American Bulldog Raw Diet; Benefits and Concerns

When deciding on what diet best suits your Bulldog, understanding the anatomy and digestion mechanism is paramount. Raw meals come in different tags and it’s easy to pin ensuing issues on brands. But if you know that an American bulldog’s digestive tract like every other canine is more suited for fresh and high protein meals, you will choose what works specifically for them.

This requirement is what natural raw diet seeks to replicate since a dogs’ stomach does not like certain meals. For example, ferment carbohydrates (the main ingredients in certain dry dog foods and kibble). Many dog food diets, despite the “grain-free” tags and information that comes with them, have high levels of unsuitable starchy carbs. That surely puts everything about your dog’s vital organs in jeopardy while initiating a host of fatal health conditions. 

What are raw diets or raw dog food recipes?

Raw diets are a kind of dog foods that emphasize raw bones, raw meat, fruits as well as vegetables for puppies and adult dogs. Greyhounds and sled dogs are more popular for feeding on raw diets but this does not leave out other dog breeds. However, based on the idea of Ian Billinghurst, feeding raw food diets to pets is presently a common practice. 

The Australian vegetarian suggested the BARF diet, acronym for Bones and Raw Food or Biologically appropriate Raw Food. His suggestion considers this to be more appropriate. While he pins on the fact that an adult dog would thrive more on raw foods rather than grain-based commercial pet food, numerous mainstream veterinarians disagree with his idea. Regardless, lots of information is available on the potential benefits and risks raw food diets could have on dog health. This is exactly what this article seeks to discuss.

 

 

Benefit tags related to a raw food diet include;

  • Healthier dog and shinier coat

  • Healthier skin

  • Cleaner and stronger teeth

  • Higher energy levels

  • Smaller stool

  • Compared to any other kibble, it has more water and is less likely to dehydrate dogs.

Potential risks include;

  • Potential to pin puppy throats; thus choking them.

  • It could break teeth and cause internal puncture and consequently, bleeding.

  • A potentially unbalanced diet that may affect pet health when eaten for long periods.

  • Raw feeding poses more risk to human and dog health from bacteria from raw products.

Pet owners who keep up with recent dog trends possibly understand raw feeding, several ushered varieties – including tags with freeze-dried, frozen, and a combo of several constituents. Although pet foods are available in different brands, recipes and servings information are available online. You are just a search away.

What is in a raw food diet?

The average raw dog food diet contains;

  • Muscle meat (still on the bone)

  • Raw eggs

  • Organ meats including livers and kidneys

  • Whole or ground bone

  • Fruits (like an apple)

  • Vegetables (Broccoli, spinach, or celery)

  • Dairy products e.g. yogurt

Naturally, the amount of each component may differ in a raw dog food diet since producers may pin on certain elements depending on the recipe.


What dog owners need to consider.

  1. Gut Health

It is no surprise that gut health is center on the health of your American Bulldog companion. The same is true for humans. All scientific studies point to the fact that dogs’ gut houses an ecosystem of bacteria known as the microbiome/ gut flora. Therefore, when compared with processed dry dog food, a BARF diet could significantly enhance the homeostasis of the microbiome. In addition, more diet for dogs may contain additives and synthetics, such ingredients could upset the gut balance or cause leaky gut.

2. Immunity

The immune system is the body’s natural defense mechanism. It is the dog’s first point of attack against toxins, pathogens and other harmful constituents. A raw natural food nourishes the immune system while providing more micronutrients and calcium, necessary for functionality.

3. Weight

American Bulldogs are known to pile more pounds in weight because of their body anatomy. However, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for all dogs. Therefore, food tags rich in protein (meat, eggs, and chicken backs) will suffice. Although you can pin an increase in weight on other factors, maintaining a reasonable food regimen works more for optimal performance and weight management. If you’re wondering how much raw food you should be feeding your dog, talking to an expert is what you need. However, tips like; your dog’s metabolism, quality of feed, exercising, age and breed, prior growth information, etc. could help you decide.

4. Digestion

Let’s talk about toilet habits. Raw dog food is easier to ingest and digest because of its water content, therefore, it is a good indicator of gut health. Furthermore, there is a reduction in excretion.  Raw diet for dogs also contributes to a better smell. Thus, improving dental function too.

 

What research shows

According to a published work in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association, there was an evaluation of raw dog food(s). The head of the evaluation team advised against choosing raw dog food based on indiscriminate information online. Instead, they recommend information provided by a certified nutritionist. The research, based on the evaluation of five raw dog meals -three homemade and two commercially available, reported more nutritional deficiencies.

The study argues that raw food has more fat composition and certain high-fat kibble would produce a similar effect. Other studies provide more information that pins raw dog meals to bacterial contamination. Furthermore, the FDA issued suggestions in 2004 cited concerns for dog lovers handling raw meat. A 2006 study found that 20 commercially available raw meat for dogs had a type of salmonella. When shed in the feces, it had more potential for human exposure and infection.

Bottom Line

Many experts pin their recommendation of this regimen on the fact that it mimics more of the natural source of dog’s wildlife counterparts. While this is true, not all dogs will gobble up raw foods. Some dogs, especially a puppy may never be able to switch to “raw food tags” as a result of food sensitivities. If you need to change your furry buddy’s meal, get sufficient information from dog experts and meal tags. If you decide to explore your options, consider reaching out through the email address of your preferred brand or expert. The more you know, the better it is for you and your dog.

 

For more dog nutrition needs check out some of our other articles such as, How Much Should a Jack Russell Eat Per Day?