Go Raw!

Feeding Pets Raw Foods Could Combat Common Allergies

You only have to read the dedication in Veterinarian Dr. Greg Martinez’s book, “The Dog Dish Diet” to know how very much he loves animals and wants them to be happy and healthy family members. “I’ve spent my whole life has centered around animals and keeping them healthy. This book is for them,” he writes.

Dr. Greg’s path as a veterinarian is revolutionary. Instead of loading pets up with prescription drugs, ointments and skin-care products, Dr. Greg has taken a step back to look at the root cause of common health challenges faced by pets. What he’s found is that many, many pets are suffering from food allergies.

“Kibble is not a natural diet for cats and dogs, who are meant to be eating meat, not dried foods that are wheat- and corn-based,” Dr. Greg explained, noting that kibble foods are generally full of allergens for pets, particularly glutens.  “All pets would benefit if they have a grain-free diet… I’m done with dry food and done with grains. If your pets are among the 60 percent that have an allergy or a food sensitivity, giving up the grains is absolutely the first place to start.”

So what does Dr. Greg recommend we feed pets? Meat and vegetables, either raw or slow cooked in a crockpot. Dr. Greg says that feeding pets a natural raw diet is not only healthy for their digestion, but it also works the pet’s bodies as they were meant to be worked. For instance, feeding dogs raw, frozen chicken thigh is great for their oral health, for both working the jaw and for scraping plaque and tartar off their teeth in a hypoallergenic way, since it’s his belief that many dog treats are filled with allergens.

To learn more about Dr. Greg’s Dog Dish Diet, check out his blog at www.dogdishdiet.com.