Is
Raw Feeding a New Idea?
The idea of a more biologically
appropriate "raw
diet" was popularized almost 30 years ago by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, an Australian
Veterinary Surgeon. He noticed an increase in a variety of illnesses among dogs
shortly after processed dog foods began replacing the raw bones and leftovers
Australians had traditionally fed their dogs. Even his own dogs, who he had switched
to commercial "scientifically balanced" food based on his veterinary training
in the 1970's, were affected.
"Over a period of about two years, my formerly healthy dogs began to suffer numerous
problems," he writes in his introduction to Give Your Dog A Bone. "At first
it was minor skin problems, runny eyes, scrufy coats, annoying itches, sore
ears, anal sac problems, smelly coats, smelly faeces, smelly mouths, dental
problems, the need for constant worming, etc. However, with time it became
reproductive problems and growth problems."
Billinghurst questioned a number of dog owners and discovered that dogs who
ate a commercial diet had significantly more health problems than dogs fed
the tradition raw bones and scraps. Returning to the traditional diet improved
the dog's overall health and led Billlinghurst to begin advocating for a biologically
appropriate raw diet based on bones and raw food (which he called "the BARF
died.) Other versions of this diet have been developed by a number of vets,
canine nutritionists and pet owners. In the past 20 years, the number of people
who feed a raw diet has grown impressively.
Some people make the choice because they want their dogs to compete in elite
dog sports, others just want their beloved pet to have the best quality of life
possible. Most owners are amazed at the changes in their dog's entire outlook
once they introduce raw food. |
