TL;DR:
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how dog owners view their pets' diets. This is especially true for owners of active dogs and protection dogs.
There are many types of dog food for active dogs and protection dogs that may be suitable, but raw dog food has emerged as a leader of the pack, and for good reason.
At Canine Protection International, we recognize the unique dietary needs of our highly trained protection dogs and have embraced raw feeding as a superior choice for optimizing their health and performance.
Every dog we provide for our clients is now fed a raw diet while they are with us in training, ensuring they receive the best possible nutrition. To extend this benefit to our clients, we also offer a custom raw dog food blend that can be conveniently ordered from our website. Packaged and shipped weekly, it arrives fresh at your door, making it easier than ever to maintain the health and vitality of your canine companion.
You may not be convinced just yet, and that’s okay. Keep reading to learn about the benefits vs. risks of a raw food diet for dogs.
The move towards raw dog food is part of a broader trend of pet owners becoming more conscious of what they feed their animals. As people seek healthier, more natural diets for themselves, they have taken to extending this philosophy to their pets also. This is particularly true for those who own working dogs, such as active dogs and protection dogs, where diet directly impacts the animal's performance, stamina, and overall well-being.
Raw feeding, often referred to as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), is based on the idea of providing dogs with a diet that closely resembles what their ancestors would have eaten in the wild. This typically includes raw meat, bones, organs, and a small amount of vegetables and fruits.
For protection dogs, who require peak physical and mental condition to perform their duties, a raw diet offers numerous benefits:
Raw diets are rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and nutrients that contribute to lean muscle development, healthy skin, and a shiny coat. For protection dogs, maintaining strong muscles and joints is crucial to performing their roles effectively. The high-quality proteins and fats found in raw food help build and sustain this muscle mass, providing the energy and strength needed for rigorous training and work.
Unlike processed kibble, raw food is more easily digestible for dogs, leading to better nutrient absorption. This means that protection dogs get more out of each meal, resulting in less waste and a healthier digestive system. Improved digestion also contributes to better immune function, keeping dogs healthy and resilient against illness.
A well-balanced raw diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which can lead to improved mental clarity and focus. This is particularly important for protection dogs, who need to remain alert, responsive, and calm under various conditions. The mental sharpness derived from a raw diet ensures they can perform their duties with precision and reliability.
Many commercial dog foods contain fillers, artificial ingredients, and allergens that can cause skin irritations, digestive issues, and other health problems. A raw diet eliminates these harmful additives, often leading to a reduction in allergic reactions and other food sensitivities. For protection dogs, who cannot afford to be sidelined by health issues, this is a critical advantage.
Like any feeding approach, raw dog food comes with considerations that responsible owners should understand. You may be discouraged from feeding your dog a raw diet if you read the AVMA and CDC guidelines. We want to provide the full picture for you, because at Canine Protection International, we believe transparency is essential.
Truthfully, when raw feeding is done correctly, the associated risks mentioned here are, while not fully eliminated, largely eliminated. That’s especially when working with a professionally formulated diet like ours rather than a DIY approach. Every diet contains some form of risk. The question is whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks. While for your average household pet, feeding a raw diet may not always be worth the cost or risk, the situation for protection dogs is usually different. That said, you should still be aware of these potential risks.
One of the most common concerns people understandably have with raw feeding is whether or not it exposes dogs to bacterial exposure. It can. After all, raw meat can naturally contain bacteria that may pose risks if handled improperly. (That being said, it’s helpful to remember that dogs are carnivorous animals by nature, and in the wild, they do not eat cooked food.)
How we mitigate it:
Our raw food is prepared under strict quality and safety standards, using human-grade ingredients and controlled handling processes. We also provide exacting storage and handling guidelines for clients who choose to purchase our raw food, including instructions about how to properly refrigerate, freeze, and sanitize. When basic food safety protocols are followed, this risk is reduced.
Improperly formulated raw diets can absolutely lack essential vitamins and minerals, which may lead to deficiencies over time—particularly in working dogs with high physical demands. This is why it’s important to have an understanding of your dog’s nutritional needs.
How we mitigate it:
Our custom raw dog food blend is professionally balanced to meet the nutritional requirements of your protection dog. This removes ALL of the guesswork that often comes with homemade raw diets and ensures consistent, complete nutrition in every meal.
Feeding bones incorrectly can pose risks such as dental fractures or digestive blockages.
How we mitigate it:
Our formulations use appropriately sized, safely ground bones rather than whole weight-bearing bones. This provides essential calcium and phosphorus while minimizing choking or injury risks.
Sudden dietary changes can cause temporary digestive upset, including loose stools or reduced appetite.
How we mitigate it:
We provide clear instructions on how to transition your dog to raw food based on your dog’s age, activity level, and prior diet.
At Canine Protection International, we are committed to the health and well-being of our protection dogs. We understand that diet plays a pivotal role in their overall performance. By providing our dogs with a raw food diet, we ensure they receive the optimal nutrition needed to excel in their roles.
Our clients trust us to deliver dogs that are not only well-trained but also in peak physical condition. A raw diet is one of the many ways we ensure that our dogs meet these expectations.
As the popularity of raw feeding continues to grow, more and more dog owners are discovering the benefits of this natural approach to canine nutrition.
For protection dogs, in particular, a raw diet offers unparalleled advantages in terms of physical health, mental focus, and overall performance. At Canine Protection International, we are proud to offer our dogs the very best in nutrition, allowing them to thrive in their roles as protectors and companions.
Whether you’re a current client or considering one of our Elite Family & Estate Protection Dogs, rest assured that a raw diet is an integral part of how we maintain the excellence and health of our canines.
For a no-muss-no-fuss solution to feeding your dog a nutritionally-balanced and safe raw diet.
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