This Q&A deals with feeding your pets a raw food diet. Lana has some concerns over whether or not there is an increased risk of getting worms, and whether bones grind down dogs teeth.

Question:

Hi

I read your recent article on Fresh versus Processed. It is something I believe in but never really put into practice. I have a few concerns. Firstly, are our pets at increased risk of getting worms following a raw food diet? Secondly, I have been led to believe beef bones tend to grind down dogs teeth, is this really the case? Thirdly, I live in the Kloof(KZN) area, are there reputable suppliers of raw meat, offal etc.?

Thanks

Lana

Hi Lana
Firstly the answers will depend on who you ask!

• In my opinion the chances of your dogs getting worms actually lessen because a diet rich in bone causes hard feces which is not a parasite friendly environment. However, worms can be picked up anywhere, anytime and dogs need to be dosed periodically no matter what you feed them.
• Who ever told you ‘beef bones grind down a dogs teeth’ has just come in on a load of turnips!
• Dentists grind down dogs teeth! Chewing stones causes dental damage and raw bones strengthen and clean teeth naturally - or does your dog use a toothbrush and toothpaste?!
• Oh, by the way, if your theory was correct, there would be no carnivores left in the world because they would all be toothless and unable to eat!
• A poor processed diet, (low in animal proteins and high in empty fillers, salt, sugar and chemical preservatives, colouring ,flavouring, emulsifiers, etc.etc.etc.,) causes warn down and rotten teeth!
• Similarly, a poor quality diet causes, bad breath and bad body odour.
• Try Muddy Dog or Bothas Hill Butchery for good quality pet chicken and mince at very reasonable prices. I do believe they deliver to your door as well.

Go ahead and give your dog raw bones (never cooked) because they are natures perfect calcium … at a fraction of the cost.
Glynne