1. Puppies can’t eat raw food!

A common misconception is that feeding puppies a raw diet is unsafe or unsuitable. However, research from the University of Helsinki debunks this myth, showing that introducing raw feeding from the start can have lifelong benefits for your dog’s health. Instead of having to switch to a raw diet later to fix health issues, why not start with one and give your puppy the best foundation from day one?

Studies reveal the long-term advantages of feeding raw diets to puppies. Research on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) found that puppies fed raw diets during their late suckling stage had a significantly reduced risk of developing IBD later in life. Continuing with a raw diet through their first six months further minimized this risk. By contrast, puppies raised primarily on dry food were more likely to experience IBD as adults, highlighting the importance of starting with raw food early in life.

Another study explored the impact of puppy diets on allergy-related skin conditions. Puppies whose diets included at least 20% raw food were far less likely to develop allergies or atopy-related skin problems as adults. On the other hand, those whose diets were heavily reliant on dry food, 80% faced a much higher likelihood of such issues. Starting with a raw diet helps set your puppy up for healthier skin and a shinier coat, reducing the risk of problems later.

Feeding raw food to puppies is not only safe but also highly beneficial when done with a balanced, high-quality diet from a trusted supplier. Starting with raw food eliminates the need to transition later to address health concerns caused by less nutritious alternatives. By feeding raw from the beginning, you support your puppy’s growth, strengthen their immune system, and promote long-term well-being.

The myth that puppies can’t eat raw food is outdated. Instead of waiting to switch to a raw diet after problems arise, start with one and give your puppy the best possible start in life. Trust reputable providers like RUDE Dog Food to deliver balanced, high-quality meals tailored for your growing puppy’s needs.

Understanding the Benefits of Raw Feeding

2. Raw Feeding is Unsafe! 

One common misconception about feeding your dog a raw diet is that it increases the risk of pathogens and cross-contamination in the household. The truth? Raw feeding is entirely safe when handled responsibly, and the risk of infection is essentially zero when proper practices are followed.

A large international survey by the University of Helsinki examined households feeding raw diets to their dogs. The results were overwhelmingly reassuring: 99.6% of these households reported no issues with transmission of pathogens to humans. In the few cases where infections were noted, only an infinitesimal number could be linked to the raw diet itself (0.02%) making the risk negligible. These findings reinforce what raw feeding advocates have known for years: with the right precautions, raw feeding is not a health hazard.

The key to safe raw feeding lies in simple, commonsense practices. Choosing a reputable supplier, like RUDE Dog Food, ensures that the food has been properly prepared, stored, and tested for safety. Our rigorous standards and freezing processes mean you can have complete confidence in the quality of the meals you’re feeding your dog.

By following basic food-handling practices, like washing your hands, storing raw food properly, and cleaning feeding areas, you eliminate virtually any potential for cross-contamination and effects of harmful bacteria. These are everyday steps that most people already take in their kitchens, making raw feeding as straightforward and safe as any other meal preparation.

The idea that raw feeding poses a significant risk to your household is just another of the many raw dog food myths. Scientific research, real-world data, and the experiences of thousands of raw feeders confirm that the risk is so low it’s nearly nonexistent. Trust in the process, source your food from reputable suppliers, and enjoy the benefits of raw feeding without fear. RUDE Dog Food is here to make raw feeding simple, nutritious, and 100% safe.

3. Dried Dog Food Cleans Your Dogs’ Teeth!

Okay, okay, this isn’t strictly a raw dog food myth, but it’s a big one in the world of dry food. One of the greatest commercial pet food marketing ploys of all time was convincing loving dog owners that dry food somehow cleans their dog’s teeth. Let’s call this out for what it is: a complete myth. And here’s why.

As a loving dog parent, you naturally want your dog’s overall health to be at its best, including their dental health. But the scary truth is that dry food can do the opposite of cleaning teeth, it contributes to plaque buildup and decay. 

Let’s break this down with an easy analogy. Imagine you ate a bowl of dried cereal. What happens? Sticky bits cling to your teeth, getting trapped in nooks and crannies. Now compare that to eating a raw steak. No residue, no gunk, and far less potential for plaque buildup. Your dog’s experience is the same, but unlike you, they don’t get to brush their teeth. Over time, this sticky residue can lead to significant dental issues, especially in senior dogs, whose teeth are already more prone to decay and wear.

So, how can you help your dog maintain better dental health? Enter raw feeding, and its powerful ally, raw bones. Feeding a raw dog food diet leaves minimal residue on teeth, resulting in fresher breath and cleaner mouths. But chewing on raw bones takes this even further. When dogs gnaw on raw bones, they naturally scrape away plaque while strengthening their jaws. This isn’t just great for dental hygiene, it’s also a mental health boost. The act of chewing releases dopamine, helping your dog feel calmer and more content.

For senior dogs especially, this combination is invaluable. Their teeth need extra care to prevent decay, and their mental well-being benefits significantly from the satisfaction of chewing. With a raw diet and occasional raw bones, you’re setting your dog up for success, cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and a happier, healthier life. It’s a win-win for you and your furry friend!

4. Raw food makes your dog more aggressive!

One of the most persistent myths about raw feeding is that it makes dogs more aggressive. This misconception likely stems from outdated ideas and fear-based assumptions, but there is no evidence, academic or anecdotal that support this. In fact, feeding raw food to your dog can positively impact their temperament.

Aggression in dogs is influenced by factors such as genetics, training, socialization, and overall environment, not their diet. Feeding a raw diet does not trigger or enhance aggressive tendencies. 

Dogs fed raw food do not become more dangerous or “bloodthirsty” as some myths suggest. These notions are based on anthropomorphizing dogs rather than understanding their natural behaviors and needs.

What raw feeding actually does is improve a dog’s health and well-being. A biologically appropriate raw diet provides essential nutrients that support optimal physical and mental health. When dogs are healthier, they often feel calmer, more balanced, and less stressed. These factors can positively impact behavior, reducing instances of irritability or discomfort that might otherwise lead to unwanted behaviors.

Raw feeding also satisfies a dog’s natural instincts. Chewing on raw meaty bones or enjoying fresh, wholesome meals can provide mental stimulation, reducing boredom and frustration, two common triggers for behavioral issues.

Aggression in dogs requires proper management through training, socialization, and understanding their needs. Blaming a raw diet for behavioral issues overlooks the true causes of aggression and unfairly perpetuates a myth that discourages dog owners from feeding their companions a nutritionally superior diet.

Feeding raw food will not make your dog more aggressive. On the contrary, it promotes a healthier, happier dog, physically and mentally. By debunking this myth, we can encourage more dog owners to embrace the benefits of raw feeding without unnecessary fear.

4. You have to worm your dog more if you feed them raw food! 

One common misconception about feeding your dog a raw diet is that it increases the risk of worms, requiring you to worm your dog more frequently. Let’s set the record straight: this is not true! Feeding raw dog food is just as safe, if not safer, than other diets, provided you choose a reputable supplier.

Raw dog food, like the high-quality meals we produce at RUDE Dog Food, is carefully prepared and frozen to ensure safety. Freezing isn’t just for convenience, it’s a critical step in eliminating potential risks. Even if worm eggs were present in raw food, freezing destroys them, making the food safe for your dog to enjoy.

It’s important to note that the risk of worms depends more on your dog’s environment and habits than their diet. Sniffing or eating other animals’ faeces, hunting small prey, or picking up parasites in contaminated soil are far more likely sources of worms. Feeding your dog a raw diet doesn’t increase these risks, it’s all about maintaining proper hygiene.

At RUDE Dog Food, we take pride in producing safe, nutritious, and carefully prepared meals for your furry friends. Our strict quality control and freezing processes ensure your dog can enjoy their meals without compromising their health. So, if you’ve been considering switching to raw but were worried about worms, rest easy! With the right supplier, raw feeding is a fantastic and safe choice for your dog.