Pros and Cons of Pre-Packaged Raw Dog Foods

By Jeany Miller

The raw food diet is one with untold benefits for dogs. It fights a number of dangerous diseases, restores vitality and energy, and supplies canines with the proven nutrients they need. All of these are strong contenders against modern grain diets that contribute to various health complications without nutritional value. Within the realm of raw food diets is that of pre-packaged raw foods. These are commercially sold in many pet supplies stores, and offer pet owners an alternative to fresh raw foods. Frozen raw foods are reported to have unassailable advantages, but studies indicate they may have likely negative aspects as well.

A Look at Frozen Raw Foods

Many commercial manufacturers of dog foods offer frozen raw foods as well. Such are pre-packaged and allow owners greater flexibility than those meals that must be prepared from fresh foods. They are modeled after the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet that was created by Dr. Billinghurst. In line with the BARF theory, frozen raw foods are designed to provide complete nutrition to dogs without harmful chemicals, preservatives and grain products. Frozen raw foods tend to be mostly meat sources. Venison, lamb, chicken, beef and various other raw meat ingredients are commonly found in these frozen varieties. They come in hamburger-like patties or smaller morsels that are bite-sized. Frozen diets are meant to be served raw without cooking. Pet owners simply thaw them to room temperature, and they are ready to serve. Some persons, however, prefer to cook the meat before passing it to their dogs.

Advantages Posed by Pre-Packaged Frozen Raw Foods

The most widely-recognized benefit of frozen raw foods is that the base of the meal is there. This means pet owners do not need to search for and purchase raw meats from their local butcher or grocer. Moreover, many different raw meat diets have undergone feeding trials that represent protocols from the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). Such can assure pet owners they are feeding their dogs nutritious food that has passed standardized testing.

Disadvantages of Pre-Packaged Frozen Raw Foods

Despite its seeming natural state, many opponents of frozen raw foods state that fresh is still better. This is because pet owners cannot be absolutely certain of the quality of ingredients used in frozen meals. Although they may pass rigorous testing, very few standards apply to dog food. Even fewer standards regulate the labeling of dog foods, either frozen or traditional. This can be a startling realization for pet owners who wish to feed their pets with strictly high-grade ingredients. Moreover, many frozen raw foods are still inclined to contain preservatives. These are intended to extend the life of those foods until pet stores can sell them. Finally, even those packages that are marked as nutritionally-balanced may contain salt, grains in the form of rice or wheat, and sugar. The evidence that supports the potential harm of these food items is overwhelming. Thus, frozen raw foods may serve no greater benefit than those of traditional kibble. The choice of what to serve their canines must be decided by each individual pet owner. Controversy surrounds a large number of commercial dog foods, and fact needs to be sorted from fiction with regard to these. One constant, however, does remain true when people reflect on raw food diets. They are known to improve dogs skin and coats, alleviate behavioral problems and manage weight. With such obvious health benefits, all raw food regimens are worth considering.

Sources:

http://pet-nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/frozen_dog_food_diets

http://www.barfworld.com/html/barf_diet/barfdiet.shtml