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From their wolf ancestors to modern-day companions, dogs’ diets have undergone notable transformations. While some advocate for a return to their “natural” origins through raw meat diets, others champion the balanced nutrition and convenience of commercial kibble.Is mimicking a wolf’s diet truly the optimal approach for canine health?

In a discussion, carlos Gutiérrez Olvera, a professor in the Department of Animal Nutrition at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics of UNAM, clarified the distinction between food and nutrition.

“Nutrition involves providing the necessary nutrients for a dog’s proper advancement and health. Food, on the other hand, refers to how we deliver those nutrients,” he stated.

He added, “Food choices are often influenced by marketing or personal beliefs, but the focus should always be on nutrients. Nutrition should prioritize the animal’s well-being, and food should support that goal.”

Raw Meat or Kibble? Canine Nutrition beyond Instinct

The concept of raw meat diets for dogs gained traction in the 1990s with Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst’s introduction of the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet.

Billinghurst posited that dogs, being descendants of wolves, are inherently adapted to consume raw meat, bones, and organs, mirroring their wild counterparts. This proposition sparked a revolution in canine nutrition thinking, tho it also ignited considerable debate.

According to carlos gutiérrez, the paramount consideration is ensuring that the food is safe, preventing any harm, disease, or damage.

“We must start from dogs are not wolves. There are many races and all have been modified by humans.”

“We must start from dogs are not wolves. There are many races and all have been modified by humans,” he noted.

Each breed possesses unique characteristics and processes food differently than wolves. Research indicates that dogs have evolved specific digestive enzymes, such as pancreatic amylase, enabling them to utilize carbohydrates-a capability lacking in wolves. While wolves possess only one gene for amylase production, dogs have at least ten (Nature) (NCBI).

Moreover, there are significant differences in consumption habits. Wolves hunt and immediately devour their prey, ingesting numerous parasites, such as Trichinella, which resides in the prey’s muscle and continues its life cycle within the predator. This ultimately reduces their lifespan; wild wolves typically live shorter lives than domesticated dogs.

No Parasites and Healthy

“Sometimes we believe that animals freely live great, but it is indeed not true,” Gutiérrez emphasized. Wolves in zoos live longer, precisely because of the absence of parasites.

Protecting pets from parasites safeguards their health and the well-being of those living with them. Raw meat poses a risk due to its higher likelihood of contamination.

While raw meat is believed to retain more nutrients, cooking enhances its digestibility and improves protein utilization.

“How many hands did that meat pass before reaching your kitchen? Did you freeze and defrost several times? All that increases the risk of pathogenic microorganisms.”

Along with handling, heat effectively eliminates risky bacteria like Listeria Monocytogenes, E. Coli,Salmonella,and Toxoplasma Gondii,all of which can cause severe illnesses (CDC)(USDA).

Raw Is Not Synonymous with Complete

Carlos Gutiérrez does not completely oppose raw feeding. He acknowledges its “poetic component,” connecting dogs to their origins. However, he stresses that its safety cannot be guaranteed.

“The wolf has a much more acidic stomach pH than the dog,which allows it to destroy bacteria effectively. Dogs, conversely, have a pH more similar to that of humans, above 4.”

This makes them more susceptible to certain microorganisms.As an example, biogenic amines found in decomposing matter have been linked to carcinogenic processes.

Moreover, meat alone is deficient in calcium, sodium, and vitamins A and D. “If I only give raw muscle mass to my dog, it will not get all the nutrients you need,” he explained. Wolves supplement their diet with organs like kidneys and liver.

Recommendation

Cooking food marked a turning point in human evolution and influenced the evolution of dogs. Initially, humans fed dogs scraps from their hunts. Later, as cooking became commonplace, they shared cooked foods, possibly improving canine nutrition.

“Our dogs are smarter than the wolves. Maybe smaller, but smarter.”

While not entirely against raw food consumption, Gutiérrez emphasizes the need for extreme caution.Understanding each animal’s specific needs and creating a diet that meets those needs is crucial.

“Cooking, in moast cases, improves digestibility and use of nutrients.”

Ultimately, he advises consulting a veterinarian for guidance on the best way to feed your dog, whether with kibble, homemade food, or a combination of both.

Commercial kibble typically contains the necessary nutrients. Conversely, a homemade diet may require vitamin and mineral supplementation to maintain the animal’s nutritional balance.