Nearly one in five dogs in Australia suffer from hip dysplasia like Buddha. Now many pet owners are following the path of former Tactical Operations Unit Officer Adam Guest in improving their pet’s diet to improve health issues.
“Ten years ago I came across a couple rescuing and rehabilitating dogs who were feeding them a raw diet, and I could see the benefits of real food and nutrition,” said Mr Guest, co-founder of Raw & Fresh.
“Fresh food and raw meat was like a miracle drug for my dog Buddha, similar to a human switching from just eating junk food every day to eating meat and vegetables.
“Traditionally, pet food comes in the form of kibble or bite-sized biscuits, often filled with starch like potato and rice that have no nutritional benefit which means synthetic vitamins need to be added.
“When a pet starts eating raw food the positive changes happen within a week or two. When they go to the toilet for a ‘number two’, it’s dramatically reduced because there’s no nutritional fillers, their fur is almost like silk and they don’t have that musky, gross smell they often get.
Mr Guest said a raw food diet can help with a broad range of problems in pets including :
- Digestion - Raw food is easier to digest as they contain natural enzymes and probiotics resulting in small, firm and odourless stools. It can fix chronic diarrhea, and bloating.
- Allergies and skin irritations - novel proteins like kangaroo and grain free food reduces inflammation, itchy skin, chronic ear infections and hair loss.
- Dull coat - High quality fats and omega-3 fatty acids in raw food diets improve skin dryness and lead to a shinier and softer coat.
- Dental disease - chewing raw bones acts as a natural toothbrush reducing tartar buildup and bad breath.
- Weight - Usually high in protein and low in carbohydrates, raw food assists with weight management.
- Behavioural issues - Nutrient dense ingredients can improve cognitive function and gut health which is linked to improved behaviour, reducing hyperactivity with less blood sugar spikes.
“The easiest way to know if the food you are buying your pet is nutritional is to make sure the top two ingredients are protein, if it isn’t then it likely has fillers and minimal nutrition,” said Mr Guest.
About Raw & Fresh
Raw & Fresh prepares fresh human-grade meals directly to customers’ doors across Australia. The company focuses on transparency, real ingredients and affordability – challenging traditional pet food options dominated by highly processed kibble and unclear ingredient lists. Meals range from beef, kangaroo, lamb and chicken which can be used as a base for home made diets, or the complete diet for both dogs and cats. For more information on Raw & Fresh or to view their meals Visit https://rawandfresh.com.au/
