What’s Nicci up to these days? Nicci was recently featured in a Facebook live with Drs Nick Thompson, Brendan Clarke, and Conor Brady discussing her research on the safety of raw feeding, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and grain-free food.
We have always received advice to cook meat thoroughly in order to eliminate pathogens such as Salmonella, E. Coli, or Campylobacter. However, there is limited documentation linking raw feeding to enteric pathogens. A study conducted by DogRisk1 examined stool samples from dogs fed raw diets and those fed kibble-based diets. The study found that “Zoonotic meat-borne bacteria, such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and enteropathogenic Yersinia, were only sporadically detected in RMBD (raw meat-based diets) by PCR.”1 In other words, there is no consistent association between raw diets and enteric pathogens.
By following basic, safe handling practices (which we already do when handling our own meat to prevent illness) – such as practicing good hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces after preparation, and not feeding spoiled meat – the risk of enteric pathogens can be minimized.
It is worth noting that some of the largest and most significant pet food recalls in the U.S. have been linked to dry food. This indicates that heat-treated foods also carry a significant risk of pathogens. Additionally, research shows that most pet owners do not regularly wash their hands or clean their pet food bowls. Therefore, regardless of the type of food you feed your pet, it is important to practice proper hygiene.
As an experienced dog owner, I understand the importance of providing a well-rounded diet. In this blog, I’ll share my experience and insights on the benefits of incorporating fresh foods into your canine companion’s kibble-based diet. Learn how these simple additions can promote hydration, improve coat and skin health, and support overall well-being for your beloved pets.
I have three dogs: Tyson (a Pit mix), Pongo, and Lila (the Dalmatians). I rotate the protein choices for their kibble every bag. Since I feed a primarily kibble diet, I like to add a lot of fresh foods to their bowls like raw meat toppers, raw organic eggs, goat milk, bone broth, blueberries, green beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli, bananas, the list can keep going. All of these toppers are great sources of moisture being added to the diet, as kibble is very dehydrating to our pet’s body and organs.
I add blueberries as they’re a great source of antioxidants and beneficial to the immune system. Adding certain leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce, kale,
Morgan with her dogs Tyson and Pongo
collard greens, are great sources of natural fiber. Raw organic eggs are full of amino and fatty acids and amazing for skin and coat health. While feeding raw eggs you can also feed the shell (farm fresh only- as store bought egg shells can be bleached and can contain chemicals). The shell is a great natural source of calcium, helping to support strong bones and teeth. Let’s not forget about adding the eggshell membrane as well! The white membrane of the eggshell is full of collagen which is amazing for supporting and/or rebuilding joints.
The biggest benefit of adding fresh foods and toppers is I have peace of mind knowing that my dogs stay hydrated — not just from their water bowls. On top of that, their coats shine, their teeth are pearly white, they’re fit and lean, and they’re happy!
I pay extra close attention to my Dalmatians’ diet because the breed is prone to creating urinary crystals and stones. Their genetics create an overabundance of uric acid in the urinary tract therefore leading to the creation of urinary stones. That being said, I focus on keeping them hydrated because it helps to flush some of the uric acid out. Since adding fresh food to my Dalmatians’ diet, their urinalysis results have been much better and a significant decrease in crystals as well!
Even something as simple as adding filtered water or fresh fruit and vegetables to a pet’s diet can go a long way for the pet’s health. Hydration is a huge key when being fed primarily dry based kibble food.
Freeze-dried raw food is still raw and has not been cooked. Therefore, perhaps the best benefit of all is that it contains pristine nutrition for your pet: animal-based proteins, essential fats and amino acids in their most digestible, bioavailable form. At NPP we strongly believe that whole, fresh feeding is the best form of nutrition for your pet.
Perhaps the best perk about freeze-dried food is the versatility. Freeze-dried foods can be fed as:
Since freeze-dried foods are vacuum dried, they can be kept safely at room temperature. The compact, lightweight, nutrient-dense meal simplifies feeding while you’re on the road or away from home. In addition, the less weight in your day pack can make all the difference when you’re planning to hike that extra mile.
Unlike frozen raw food, freeze-dried foods do not require freezing, and therefore do not need to be thawed. When served as a topper or treat, you can feed it right out of the bag – no prep needed. If using it as a complete meal on a regular basis, freeze-dried formulas should be hydrated.
While freeze-dried formulas contain excellent high-quality protein and healthy fats, they have zero moisture, which can put unnecessary strain on your pet’s organ function over time. If freeze-dried food makes up more than 25% of your pet’s diet, we recommend adding some bone broth, goat milk, or warm water. Allow the food to soak for 5-10 minutes to absorb the moisture before feeding.
Freeze-dried foods tend to be a favorite amongst picky pets, commonly small dogs and cats. Here’s why: The freeze-drying process yields a final product that smells great and is relatively soft in texture. Prior to hydration, the food is dry but softer than kibble. After hydration, the food resembles canned/wet food. If your pet prefers a shredded texture, simply break up the pieces with a fork or your hand. If they prefer a smooth pate texture, leave the food intact.
Many pet-owners become frustrated if their pet doesn’t instantly fall in love with a frozen raw diet. For some pets, this transition can be off-putting: to go from eating a processed, extruded dry kibble to a cold, wet raw meal (think stale pizza crust to cold grass-fed prime rib). Freeze-dried formulas can help to bridge the gap with a room-temperature, palatable, fragrant, enticing meal that can gradually replace your pet’s kibble without the shocking change.
Avid raw feeders can all tell stories of the times they forgot to take out their pet’s frozen meals to thaw. Come dinner time, it’s nice to have a shelf-stable Plan B, just in case!
There is a dedicated team of veterinarians that advocate for the safe, responsible feeding of fresh, raw food for dogs and cats. These vets and other professionals are members of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS). Nicci is also a member of this organization as well and you can learn more about the RFVS here: https://rfvs.info/about-us/
As the pandemic continues, many pet owners are facing financial difficulties, causing them to rethink their pet’s diet. Raw and canned pet food feeding households are switching to kibble or supplementing with it to save money. In this article, we’ll explore some factors to consider when making the switch.
When looking for a lower cost alternative to raw or canned pet food, consider a lower carbohydrate kibble. To determine the percentage of carbohydrates, add together the percentages of protein, fat, moisture, fiber, and ash. Since ash is often not listed on the label, estimate it to be around 6-8%. Subtract the total from 100 to get the carbohydrate content.
A low carbohydrate kibble does not automatically guarantee adequate or high-quality protein. Your dog or cat needs to consume a certain amount of total grams of protein rather than an overall percentage. If you’re transitioning from raw to kibble or supplementing your pet’s raw diet with kibble, it’s crucial to reach out to pet food companies and request:
Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your pet’s bowl can provide numerous health benefits, whether you feed kibble or raw. Using foods that may otherwise go to waste can also help reduce costs. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that neutralize toxic free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage.
A lot of us raw feeders choose to feed raw due to health conditions, disease prevention, and/or personal choice. While much of the evidence supporting these diets is anecdotal, there is a lot of research emerging to support these diets. Regardless, we do know there is sufficient published evidence to show the detriments of processed kibble and canned foods. For this reason, many of us worry about transitioning back. The good news is the researchers at the University of Helsinki DogRisk group have shown that feeding just 20% fresh food with processed food (i.e. kibble and canned food) reduces the incidence of inflammatory biomarkers quite significantly.
If you’re feeding commercial raw, consider freeze-dried foods. Traditionally, these foods have been cost-prohibitive, but there are now highly digestible and affordable brands, such as Northwest Naturals and Vital Essentials. These foods are shelf-stable, lightweight, and easy to store or transport.
Switching to a lower cost alternative to raw or canned pet food can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make a more informed decision about what to feed your pet during these tough times. Remember, adding fresh foods and considering freeze-dried options can help you save money while still providing your pet with a healthy diet.
*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.
Nicci is the owner of award-winning NorthPoint Pets & Company, in Connecticut. She is also the Founder & CEO of Undogmatic Inc. Her undergraduate and graduate education includes biology, chemistry, business, and nutrition. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry on multiple R&D projects and has had the privilege to learn from leading international figures in the human and pet health industry. She regularly lectures at national conferences, including federal, state, and municipal K9 events. Her current research involves identifying pathogenic risk factors and transmission among raw fed pets through a comprehensive worldwide survey.
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