pet food is just as safe, if not safer, than most commercial pet food products out there. For instance, dried pig ears can carry more salmonella than raw pet food. There is also a percentage of E. coli found in dry "kibble" food. However, unlike humans, our beloved dogs and cats are designed specifically to digest raw meat without harmful side effects. They have a very high concentration of hydrochloric acid in the stomach (which kills bad bacteria); they have an abundance of beneficial (good) bacteria for a healthy digestive tract; and they have a short digestive tract which does not allow time for any "bad" bacteria to stay in the tract and multiply to dangerous levels. In other words, the risk of bacteria in raw pet food is solely for humans handling the food, not the pets.* That is why there are "safe handling instructions" (i.e., washing hands and utensils after handling) denoted on any raw meat, such as the hamburger or chicken you buy for yourself. The more you know and learn about feeding raw food, the more comfortable you will feel.
* The only exception to feeding raw food to pets would be a pet who is immune-compromised; if your pet is immune-compromised, please consult with a holistic veterinarian to determine if raw food is suitable for your pet.
Why is Raw Food More Beneficial?
Raw meat contains naturally-occurring enzymes and complete proteins, making it more bio-available nutritionally for your dog or cat. Cooking meat destroys 100% of its enzymes and as much as 50% of its protein. This is one reason most commercial pet food companies add taurine (an essential protein) to their food - because cooking the food depletes the taurine levels. Raw pet food is very rich nutritionally so a little bit goes a long way, making it a highly efficient food since nothing is wasted. In addition, the naturally-occurring enzymes in raw meat and vegetables contribute to relieving the so-called food or skin "allergies" of many pets which are actually caused by feeding enzyme-deficient, cooked and/or poor quality ingredients.
How Long Can I Store the Food?
The food can be kept frozen in the freezer for up to one year. Sometimes small ice crystals form in the bag; these ice crystals are caused by condensation in the bag and do not affect the quality of the food at all.
How Much Do I Feed and What Is Daily Cost?
One bag of Pet Food weighs 3 pounds and will feed a 25-pound dog for about 6 days and a 50-pound dog for about 3 days. One bag will feed your average cat or small dog for approx. 13 days! Here's an easy formula to figure how much to feed: Feed a daily amount which is 2% of your pet's ideal body weight. For example, your dog's ideal body weight is 22 pounds: 22(pounds)x 16 (ounces/#) = 352 (ounces) x 0.02 (2%) = 7.04 ounces. Your 22 lb. dog should eat 7 ounces of food per day - 3.5 ounces in the morning and 3.5 ounces in the evening. Average daily cost: 10 lb. cat/dog = $1.00, 25 lb. dog = $2.50, 50 lb. dog = $5.00, 75 lb. dog = $7.50. Remember when feeding a healthy raw diet, your average daily vet cost = $0!Whar are the Common Causes of Dog Skin Conditions?
The skin is the body’s largest organ and is very responsive to the overall health of the body. And the overall health of the body can be affected from both inside and outside her body. This can make it very difficult to determine the exact cause of the problem.
What's more, some factors could be occuring without your knowledge.
What are The Difference Between Conventional and Holistic Dog Vet Care?
| Conventional Dog Health Vet | Holistic/Conventional Dog Health Vet | |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Licensed Veterinarian | Licensed Veterinarian, plus certification from one of the following organizations:
|
| Focus | Treat signs and symptoms one problem at a time. Views the body “in pieces.” Considers physical factors to determine dog care treatment options. |
Treat signs and symptoms initially, but broader focus on prevention through establishing and maintaining a foundation of health in your dog’s body. Views symptoms as a sign of a deeper instability. Views body as a whole; if one area is out of balance it can throw off other areas. Considers emotional, mental and environmental factors in addition to physical factors when determining treatment options. Pays great attention to lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, sleep, stress reduction) and making sure they are appropriate. Evaluates natural options to help body heal itself and to build the immune system. |
| Treatment | Focus on controlling and counteracting symptoms through “quick fix” medications. Generally ignoresbody’s innate ability to heal itself. Body is a passive recipient of treatments that heal it. |
Focus on changing lifestyle habits to promote health and healing naturally. Avoid side effects and unknown long-term effects of medication when possible.
Considers natural treatments and remedies that help body heal itself before recommending medications (will still prescribe medications when necessary). Goal of holistic dog vet care is to restore physical and mental balance to alleviate symptoms. |
| Relationship between doctor and pet/owner | Short amount of time spent with each patient only when problems arise. Addresses specific problem quickly then moves to next patient. | Allocates more time per visit to get to know dog and dog owner’s lifestyle and to educate dog owner about natural dog vet care. Provides free dog health advice periodically over the phone when needed. |
| Mindset of Dog Owner | Seeks treatment when dog becomes ill or problem occurs | Seeks treatment and advice routinely to ensure correct preventive care is being practiced and appropriate choices are being made for the dog’s lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep, stress reduction) |
| Accessibility in your area | Usually high | Can be very limited depending on your area. See below for holistic veterinarian directory links. |
| Cost & Time | Up to 3 times less expensive than a holistic dog vet care office visit. Lower cost is proportionate to additional time spent.
The contacts we have made average about $35 per visit. Around 10 to 15 minutes per visit for a quick physical and to address specific problems. |
Up to 3 times more expensive than conventional dog vet care for a regular office visit. Additional cost is proportionate to additional time spent.
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Do you offer discount if I want to renew my membership?
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