RAWgust is Here!
Top 5 Pet Food Myths... BUSTED!
Happy RAWgust! Whether you have been considering a fresh food diet for your furry family members or are simply curious about what goes into their bowl, there is a lot of noisy information out there.
To mark RAWgust, we are setting the record straight. Here are five of the biggest pet food myths—busted once and for all!
Myth #1: "Raw food is full of dangerous bacteria."
The Truth: It is easy to project our human digestive limits onto our pets, but dogs and cats have completely different digestive systems. Their stomach acid is far more acidic than ours, and their digestive tracts are short and efficient—specifically designed by nature to process raw meat, bone, organ meat, and handle bacteria without issue.
Furthermore, safe handling practices apply to all pet foods, including kibble. When it comes to commercial raw food, most brands follow strict manufacturing standards, safety testing, and modern preparation methods to keep your household safe.
Myth #2: "Dogs need grains to be healthy."
The Truth: While dogs are facultative carnivores and can metabolize carbohydrates, grains are not an essential nutritional requirement for them (and cats are obligate carnivores who require none!).
You may have heard that grains are necessary to prevent certain heart diseases. There is no scientific evidence to support this.
What truly matters is the quality of nutrients, not filler ingredients. Dogs and cats need high-quality proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Many pets thrive on a grain-free, fresh diet that provides nutrient-dense energy without relying on heavy grain fillers.
Myth #3: "Raw feeding is too expensive."
The Truth: While the upfront cost of fresh food can look higher than a bag of heat extruded kibble, feeding raw is an investment in long-term wellness that often pays off in unexpected ways:
Better Digestion & Smaller Stools: Because raw food is highly bioavailable, your pet absorbs most of the nutrients—meaning significantly less waste (and easier backyard cleanups!).
Fewer Vet Visits: Improved dental health, healthier skin, and better weight management often translate to fewer costly trips to the vet down the line.
Proper Feeding Portions: Because raw food is so nutrient-dense, feeding guides often require smaller daily portions than bulk-filled dry diets.
Myth #4: "Raw diets aren't complete and balanced."
The Truth: This myth usually stems from confusing a homemade, meat-only diet with a professionally formulated raw diet. Throwing a plain chicken breast in a bowl is not balanced—and that is why commercial raw exists!
Furthermore, a balanced diet is achieved over time. Feeding at least three proteins over a 3- or 4-week period with a proper mixture the right organ meat, a proper percentage of raw bone and vegetable and fruit in moderation can provide balance to our fur friends.
Most commercially prepared raw diets are crafted to meet strict AAFCO or NRC nutritional standards. They combine precise ratios of muscle meat, bone, organs, and essential nutrients to ensure your pet gets every single vitamin and mineral they need for daily vitality.
Myth #5: "Raw is only for young, healthy dogs."
The Truth: Raw feeding is not a one-size-fits-all club exclusive to athletic adult dogs! Fresh, species-appropriate food offers benefits for every age, size, and stage:
Puppies & Kittens: Supports optimal growth and strong immune systems.
Seniors: Offers highly digestible protein, joint support, and crucial moisture.
Small & Large Breeds: Formulations and bone sizes can easily be tailored to any jaw size.
Cats: Cats are obligate carnivores that naturally thrive on the high protein and moisture levels raw food provides.
Basically: if they eat, there is a fresh food strategy that can work for them!