Uncovering the Truth About Raw Pet Diets: Myths, Benefits, and Success Stories with Expert Retha van der Walt

• What are some of the most common myths about raw feeding that you encounter?
• How can pet owners distinguish between fact and fiction when it comes to raw diets?
• What are the key nutritional components that should be included in a balanced raw diet?
• How important is it to consult with a pet nutritionist when transitioning to a raw diet?
• What advice do you have for pet owners concerned about the safety of handling raw food?
• Can you provide tips on how to properly store and prepare raw food for pets?
• What success stories have you seen in pets that have transitioned to a raw diet, and what changes have their owners noticed?

In this Pet Expet Interview, we speak with Retha van der Walt, a pet nutritionist and the founder of Pawsome Raw, about the most common misconceptions surrounding raw feeding and the importance of balanced, nutrient-rich diets for pets. With her extensive expertise in raw pet nutrition, Retha provides insightful advice on how to transition to a raw diet, address health concerns, and ensure safety when handling and storing raw food.

What are some of the most common myths about raw feeding that you encounter?

One of the biggest myths is that raw feeding is dangerous due to bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. However, pets have a digestive system designed to handle these bacteria much better than humans. With proper sourcing and handling, the risks are minimal.

Another myth is that raw diets are nutritionally incomplete and unbalanced. It’s important to ensure that all meals are complete and balanced, meeting high nutritional standards. Rigorous testing and validation of the nutritional content of products can help in achieving this.

There’s also a misconception that feeding raw meat makes pets aggressive. There is no scientific evidence to support this. In fact, some pet owners have reported that their pets became calmer after switching to a raw diet.

Finally, some believe raw diets are too expensive and only for wealthy pet owners. While costs can vary, the long-term health benefits, such as fewer vet visits and reduced spending on supplements, can offset the initial expense.

How can pet owners distinguish between fact and fiction when it comes to raw diets?

What are the key nutritional components that should be included in a balanced raw diet?

A balanced raw diet should include the right ratio of muscle meat, organs, and bones. It’s essential to ensure the appropriate calcium to phosphorus levels, as well as incorporate essential fatty acids like omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals.

For some pets, adding vegetables and fruits can provide additional nutrients and fiber. However, the key nutritional components for a balanced raw diet are:

1. Muscle Meat (70-80%): This is the primary source of protein and amino acids necessary for muscle development, tissue repair, and overall energy.
2. Raw Edible Bone (10-15%): Bones provide minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for bone health, dental hygiene, and balanced nutrient absorption.
3. Organ Meat (10%): This includes secreting organs like liver, kidney, and spleen, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids critical for metabolic health, detoxification, and immune support.
4. Fat (5-15%): Healthy fats naturally occurring in meat and organs offer concentrated energy, essential fatty acids, and support for skin, coat, and cellular function.

In some formulas, fruits and vegetables are included to provide additional fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. It’s important to maintain this balance to ensure that every meal provides the full spectrum of nutrients your pet needs to thrive.

How important is it to consult with a pet nutritionist when transitioning to a raw diet?

It’s very beneficial to consult with a qualified pet nutritionist when transitioning to a raw diet, especially one who specializes in raw pet nutrition. A pet nutritionist can tailor the diet to meet your pet’s specific needs, particularly if your pet has health issues. Since many pet owners switch to a raw diet due to health concerns, a nutritionist can ensure the diet is balanced and suitable for your pet’s age, breed, weight, and activity level.

Feeding your pet is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding the nutritional requirements and how they impact your pet’s health is crucial. A pet nutritionist can work alongside your veterinarian to address health challenges and ensure the diet supports your pet’s overall well-being.

What advice do you have for pet owners concerned about the safety of handling raw food?

My advice is to use common sense and proper hygiene, similar to how you handle your own meat. Here are some key tips:

1. Hygiene: Wash your hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after handling raw food. Avoid leaving raw food out, as bacteria can grow on it.
2. Storage: Keep raw food stored in sealed containers and thaw it in the fridge rather than at room temperature.
3. Feeding Areas: Ensure feeding areas are clean and disinfected regularly to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
4. Sourcing: Research your supplier’s source, cold chain, and processes. The safety of raw food starts from the abattoir. Using ingredients sourced from reputable, human-grade suppliers is crucial. Avoid meat from questionable sources or diseased animals.

Can you provide tips on how to properly store and prepare raw food for pets?

Here are some key tips:

1. Keep It Frozen: Store raw food in the freezer until you are ready to use it. Thaw only the amount you need for a short period. Ideally, don’t defrost portions for more than three days to maintain freshness.
2. Portion in Advance: For convenience, portion out raw meals in advance. This helps ensure you only thaw what is needed and minimizes waste.
3. Storage: Once thawed, keep raw food in sealed containers in the fridge and use it within two to three days. This helps maintain the cold chain and prevents spoilage.
4. Separate Utensils: Always use separate utensils for raw food preparation to avoid cross-contamination. This is crucial for human safety as well.

By following these practices, you can ensure that raw food remains safe and nutritious for your

What success stories have you seen in pets that have transitioned to a raw diet, and what changes have their owners noticed?

We’ve seen many wonderful success stories from pets transitioning to a raw diet. Pet owners often report improvements in their pets’ coat condition, with coats becoming shinier, softer, and shedding less. One breeder mentioned that, instead of scooping up fur daily, they now only scoop about half as much every few days. Another common change is a noticeable increase in energy, but not the hyperactive kind—pets become more focused and lively, similar to a child on healthy food rather than sweets. Many also see reductions in allergies and skin issues over time, with some pets showing significant improvements. Additionally, owners often comment on smaller, less odorous stools, indicating better digestion, as well as improvements in dental health with cleaner teeth and fewer issues.

One particularly touching story is about a Great Dane diagnosed with osteosarcoma, with the vets initially giving the dog only four to six weeks to live and suggesting amputation. Instead, the dog was put on a tailored raw diet, and 16 months later, the dog is still thriving. While the cancer hasn’t disappeared, it hasn’t grown either, and the dog hasn’t needed chemotherapy or amputation. While every story is unique, the common thread across all of these cases is improved health and vitality. Hearing these positive outcomes is incredibly encouraging and highlights the potential benefits of raw feeding for pets.

Retha’s wealth of knowledge emphasizes the benefits of raw feeding for pets, from improved health and vitality to reduced shedding and better digestion. She stresses the importance of consulting with qualified professionals and educating oneself through reputable sources to distinguish fact from fiction. With proper handling and sourcing, raw diets can significantly improve a pet’s quality of life, making it an exciting option for pet owners seeking to enhance their pets’ well-being.