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National Raw Feeding Week is a holiday created by Kimberly Gauthier (that's me) in 2018 when I noticed that raw feeders didn't have a day on Pet Holiday calendars. As I considered this atrocity, I decided we needed a full week. Later, I learned that there is a full month, Rawgust. So we get to celebrate twice each year.
But, honestly, aren't we celebrating all the time – when we score a good deal, when a friend empties their freezer, or when a dog delivers a solid poop.
What is National Raw Feeding Week
National Raw Feeding Week (NRFW) is an annual event held the first week of April to celebrate and promote the practice of feeding dogs a raw diet. Despite what some might claim, this event was founded by yours truly, Kimberly Gauthier. Each year, I interview leaders and pet professionals in the raw feeding community, including Dr. Judy Morgan, Rodney Habib, Ronny LeJeune, Billy Hoekman, Scott J Marshall III, and more.
In 2023, I published a new book, Raw Feeding from A to Z, and challenged myself to post about raw feeding every day for April.
I wanted to help educate people new to raw feeding, creating content to offer a different perspective (and the truth), given that so much information online was biased against raw feeding. Sharing different voices and experiences to help everyone interested in feeding fresh food.
Benefits of a Raw Diet for Dogs
Raw feeding is gaining popularity among dog owners who are looking for a more natural diet to strengthen their dogs' immune systems, cure illness and disease, and extend their dogs' lifespans.
Raw feeding is a diet of muscle meat, organ meat, bones, vegetables, and various other ingredients to help meet a dog's nutritional needs. Proponents of raw feeding encourage pet parents to feed an unprocessed diet inspired by the diet canines would eat if they lived in the wild. The vitamins and minerals in a raw food diet are more bioavailable. Dogs aren't eating a diet with fillers, additives, or poorly sourced ingredients. Ultimately, raw feeding enables pet owners to ensure they give their beloved dogs a diet specifically tailored to their needs.
What About the Bacteria in Raw Meat?
Our dogs are genetically made to handle the bacteria in raw meat. Their saliva has antibacterial properties, and their gut is highly acidic and not hospitable to bacteria. They also have a shorter digestive tract, allowing them to quickly absorb nutrients and eliminate waste.
And we're not talking about rotten meat. Don't let people scare you.
How To Transition Your Dog To A Raw Diet
If you're considering transitioning your dog from kibble or canned food to a raw food diet, it's not as hard as you think. There are many ways to transition, and I'll cover the easiest two ways here.
Transition with Commercial Raw
Using a commercial product is the easiest way to transition to raw. You can stop by your local independent pet store (not a chain pet store) to speak with the manager or owner about what they have to offer. Feeding commercial raw can be expensive because you're paying someone else to do the work. You can save money by signing up for a subscription service, shopping sales, or joining a local raw food co-op.
- You can transition slowly by feeding a hybrid diet (kibble in one meal, raw in the second).
- You can fast your dog for a day and start raw the day following.
- You can transition your dog cold turkey, stop feeding kibble, and start feeding raw.
I've done the slow and the “cold turkey” transition methods without issue with nearly ten dogs.
Transition to DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Raw
This method may be harder if you don't have someone to guide you. You can use meal formulation software or work with a professional meal formulator or canine nutritionist. This individual will help you formulate a diet based on your dog, budget, and local resources.
Although commercial raw food is nearly as convenient as feeding kibble (but healthier), DIY food is more affordable and allows us more control over ingredients.
Final Thoughts
National Raw Feeding Week is an important event providing pet owners valuable information about transitioning their pups to a healthier lifestyle through nutrition and proper diet management. With its various benefits, such as improved digestion, better skin condition, and stronger immune systems, there isn’t any reason you shouldn’t consider trying this type of diet! Plus, with all the resources available during NRFW – there's no excuse not to make this switch!
So, take advantage of National Raw Feeding Week – ask your store if they offer any special sales, reach out to your favorite brands on social media, and join the community of people devoted to improving their pets' lives, starting with a fresh food diet. Check out Raw Feeding from A to Z, now available on Amazon in paperback and for the Kindle.
