Risks of a raw food diet
Nervous About Taking the Leap?
Here at Bella and Boots, we're clearly big proponents of the raw pet food diet. The experience of our founder, Jono and his beloved pet, as well as the feedback from our customers, and the research of vets, scientists and dog lovers around the world, have convinced us that a BARF diet (biologically appropriate raw food) is necessary for our furbaby's health and wellness. We agree it's a more natural, wholesome way to feed our furry friends, promoting better health, shinier coats, and improved digestion. We've talked in multiple blogs about the benefits of raw pet food. And if you're here reading this, you either have seen the results first-hand, or maybe you're taking a foray into raw food for the first time.
If this is your first time, you may be less convinced. Alongside the amazing benefits, you may have heard about some of the risks. If you're feeling torn between wanting to provide the best for your pet and the concerns that come with a raw food diet, don’t worry. We’re here to help clear things up and guide you toward safe, nutritious options.
A raw diet can be an incredible way to nourish your pet, aligning more closely with what their ancestors might have eaten in the wild. It can include fresh, whole ingredients like raw meat, bones, and vegetables, offering higher levels of essential nutrients than highly processed kibble. Many pet owners notice improvements in their pets' energy levels, digestion, and coat health after making the switch.
But we get it—knowing how to do it right can be intimidating. You don’t want to take chances when it comes to your pet’s health, and you shouldn’t have to. Luckily, with the right knowledge and approach, you can confidently provide a raw food diet that is both safe and nutritionally complete.
It’s true that some raw meat can harbour bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, but this doesn’t mean you have to rule it out entirely. The key is sourcing your food from reputable suppliers who follow strict safety guidelines. Buying from a trusted organic butcher is a great way to ensure the meat is of high quality and less likely to carry harmful bacteria.
When you purchase raw pet food from an organic butcher, you’re getting human-grade ingredients—free-range, grass-fed, and handled with care to minimise contamination. Suppliers like us are typically well-versed in proper meat handling and follow stringent procedures to ensure the food is safe for your pet. With these precautions, the risk of bacterial contamination is significantly reduced, giving you peace of mind as you make the switch to raw feeding.
Additionally, practicing good hygiene at home, such as washing your hands, properly defrosting their food overnight in the fridge and cleaning food bowls thoroughly, will further reduce any risk to your household.
Another consideration is whether a raw diet can provide all the essential nutrients your pet needs. The short answer is yes, it can—but it requires thoughtfully planning. While many people believe that feeding raw just means tossing some uncooked meat into a bowl, this approach can leave your pet missing vital nutrients.
You can absolutely build a balanced, nutritious raw diet yourself, but it's essential to educate yourself about the specific dietary needs of your pet. For example, most pets need a mix of muscle meat, organ meat, and bones, vegetables and other produce packed full of vital nutrients and minerals. Pets also have different nutritional needs depending on their age, breed, and activity level, so getting the right balance is crucial.
If you're feeling unsure about doing this on your own, that’s okay! You can order Bella and Boots pre-prepared raw food meals designed by a vet to meet your pet’s nutritional needs.
With the right knowledge and approach, you can give your pet all the benefits of a raw diet—healthier skin, more energy, and better digestion—without the worry. The key is sourcing your food from trusted suppliers, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring the meals are balanced.
By buying raw pet food from Bella and Boots, you can put your concerns to rest, knowing you're providing your pet with clean, safe, and nutritious meals.
And if you prefer to make the meals yourself, with a little extra attention to your pet’s nutritional needs, you’ll be well on your way to offering them the healthiest diet possible.
Try our Bella & Boots Products
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