After unsuccessfully addressing my dog's allergies and digestive issues, I decided to try the raw food diet. I had heard about the success other dog owners were having and within a week of transitioning our dogs to raw, Rodrigo's rashes vanished, his digestive issues started to calm down, and I was a convert! This slide share lists the benefits of raw feeding. Although the veterinarian community as a whole doesn't support this diet, there is a growing community of raw feeders who can attest to the benefits of feeding a species appropriate diet to our dogs.

1. BENEFITS OF RAW FEEDING
Kimberly Gauthier - Keep the Tail Wagging

2. WHAT IS RAW FEEDING?
Raw feeding is a species appropriate diet for dogs in
which their humans attempt to replicate the diet of
the Grey Wolf (our dogs’ ancestor).
A raw food diet includes raw muscle meat, bones,
and organ meat. I follow the BARF model of raw
feeding, which incorporate vegetables, fruits, and
supplements.
The following are benefits of raw feeding.

3. FEWER VET BILLS
Vet bills are reduced, because
many health issues are addressed
with a species appropriate diet.

4. CLEAN TEETH &
HEALTHY GUMS
Raw meaty bones keep dogs’
teeth clean by scrubbing and
flossing their teeth while
massaging their gums.

5. BETTER DIGESTIVE
HEALTH
Dry food can be difficult for dogs
to digest. Feeding a species
appropriate diet of raw meat,
organ meat, bones, fruits, and
vegetables improves the digestive
and immune systems.

6. FRESH BREATH
Clean teeth and an improved
digestive system leads to fresh
breath.

7. IT’S A WORKOUT
The act of tearing muscle meat and
eating raw meaty bones provides a
workout for a dog’s jaw, neck, and
shoulders.
It’s also a mental workout that
satisfies a dog’s chew drive.

8. BETTER OVERALL
HEALTH
A raw food diet can help with joint
issues, allergies, skin conditions, lack
of energy, weight issues, and more.
Dogs on a raw food diet may also
experience better behavior and less
anxiety.

9. SMALLER, LESS SMELLY
STOOL
When a dog’s system is utilizing
all of the nutrients consumed,
there is naturally less waste.
And the waste (stool) that occurs
degrades quickly into the soil.

10. MORE INTEREST IN FOOD
Dogs that may be picky eaters
when on a dry food diet become
excited for meal time when on a
raw food diet.

11. KNOW WHAT YOUR DOG
EATS
Raw feeding provides dog
owners with the confidence of
knowing exactly what goes into
their dog’s diet.

12. IT’S INEXPENSIVE
With fewer vet visits and the
growing number of raw food co-
ops, brands, and other sources,
raw feeding is a less expensive
way to feed our dogs.

13. A SUPPORTIVE
COMMUNITY
Although raw feeding isn’t new, the raw
feeding community is now growing rapidly
thanks social media,which has allowed raw
feeders to connect, support each other.
Thanks to social media, we can easily
connect with holistic veterinarians, dog
nutritionists, and raw food brands.

14. TOP 4 PACIFIC
NORTHWEST RAW BRANDS
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Northwest Naturals
Porter’s Pride
Seattle’s Natural Pet Pantry

15. TOP 4 RAW BRANDS THAT
DELIVER
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Raw Paws Pet Food
Raw Feeding Miami*
*I haven’t ordered from RFM; I have friends who recommend this company.

16. TOP 9 US FROZEN RAW
BRANDS
Darwin’s Natural
Pet Products
Raw Paws Pet Food
Steve’s Real Food
Vital Essentials
Northwest Naturals
Stella & Chewy’s
Primal Pet Food
Bravo!
K9 Naturals
Answers Pet Food

17. TOP 5 US FROZEN
FREEZE-DRIED BRANDS
Vital Essentials
Steve’s Real Food
Stella & Chewy’s
Primal Pet Food
Bravo!
K9 Naturals
NRG

18. NOT READY FOR RAW?
TOP 5 DRY DOG FOODS BRANDS
PetKind Tripe Dry
Open Farm
Carna4
ZiwiPeak
Zignature

19. Dog Nutrition Blogger
Keep the Tail Wagging
keepthetailwagging.com
I am not a veterinarian or a dog
nutritionist. Lists of brands are based
on my experience feeding our four dogs
raw for more than two years.
If you’re interested in learning more about my experience as a raw feeder, check out my book
Raw Feeding from A to Z available on Amazon.com or visit me at Keep the Tail Wagging.