Why raw?
I started feeding raw in 2004, to help my sick cat. I was amazed at how well it helped her, and the positive changes that followed. Just before that, one of my family members had begun research on B.A.R.F.ing (Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding), and started her Springer Spaniels a raw diet. Within a couple of weeks, chronic issues began to clear up, or completely resolve. Issues a respected Vet had been treating for a couple of years, were resolving, based solely on diet. They were definitely eye opening experiences.
While some chemicals may not show immediate harm to the body, there are very few studies regarding long term impacts and side effects. As I removed the chemicals and heavily processed foods, from my, and my pets diets, I've found a general rise in the quality of health and life. My dogs run agility, which can be a very injury prone sport - for a wide variety of reasons (which is another topic all together). But, on a raw diet, I find they suffer fewer injuries and recover more quickly than most.
While some chemicals may not show immediate harm to the body, there are very few studies regarding long term impacts and side effects. As I removed the chemicals and heavily processed foods, from my, and my pets diets, I've found a general rise in the quality of health and life. My dogs run agility, which can be a very injury prone sport - for a wide variety of reasons (which is another topic all together). But, on a raw diet, I find they suffer fewer injuries and recover more quickly than most.
Grinding your own food
Many people avoid raw diets because they think they have to grind and mix everything. Some feel it's a chore and too time consuming. Feeding raw isn't cheap, but for me, it's the right thing to do. To help save money, and ensure the quality of the food, I do grind food for my dogs. But a lot of people find the process quite squeamish, or cumbersome - particularly during travel. With a little planning and prep, raw-on-the-road is completely doable.
If you just can't bring yourself to handle raw product (prepackaged or not), then by all means, find a 'like-raw' kibble. There are several major brands on the market, and while I will always promote raw, sometimes you must consider the cost, or quality of available sources. I have yet to find what I would consider a healthy product in ANY of the major pet or bulk supply stores. Most cities and towns have at least a couple of high quality pet food stores. Get to know the owners, and ask them about the products they carry. If they don't have something currently available, they are almost always wiling to bring in new product or accommodate any dietary needs or sensitivities.
If you just can't bring yourself to handle raw product (prepackaged or not), then by all means, find a 'like-raw' kibble. There are several major brands on the market, and while I will always promote raw, sometimes you must consider the cost, or quality of available sources. I have yet to find what I would consider a healthy product in ANY of the major pet or bulk supply stores. Most cities and towns have at least a couple of high quality pet food stores. Get to know the owners, and ask them about the products they carry. If they don't have something currently available, they are almost always wiling to bring in new product or accommodate any dietary needs or sensitivities.
References
There are a lot of articles, books and recipes on the topic. The ones listed below are the ones I reference and recommend most often.
Dr. Jean Dodds -
New Zealand Dog Diet Study: http://business.scoop.co.nz/2017/03/16/new-zealand-dog-diet-study-a-wake-up-call-for-dog-nutrition/