Article: - Why you should choose raw feeding!
Our animals have interviewed Øystein Ahlstrøm, Professor of Animal Nutrition at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, in an article about diet and nutrition for livestock.
Here we hear Ahlström's thoughts on raw feeding, and why it has gained wider support.
«Both dog and wolf are adaptable species that want animal food, but can also benefit from small amounts of plant-based food. Studies have shown that the dog itself prefers a lot of fat, enough protein and relatively few carbohydrates. So if the animals were allowed to choose for themselves, most would probably choose raw feeding.»
– Øystein Ahlstrøm, Professor of Animal Nutrition
You can read the full article on the Våre Dyr website her.
VOM og hundemat's approach to proper dog food
The dog's natural need for nutrients
By nature, the dog, like its cousin the wolf, is a carnivore – a hunter and meat-eater. Physiologically, it is adapted to a diet consisting of animal fat and protein. Carbohydrates are not included, or are included only to a very small extent, in its diet.
The dog's digestive system, like that of other carnivores, has typical features designed for its natural diet. It is adapted to the digestion of energy-rich food, and like other predators, the dog also has a large stomach because a long time can pass between each time a prey is caught.
The dog's dentition has large canines and sharp molars to be able to cut large pieces of meat and crush bones.
The dog does not have amylase in its saliva. Amylase breaks down the carbohydrates in food into smaller molecules. Animals that are adapted to a vegetarian diet have amylase in their saliva so that the breakdown of carbohydrates can start early.
Absorption of nutrients through the intestinal wall takes place in the small intestine. The large intestine is short and has a low degree of fermentation activity. The microflora in the large intestine will feed on leftover nutrients, but the degree of fibre breakdown is low.
The dog utilises fat as an energy source very well and is also adapted to a high-protein diet.
Nevertheless, most dog food on the market today is based on grain, which is very rich in carbohydrates in the form of starch and fibre. Traditional dog food often contains moderate amounts of fat, and both vegetable and animal protein sources are used. Dog food is also frequently heavily processed.
Vom og Hundemat is very rich in protein and fat, and everything comes from animal raw materials.
You can read all about proper dog food here.
