Why the pet industry should pay close attention to raw feeding

People working in the pet industry will have undoubtedly heard of raw feeding for cats and dogs.

Some swear by raw feeding and some believe that it is not only unhealthy but dangerous.

When it comes to our pets, from all sides -including the business side- it’s hard not to get overly passionate about the wants and needs of our dogs and cats. Raw feeding always tends to divide a room, while growing in popularity day by day. If you are yet to form your opinion on the matter, in this article we’ll be covering arguments on each side.

Arguments in favour of raw feeding

It can be great for pets, if done right it can provide some significant proven benefits such as a healthier coat and digestion. It is also great for dental health, especially for dogs with bones implemented into meals which they can chew on for healthier teeth and better breath.

People also tend to like the idea of their pets eating what they are “supposed” to eat from a historical perspective. Many believe that the inclusion of raw meat and bones in the diets of dogs and cats gets them in touch with their more wild ancestral side. They feel that equally important to the health benefits, raw feeding makes pets feel better; more in touch with their true selves.

There are clear advantages to raw feeding and you need to look no further than high-performance competition and working dogs. Racing dog’s diets consist mostly of Raw Feeding, as do the diets of sledge dogs – two of the most physically demanding roles for dogs are more often than not fueled by raw feeding.

Raw feeding a growing industry with food and prep companies like Bella & Duke, and lots of informational content online on how to best make the switch and what to feed pets when starting out with a raw diet. It’s clear that it is not a passing fad and it will be essential for businesses in the pet industry to keep up to date on the do’s, dont’s, and why’s of raw feeding and its benefits.

Counter-arguments

One of the main criticisms of raw feeding is that if pet’s meals are poorly balanced nutritionally, it could make them extremely unwell. There is a very specific balance needed to properly feed pets on a raw diet and even a slight divergence could lead to significant nutritional imbalances which could pose serious health consequences.

Both dogs and cats require very specific nutrition to remain healthy and active. Tinned kibble and wet foods offer a balanced distribution of those nutritional requirements. Often it is much safer to stick to what works, especially if pets enjoy their current diets and are experiencing no health concerns. While an exciting prospect, striking the right balance with raw feeding can be hard and the right balance is absolutely essential for a pet’s health and happiness.

With that being said there are prep companies that offer bespoke, prepped meal plans that can be delivered straight to your door.

Regardless, there are other concerns like risks of E. coli and salmonella for the owners if they are not careful handling raw meat. These concerns need to be addressed and discussed when talking to customers about the prospects of raw feeding.

What can you do?

Whether you agree or disagree it is important to remember that pet owners are very passionate about their pet’s well-being. Whether they are for or against raw feeding they have come to this conclusion with their pet’s best interests in mind. It’s important not to dismiss their stance as they likely trust you and your pet business and may not take kindly to an entirely oppositional perspective.

The best way to handle raw feeding is to make sure you are well educated on the arguments on both ends of discussion and maintain an open mind talking to passionate customers. Always try to find what the best option is for them, often it may not be the consensus right option, but it will be a step in the right direction and can increase customer loyalty and trust.

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