Are meat-only diets the best food for your dog?

Are meat-only diets the best food for your dog?

Home-made diets have become increasingly common among dog owners in recent years. One popular diet option is meat-only diets, which developed from the belief that because ancestral dogs evolved hunting prey, a diet consisting solely of raw meat and nothing else is best for dogs.

That’s not a fact; it’s fluff.

There are a lot of anecdotal benefits you may have heard about meat-only diets; however, these claims have yet to be supported by any statistically significant studies. The truth is dogs are omnivores and they obtain a range of vital nutrients from non-meat sources like vegetables as part of a healthy diet.

Dogs have evolved a lot since they were first domesticated.

One of the biggest arguments for meat-only diets is that it’s closer to a dog’s ancestral diet. These diets try to replicate the ratio of organs, bone, and muscle meat dogs would consume in the wild.

This idea neglects the fact that dogs have evolved since they were first domesticated by humans. Modern dogs’ digestive tracts are much more equipped to handle carbohydrates and fibre. Not to mention the fact that wild dogs would also consume the contents of their prey’s gastrointestinal tract, which would contain some level of carbohydrates and plant matter.

It’s difficult to make a meat-only diet complete and balanced.

Like most homemade diets, meat-only diets generally aren’t complete and balanced. They’re usually deficient in some essential nutrients, including:

• Calcium – a mineral that is vital for bone health, cell communication, and nerve function. Low calcium levels can lead to bone abnormalities, muscle tremors, and even seizures in severe cases.
• Vitamin D – a vitamin that plays an important role in regulating calcium and phosphorous metabolism. Deficiencies in vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia (bone “softening”) and related musculoskeletal issues such as fractures and deformities.
• Vitamin E – an important antioxidant that protects the body’s cells from damaging free radicals. Deficiencies in vitamin E may lead to muscle weakness, vision problems, and reproductive failure.

Incorporating vegetables, carbohydrates, and appropriate supplements help provide essential nutrients that are not easily derived from meat sources. They are also tasty additions with interesting textures that many dogs enjoy and can help play a role in providing your pet with enrichment.

Nosh uses high-quality ingredients sourced from local Aussie farmers to create nutritious meals for your dog.

Every recipe contains a carefully balanced blend of proteins, vegetables, grains, and Nourish²⁷ Balance to provide all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.

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