Better Gut Health for Dogs: 6 Benefits of Raw Food Diets
At Barf Time, we champion the power of a natural, raw diet for dogs. Just like humans, dogs thrive on fresh, unprocessed foods. Switching to a raw food diet provides your pet with a biologically appropriate meal plan, allowing their digestive system to function optimally and maintain balance. Let's explore how raw food can revolutionize your dog's digestion.
Introduction to Gut Health for Dogs
At Barf Time, we champion the power of a natural, raw diet to help improve gut health for dogs. Just like humans, dogs thrive on fresh, unprocessed foods. Switching to a raw food diet provides your pet with a biologically appropriate meal plan, allowing their digestive system to function optimally and maintain balance. Let’s explore how raw food can revolutionize your dog’s digestion.
Why Gut Health for Dogs matters
A healthy digestive system is the cornerstone of your dog’s overall well-being. Poor digestion can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, or vomiting, and may even pave the way for more severe health issues in the future. Dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or chronic digestive problems can especially benefit from the clean, natural ingredients found in raw diets.
How Raw Dog Food Supports Digestion
1. Easily Digestible Proteins
One of the 8 benefits of Barf Raw Dog Food is its high-quality protein content, which is easier for your dog to digest than processed kibble.
Since the protein in raw food is not heavily processed or cooked, it retains its natural structure and enzymes, supporting your dog’s gut and their body’s ability to break down food efficiently. Learn more about Raw vs Kibble & Cooked Food.
At Barf Time, we offer a variety of single protein barf diet options, including special mixed barf diets and low allergy barf diet options packed with natural, protein-rich meats, perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or specific medical conditions.
2. Naturally Occurring Enzymes
Raw food is rich in digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down proteins and fats to support gut health for dogs. These enzymes are often destroyed during the high-heat cooking process used in kibble production.
Enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase present in raw foods can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to better overall gut health for your dog.
3. Healthy Fats for Digestive Support
Raw diets provide a balanced amount of healthy fats, which are essential for your dog’s digestive system. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in ingredients like fish oil and linseed oil, are known to support a healthy gut lining and reduce inflammation.
At Barf Time, we carefully select manufacturers of high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients to ensure your dog is getting the healthy fats needed for optimal digestion. If your pet requires some High Fat barf diet options to help maintain a healthy weight, we have you covered.
Want to give your dog's coat an extra shine? Add a teaspoon of cold-pressed, organic coconut oil to their raw meals. Coconut oil is a great source of medium-chain fatty acids, which are not only easy to digest but also promote healthy skin and a glossy coat.
4. Raw Bones for Fiber and Natural Probiotics
Raw meaty bones, including in all our dog BARF diets, provide essential calcium and fiber, helping to regulate your dog’s stool and prevent constipation.
Additionally, bones contain natural probiotics, which help balance gut flora, fostering a healthier microbiome. Natural bone treats for dogs also act as natural toothbrush and keep your dog entertained, try our Kangaroo Teeth Cleaners or Veal Breast Bones
Worried about your dog gulping down their food too quickly? Try offering a raw meaty bone as a meal finisher. Not only does this provide added nutrition, but the chewing action also slows down eating, aids digestion, and provides mental stimulation. Another alternative to slow down eating and aid digestion is to get a suitable LickiMat slow-feeder dog bowl.
5. No Fillers or Additives
Traditional kibble often contains fillers like grains and artificial additives that can cause inflammation, food sensitivities, and digestive issues. Raw diets, like those from Barf Time, are free from these harmful ingredients. We use only 100% natural meats, bones, and organ products to ensure your dog’s digestive system is not overloaded with unnecessary fillers or chemicals.
Reading pet food labels can be confusing! Look for ingredients that you recognize as real, whole foods. Avoid products with long lists of unpronounceable chemicals or fillers like corn, wheat, and soy and avoid treats with glycerine which is generally used to add a longer shelf life to products and remove natural meat odours.
6. Probiotics from Offal
Offal, or organ meat, is a powerhouse of nutrients and probiotics that support healthy flora in gut health for dogs. The benefits of offal organs provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that your dog’s digestive system needs to stay balanced and healthy.
Supplement your dog raw diet by adding around 5-10% of their overall meal with high quality Offal Mince for optimal nutrition.
Digestive Enzymes found in Dogs
Amylase – The Carbohydrate Crusher
While dogs produce less amylase in their saliva than humans (due to their primarily carnivorous nature), they DO produce it in their pancreas. This means they can still process some carbohydrates, especially when they’re cooked or in easily digestible forms found in our raw diets such as sweet potato.
- Plant Power Boost: Our raw diets include small amounts of pre-soaked or fermented plant ingredients like Red Cabbage. This can help introduce readily available carbohydrates, and the fermentation process can increase the bioavailability of nutrients.
- The “Sweet” Secret: Amylase breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, which provide a quick energy source. Even in small amounts, this can be beneficial for active dogs.
Mangoes & bananas also provide amylase, aiding in carbohydrate digestion. They also offer dietary fiber and potassium. They should be offered in small amounts as a treat and in moderation as part of a balanced raw diet.
Protease – The Protein Powerhouse
Protease enzymes are essential for breaking down proteins into amino acids, the building blocks of muscles, tissues, and enzymes. This is crucial for a dog’s growth, repair, and overall health.
- Raw’s Rich Resource: Raw meat is naturally rich in proteases. This helps your dog efficiently digest and utilize the high-quality protein in their diet.
- Gut Guardian: Proteases also play a role in maintaining a healthy gut by breaking down undigested protein that could otherwise cause issues.
- Enzyme Variety: There are many different types of proteases, each targeting specific protein bonds. A varied raw diet with different protein sources can help ensure a broad spectrum of these vital enzymes.
Lipase – The Fat Factor
Lipase is the enzyme responsible for breaking down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. These are essential for energy, cell structure, and hormone production to help give your dog fuel to function properly..
- Raw’s Natural Source: Raw animal fats are a natural source of lipase, aiding in the digestion of these crucial nutrients.
- Skin and Coat Savior: Healthy fats, properly digested with the help of lipase, contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- Vitamin Partner: Lipase helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), which are essential for various bodily functions.
- Pancreatic Power: Lipase is produced in the pancreas and is vital for the break down of fats within the small intestine.
Signs of Improved Digestion on a Raw Diet
Once you transition your dog to raw food, you’ll likely notice several improvements in their digestion, including:
- Firmer, smaller stools due to better nutrient absorption.
- Less gas and bloating, especially in dogs with food sensitivities.
- Reduced instances of diarrhea or vomiting.
- Shiny coats and improved energy levels, as a healthy digestive system supports better overall health.
- Less allergies like paw biting, excessive licking or watery eyes
Keep a close eye on your dog's poop! It's a great indicator of their digestive health. If you notice any significant changes in frequency, consistency, or color, consult with your veterinarian.
Additional Digestive Supplements to Support Raw Feeding
While a well-balanced raw diet provides a wealth of natural enzymes and nutrients in gut health for dogs, some dogs may benefit from additional digestive support. This is especially true for dogs transitioning to a raw diet, those with sensitive stomachs, or those experiencing specific digestive issues. Here are a few supplements that can complement a raw feeding regimen:
Saccharomyces Boulardii
This beneficial yeast acts as a probiotic, helping to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. It can be particularly helpful during periods of stress, dietary changes, or antibiotic use.
Why it’s beneficial: Supports a healthy gut microbiome, helps with diarrhea, and can aid in overall digestive health.
Prebiotic and Probiotic Powders
A combination of prebiotics and probiotics can work synergistically to promote a thriving gut environment. Prebiotics act as food for beneficial bacteria, while probiotics introduce live, healthy strains.
Why it’s beneficial: Enhances nutrient absorption, supports immune function, and promotes regular bowel movements.
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
PEA is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide that has shown promise in supporting gut health and reducing inflammation. It can be particularly helpful for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease or other digestive sensitivities.
Why it’s beneficial: Supports gut barrier function, reduces inflammation, and may alleviate discomfort.
Important Considerations
- Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your dog’s diet.
- Choose high-quality supplements from reputable brands.
- Follow the instructions based on your dog’s age and weight offered on the product’s label and start with small doses and gradually increase as needed.
- Observe your dog for any adverse reactions.
By incorporating these supplements into your dog’s raw diet, you can further enhance their digestive health and overall well-being. We will soon be stocking high quality versions of these products in our online store so keep an eye out and make sure you subscribe to our newsletter.
How Barf Time Can Help
At Barf Time, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, nutritious raw food designed to support your dog’s digestive health and optimise gut health for dogs. Our carefully formulated BARF Raw Food contains a balanced mix of raw meats, bones, and optional offal supplementation options, free from preservatives, fillers, or additives. By offering the cleanest, most natural Queensland sourced pet food ingredients, we help your dog digest their food with ease, leading to fewer digestive problems and a happier, healthier pet.
Ready to make the switch? Explore our full range of BARF diets and discover how raw feeding can transform gut health for dogs, and improve your dog’s digestive health for increased vitality, happiness and longer, healthier life.
We are happy to answer any questions you have, and remember to consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
Research for Further Reading
Below is a list of resources to help support this article for Gut Health in Dogs. These resources may include general websites, independent or scientific research articles.
The Gut Microbiome in Dogs and Cats, and the influence of Diet
Gut Probiotics and Health of Dogs and Cats: Benefits, Applications, and Underlying Mechanisms
Share this to your friends
Table of Contents
Become a Subscriber
Join to get all the latest products, offers and discounts only BARF Time subscribers get.
Plus 10% off your first order!
Share this
Become a Subscriber
Join to get all the latest products, offers and discounts only BARF Time subscribers get!
