The feeding of raw meat and bone diets is being promoted by many people, including some veterinarians, with an almost evangelical zeal.
As a small animal practitioner, you have seen many dogs on these diets that appear to be in excellent general health. Also, you have had clients report that some chronic problems, such as allergic skin disease, have resolved since their pet has been on the diet.
Based on conventional standards of nutrition, you know that these diets are not balanced, especially for growing dogs. Also, the potential for zoonotic disease from the raw foods and for complications from ingesting bone is very real.
Although not convinced that these diets are appropriate pet foods, you have begun to wonder if some processed commercial diets are lacking nutritional factors that may be present in raw diets. You also question whether the large proportion of processed grain found in commercial diets is biologically appropriate for dogs and cats, which are basically carnivores.
Raw diets appear to be increasing in popularity; therefore, how should a veterinarian respond to questions regarding the appropriateness of these diets?
Submitted by David Sandwith, MRCVS Calgary, Alberta