Raw Pet Food Myths

Raw pet food suffers a particularly bad rep – completely undeservedly. The main reason for the controversy surrounding raw diet for dogs and cats is the fact that there are so many misconceptions about it, which makes pet owners think that feeding unprocessed food could somehow endanger their fur baby’s health. But is that really the case? Here are the 3 most common myths you’ll hear about raw pet food – debunked.

#1 Myth: Raw food can be a source of salmonella, dangerous bacteria, and protozoa.

Truth: Even dry food can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, or listeria – when handled, stored, and prepared properly, raw food doesn’t pose a greater risk than any other pet food.

#2 Myth: Raw diet for pets lacks nutrients and balance.

Truth: Your pet’s diet should be balanced and wholesome, which a raw diet is perfectly capable of being if it’s planned well. If you are unsure about the nutrients you need to include or how to include them, don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian, or even better – a veterinary nutritionist that specializes in animal diets.

#3 Myth: Feeding your pet raw costs more and is more time-consuming.

Truth: It doesn’t get any simpler than opening a bag and pouring out its contents into your pet’s bowl – that’s one of the reasons why kibble is so popular. However, thanks to innovations in pet nutrition, even feeding raw food can be just as easy – just pick up a bag of freeze-dried raw food from the shelf and serve it as you would kibble. No mess, no hassle!

OK, so now that it’s clear that some of the major potential downsides of a raw diet for pets turned out to be just common misconceptions, what about the pros of feeding your four-legged bestie raw food?

Benefits of Feeding Your Pet Raw: Power of Real Nutrition

A diet consisting of wholesome, natural foods in their unprocessed form is bound to have more than a few benefits for your pet’s health, especially considering that this type of diet is much closer to that of your pet’s ancestors – both feline and canine.

Some of the main benefits of raw nutrition are improved digestion and smaller, firmer, less smelly stool that accompanies it, shinier and healthier coat, reduced allergy symptoms, fresher breath and less teeth plaque, easier weight management, more energy and better vitality in senior dogs. The list goes on – it all depends on your pet’s unique health status, however. If you are unsure if raw pet food would be a good choice for your dog, consult with your vet to get an expert’s opinion tailored to your pet’s needs.

Does Feeding Raw Have to be a Hassle? The Convenience of Instinct Freeze Dried Meals and Raw Boost Mixers



One of the main concerns pet owners have about raw pet food is definitely preparation – does handling raw meat carry the risk of bacteria, is the process time-consuming, how can you tell if you’re including the right nutrients in your pet’s diet, and so on? While these concerns are valid, they don’t have to be an issue if you opt out of the preparation process altogether. You see, raw pet food can be homemade or store-bought, which is usually freeze-dried or dehydrated for safety and convenience, without compromising on the nutritional value in the process. 

Foods such as Instinct’s Raw Freeze-Dried Meals – Alaskan Pollock are an excellent choice. This raw recipe is freeze-dried, giving your adult dog less processed food than cooked kibble. This results in better digestion and improved nutrient absorption. This particular recipe contains three times more fish (including wild caught Alaskan pollock), meat and organs than kibble and zero filler.

It’s also worth checking out Instinct’s Frozen Raw Adult Dog Food – Alaskan Pollock. If you want to ensure your dog gets all of the benefits that a raw diet has to offer, without worrying about any of the risks that could come with it or having to go through the nuisance of creating and preparing recipes for their daily meals on your own, Instinct can help. This carefully formulated food is packed with protein, as 85% of the recipe is made of 85% fish (including wild caught Alaskan pollock), meat and organs. The remaining 15% is non-GMO vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals. There is no filler here like corn, grain, wheat, or soy and absolutely no artificial colors or preservatives. Each ingredient is frozen at its peak to preserve its nutritional integrity.

In the end, it’s clear that nowadays ensuring your pet reaps the benefits of eating raw foods can be as simple and safe as feeding kibble. All you have to do is make the change – your pooch will thank you for it.