We want to give our dachshunds the best. The best bed, the best home, the best companionship, and, of course, the best food. Raw dog food has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many owners swear by the benefits, and yet, it’s not a perfect solution.
To help you decide what kind of food to give to your dachshund, we’ve compiled both the pros and cons of raw dog food:
What is raw dog food?
When dogs lived in the wild, they ate predominantly raw meat. After all, dogs can’t make a fire, and they can’t make kibble food. Raw dog food is a way to return to those roots, feeding our dachshunds food that their ancestors ate thousands of years ago.
Raw dog food consists of the following ingredients:
- Organ meat
- Muscle meat
- Raw eggs
- Fruits and veggies
- Whole or ground bone
- Dairy products
The Pros
- Shiny coats: The nutrients available in raw meat can do wonders for your dog’s coats. They will be healthier and sleeker than ever before.
- Increased energy: Most dogs become more energetic than they were on kibble food.
- Healthy skin: The same nutrients that make your dog’s coat shine can also help their skin.
- Improved dental health: If your dog struggles with dental problems, raw food may alleviate some problems.
- Highly customizable: Since you’re preparing their food, it’s easy to swap ingredients. Especially if your dachshund is a picky eater
- You know what’s in your dog’s food: Most people don’t know what’s in their dog’s kibble food. You won’t run into this problem with food you prepare yourself.
The Cons
- Risk of contagion: You are dealing with raw meat. As such, bacteria and parasites could run rampant, affecting canines and humans alike. Children, elderly family members, and immunocompromised individuals are especially at risk.
- It’s expensive: Raw dog food requires a lot of ingredients. You may find your grocery bill rising once you make the switch.
- It’s time-consuming: Cooking for ourselves takes a lot of work, it will be even more so for your pup.
- Potential nutritional imbalance: Most people don’t know what nutrients their dogs need. If you switch to raw dog food, consult with your veterinarian first. This will ensure you’re giving your dog the right nutrients.
In the end, the choice of switching from kibble to raw food will be up to you and your veterinarian. For more tips on how to care for your dachshund, read through our blog today!