There are endless misconceptions about feeding raw, however there is one popular perceived nightmare which is one of the most common misconceptions we hear: worms!

This fear isn't just perpetuated via Facebook marketing or advice from strangers. We have also seen vets giving such warnings. Its common for vets to recommend deworming treatments more often for pets on a raw diet rather than a traditional "dry food" diet even if no parasites are in your pet. 

It is true that meat which is not of high quality, fresh or which is improperly prepared and handled may lead to potential worm infestation. However this can be easily mitigated by choosing a raw food company which uses high quality meets and follows proper meat handling standards. Hence, worm infestation is not in any way directly related to feeding raw food. 

Note that human grade inspected meat as found in our mixes does not contain worms because the animals are closely monitored, appropriately treated and prepared, with the resulting products being thoroughly tested before being sold. This differentiates from companies utilising dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals which would lack oversight and hence be poor quality.

 

How do pets actually contract worms?

Worms commonly come from environmental factors. This includes fleas, eating poop or licking paws after contact with soil.

 

Note: if your pet is on a healthy and balanced diet, they are less likely to experience an infestation of worms due to the proper functioning of their gut, digestive system, immune system and healthy microbiome. Of course there are always exceptions especially for dogs which are underdeveloped or with weak immune system such as puppies, ill or older pets.

 

How to know your dog has worms?

Poop! Yes as a pet parent you need to get comfortable with inspecting your pet's poop for worms. If you see something that looks like a worm, get in touch with your vet to review deworming options. Its important to note that some worms are undetectable to the naked eye if still in larvae form. 

 

How to protect your dog against worms?

Worms target animals with unbalanced guts or compromised immune systems. Hence the best way to protect your pet from worms begins with strengthening their health in these areas. This is where the raw diet plays a role. Raw meals which are properly formulates can significantly improvve a pets gut mainly by improving its PH levels and overall microbiome diversity. This makes it harder for bacteria, viruses and worms to survive. 

 

We also highly recommend using Natural Worm Control and Detoxification Support 50ml once a month to further assist with avoidance of worms. 

 

Conventional worming treatments

Some vets recommend for worming treatments to be given even if parasites are not present. Think about the last time you WERE NOT sick. You probably were not taking any medication in case you WOULD get sick. We all know that overexposing ourselves or our pets to unnecessary medication eventually builds up resistance against them, meaning the next time the medicine is needed, it will be less effective in which case stronger medication will be needed. 

Hence if your pet is not showing signs of worms, there is no need to be giving deworming medications. Overuse of these medications can decrease the amount of good bacteria found in your pet's gut, dampening their immune sysem with time. 

Kindly refer to our products for natural worm prevention and deworming remedies.