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Some raw feeders overlook that a key ingredient in a raw food diet is animal fur (and feathers). When I was new to raw feeding, I would read about Whole Prey Raw Feeders adding fur to their dogs' diet, and I figured that it was just hardcore raw feeding, but not something that I would do (or needed to do).
Fast forward, and my dogs enjoy rabbit feet, ears, and heads.
Benefits of Fur in a Dog's Raw Food Diet
People cite manganese when recommending fur and feathers for a dog's raw diet. Manganese is a trace mineral that supports bone health, the nervous system, metabolism, the immune system, and blood clotting. Dogs can't produce manganese and must get it from their diet, primarily organ meat. Fur and feathers may be better sources of manganese than organ meat. However, I'm curious about how bioavailable the fur is for pets.
Dog-Safe Foods Rich in Manganese
- muscle meat
- liver
- heart
- sardines
- mussels
- oysters
- leafy green vegetables
Do Raw Fed Dogs Get Enough Manganese
I've had my dogs nutrient tested a couple of times, and their diet meets their nutritional needs. A certified nutritionist, reviewed several of my recipes to confirm that my DIY formulations meet their needs. I'm confident my dogs get enough manganese in their diet. Therefore, I don't need to feed fur for this trace mineral. Instead, I feed rabbit feet, rabbit ears, and cow ears (all with fur) to my dogs as an occasional treat.
Fur May Support Better Gut Health
I add fur to my dogs' raw diet to clean out the digestive tract. When the digestive tract is clean, it better facilitates the absorption of nutrients. And that's not all!
- 80% of the immune system lives in the gut; an improved digestive system strengthens the immune system
- Fur helps to bulk up the stool, providing more consistent, solid stool.
Feathers offer the same benefits as fur. I have fed whole quail to my dogs, but I don't feel comfortable feeding anything larger.
Do Dogs Need Keratin in Their Diet?
Fur is a natural source of fiber, but is it dietary fiber? Fur is made up of keratin fibers, something used in hair products. Keratin is a type of protein found in the hair, nails, and outer layer of the skin of animals, including dogs. While keratin itself is not typically included in dog food as a direct nutrient, ensuring that your dog's diet contains sufficient amounts of high-quality protein is essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat, which are rich in keratin.
Providing your dog with a balanced diet that includes adequate protein sources such as meat, fish, eggs, and certain plant-based proteins can support the production of keratin and contribute to healthy skin and coat. Additionally, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals play a crucial role in maintaining the health of your dog's skin and coat.
Where to Buy Fur to Feed to Dogs
I primarily feed rabbit feet and rabbit ears as a treat. I also stock up on air-dried rabbit heads, which I feed as a meal. Yes, this sounds barbaric, but the dogs love it, and it's a great light meal that does wonders for their teeth.
I order rabbit feet, ears, and heads from Real Dog Box secret shop (only available to subscribers).
Some brands offer ground raw that includes fur. For some pet parents, these recipes are too rich for their dogs; I've been told that mixing more protein into the blend seems to help.
Warnings About Feeding Fur
I feed fur as a treat, not as a regular part of my dogs' meals. Feeding fur regularly brings the risk of impaction. A dog fed a fresh food diet may have less risk because of the natural fiber added to the bowl (i.e., vegetables), but there are no guarantees.
Feeding too much fur can also result in vomiting. Think hairballs.
Reading More About Feeding Fur
A fellow pet parent shared the following with me during a discussion about feeding raw:
- Why Don't Wolves Eat All That They Kill?
- Keratin decomposition by trogid beetles: evidence from a feeding experiment and stable isotope analysis, National Library of Medicine
- Trichobezoars (Hairballs) in Dogs, VCA Hospitals
- Influence of the dietary fibre levels on faecal hair excretion after 14 days in short and long‐haired domestic cats, National Library of Medicine
- Manganese Deficiency and CCL Disease, Animal Wellness Magazine
- Adding Fur and Fiber to Your Dog's Bowl, Feed Real Institute
