1. What is a Raw Diet

Back to basics

Domesticated cats and dogs have the same physiological make-up as their wild ancestors.  For thousands of years, their GI tracts, along with their dietary needs, have remained unchanged.  Our pets are therefore optimised to digest raw, unprocessed meat-based diets.

Why then, are we feeding them cooked, highly processed, cereal-based diets?  Sadly, the answers are cost, convenience, clever marketing and misinformation.  Effectively, we’re feeding our pets a staple diet of “fast food” – and, while they might survive (and sometimes even seem to thrive) on this diet, it does cause toxic build-up and many forms of dis-ease over time.  Even though some of these foods are “balanced” in a nutritional sense, many of those nutrients are lost during processing and after.  Additionally, the digestibility of certain ingredients is a real issue - and some of them are downright harmful (e.g. GMO-laden cereals).

Fortunately, there is a better way…

Biologically Appropriate Raw Food / Bone And Raw Food (BARF) diets are designed to mimic the natural diet of our animal friends.   These diets are species-appropriate, only using wholesome, nourishing ingredients that dogs and cats are able to efficiently digest and utilise throughout their lives.  It takes into account that cats are obligate carnivores (requiring meat only), while dogs are omnivore carnivores (requiring meat as well as plant matter). 

2. Why Feed Raw

FACT: Medical research has shown that the vast majority of ailments in animals stem from poor nutrition.

Raw meat and vegetables contain natural antioxidants and enzymes that are essential for maintaining optimal physiological function and the overall health of your pet.  These are destroyed in any cooking and extruding process.  

Skin, dental and degenerative problems, as well as obesity (so common in our domestic animals on commercial dry diets) can be avoided by feeding natural raw food.

Seeing is believing…

Raw Foods are low GI, with no artificial flavours, no colourants and no artificial preservatives.  It’s the best food you can use for:

• Diabetes
  
• Cancer
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Chronic Diarrhoea
• Auto-immune Conditions
• Metabolic Conditions
• Any Inflammatory Conditions
• Weight Loss

3. Benefits

Those who switch from kibble to raw diets are most likely to appreciate the overwhelming benefits in the health and well-being of their cats and dogs.  Noticeable benefits include:

• Better dental health (White teeth, free of tartar and dental disease)
• Sweeter breath
• Smoother, shinier coats
• Chronic allergies, itches and infections subside and/or disappear
• Fewer trips to the vet
• Reduced gas

Major changes in the amount, consistency and odour of poop! (Easier to pick up / degrades quickly into the soil)

Unlike kibble, raw food diets are appropriate for all breeds and all life stages.  Puppies and kittens can, therefore, be safely weaned directly onto the same food as their adult counterparts.  In fact, puppies and kittens develop best when their mothers are on a protein-rich diet during pregnancy and lactation.

The 5 Major Health Benefits of the Raw Food include:

• Healthy Skin and Shiny Coat 
• Bone Health and Joint Protection
• Healthy Gut and Optimal Digestion
• Natural plant fibre to promote healthy colonic bacteria
• Instead of “fillers”, unprocessed fresh ingredients are used for a high level of digestibility
• As the product is not heat processed, there is inherently a high concentration of natural enzymes to help with pre-digestion
• Healthy Immune System
• Lean Muscles and Weight Maintenance
• Contains animal protein to grow and maintain muscle mass during growth phases and weight loss programs
• Low GI ideal for cancer patients, overweight patients and slow metabolisms

4. Feeding Guidelines

Click here for guidelines -

https://orders.fitchef.co.za/customer/menu/about-simply-pets