6 steps to spreading the word that raw and cooked diets are the best for dogs
When I am in a dog park or on the street and see a dog, it only takes two seconds for me to recognize a kibble fed dog from one that eats raw or cooked wholesome food.
I often catch myself struggling between saying nothing or saying something. The guardians obviously love their dogs. They are just unaware that the average dog that's fed kibble is going to die earlier. And so, more often than not, I can't say anything.
I am not saying here that dogs fed raw or cooked food never get sick. They are just much healthier on average, which results in a longer and happier life.
I have stopped trying to justify my stance against processed food. It's common sense that fresh, natural food is better than food that sits in a bag on a warehouse shelf for six months or longer. The essential principles of fresh food applies to both people and animals.
The pet food industry plot was uncovered a long time ago and, based on the pages of Applied Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, the industry giants are willingly disclosing that processed pet food sales are a big business. Andrea Fascetti and Sean Delaney state that "a vast majority of veterinarians are forced by necessity to concurrently become business people."
I do not deny the fact that everyone needs to make a living and sell something - it is the nature of life. Even a teacher sells his or her services to students and vets deserve to be rewarded for their years in school.
What I am saying here is that the medical profession needs to free itself from making recommendations that are less optimal for the sake of sales. Most veterinarians are highly educated and intelligent people who understand the value of wholesome food.
The problem is that average veterinary practices earn up to $100K profit from processed food sales. In my opinion, this is the main reason raw food is not recommended by most vets, while dog lovers rave about it.
I strongly believe that most people would prefer their vet cut ties with processed food giants in exchange for higher appointment fees. People naturally lose their trust when a veterinarian is pushing special diets with ingredients such as pork fat, brewers rice, meat by-products and corn gluten. To the average dog lover, such a diet makes no sense.
So what can we do when we see a dog with "kibbleitis" on the street or in the park?
1. Do not feel bad if you do not have time to open up the conversation but, if you do have time, speak on behalf of the dog. You can just let the guardian know what your experience with raw/cooked diet has been and how your dog has benefited.
2. Sometimes I just ask how old their dog is and then I tell them that Skai is 14-years-old, which is usually followed by a reply of: 'Wow, he does not look it'.
3. At this point, I usually say that he gets raw and cooked food, good supplements, chiro and massage.
4. Then, you can ask what type of food they feed. If they reply with 'the best kibble there is', suggest that eating dehydrated food every day is hard on digestion and kidneys. Plus, who would want to eat such food every day?
5. People often say that they do not have enough time or money for a raw/cooked diet for their dog. In my experience, people usually say it takes them less time than they thought and, for most dogs, per day it costs them less than a latte from their favourite café.
6. Finally, you can ask the guardian if they would be willing to give you their email address. If you trust my information and articles, you can send them the following links on keeping their dog happy and healthy.
Healing Cycle - four simple steps of keeping your dog healthy, happy and long living
What natural supplement's to give your dog
How to prevent arthritis and stiffness
How to prevent cancer naturally
There are many more articles, but it is important not to bombard you with too many. Once people start learning, they will get excited and many will make the switch. Both of us know how amazing it is to see the transformation when dogs switch to real food. I thank you for thinking of other dogs and their people and teaching others.
I love that the scare tactics of processed pet food companies have not worked and natural raw and cooked diet feeding is now mainstream.
Our time with our dogs is the most precious asset, telling others about what you have learned is the best gift you can give.
Thank you for sharing this info with your friends!
Click below to watch Why a Raw Food Diet for Dogs is the Best Choice!
© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM
