Common Myths and Misconceptions

When switching to a raw diet for your pet, you might encounter misinformation, often from sources like your vet. Despite the growing understanding of species-appropriate diets, many vets in South Africa still recommend commercial kibble and may discourage raw feeding. Here are some common myths you might face:

• There a Salmonella Risk to me or my pet.
  • Partly True: Quality matters. Raw pet food sold commercially must be free from Salmonella and E. coli. and feeding food that is regulated with Food Safety Accreditation should ensure it is.
  • Pet Resistance: Dogs and cats have short digestive tracts and highly acidic stomachs, reducing bacterial growth risks. Proper handling (e.g., hand washing) is crucial to prevent contamination for humans.
  • Salmonella Shedding: Studies show dogs may naturally shed Salmonella regardless of diet, questioning the impact of feeding raw vs. kibble.

• My pet will get parasites from eating raw food.
  • Not True: Properly handled and frozen food (e.g., for over 72 hours) minimises parasite risks like Toxoplasmosis.
  • Raw Food Benefits: Raw-fed dogs generally have less appealing faeces for coprophagic dogs (those who eat poop), reducing parasite risks compared to kibble-fed dogs.
  • Cats: For cats hunting their own food, consider deworming annually as a preventative measure. Consult a vet or have a faecal float done if you suspect parasites.

• A raw diet is not balanced or nutritionally adequate.
  • Varies: Some raw diets lack balance unless carefully formulated.
  • PaleoPet Pure offers complete nutrition with balanced proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Avoids fillers and provides a comprehensive diet when used as directed.

• Bones are dangerous for dogs.
  • True and Not True: Hard bones like Beef can be dangerous if not sized properly. However, dogs are very well equipped to eat softer bones like poultry bones when they are raw. Never feed poultry bones cooked.
  • Safe Feeding: Match hard bones to the size of the dog’s breed (e.g., large bones for large breeds). Supervise feeding and remove bones when they are small enough to be swallowed.