Raw diets also known at Bones and Raw Food (BARF) diets have many benefits for Pit Bulls over alternative dry dog food diets. The typical raw diet consists of different types of raw meat, vegetables, bones and supplements. Some benefits of feeding your Pit Bull a raw diet include improved coat and skin, better digestion, improved health and immune system, more muscle mass as well as higher energy.
Serving Size
Visit this link to accurately calculate the raw food serving size for your Pit Bull. It’s a good idea to feed your Pit Bull once a day. However, it’s also okay to break the daily serving into two meals and feed him/her once in the morning and once in the evening. Furthermore, you can change the daily serving size based on the requirements of your dog.
Transition
It’s important to make the transition from an alternative diet to raw food a smooth one for your Pit Bull. Don’t introduce your dog to a full meal of raw food all at once. On the first day of the transition, only provide your Pit Bull water.
On the second day, feed him a quarter of the recommended serving size of raw food. Over the next three days, increase this amount by a quarter of the prescribed serving size. Your Pit Bull should have a full serving on the fifth day of the transition period.
Supplements
You will need to include supplements to your dog’s diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc, digestive enzymes, Methylsulfonylmethane and Cod liver oil are some essential supplements. Read more about important supplements in this article.
Cost
Feeding your Pit Bull a raw diet may be slightly more expensive than feeding kibble, but there are many advantages of a raw food diet. The most expensive part of the diet is the raw meaty bones. Purchase in bulk to cut down the cost.
Storing Raw Dog Food
You must be careful when it comes to storing raw dog food. Follow the same principles as you do with human raw meats. Place raw dog food in a clean plastic container and place it in the freezer. Let the food thaw before feeding. Soak frozen raw food in cold water to speed up the thawing process. Never use a microwave to thaw raw meals as it cooks the bones and makes them splinter. Such bones can cause internal injuries.
Safety Concerns
Never mix a raw food with dry dog food.
It’s also a must to practice good sanitation when preparing raw meals for your dog. Humans have a greater risk of contracting food borne illness while preparing raw meals. Make sure that you disinfect any surface that touches raw dog food.
