How expensive is feeding raw?

An increasing number of pet parents want to feed their dogs a high quality raw food as it is becoming more and more evident that high quality unprocessed ingredients contribute towards a long healthy life and fewer health problems.

However, raw food may be more costly that dry kibble/processed food (depending on the quality and brand of dry food) because it contains higher quality ingredients with zero fillers, chemicals and preservatives. Raw food is made up of raw meat, bones or egg shells, organs, vegetables and sometimes fruits. These ingredients are minimally processed and made to imitate the natural prey a dog would consume in the wild. 

why can raw cost more than kibble?

1. High-quality ingredients with no cheap fillers (like maise, chicken meal, animal fat and vegetable oil)

2. The K9 Geek meals are made with a blend of human grate high quality muscle meat, bone/eggshells, organs and vitamin/minerals you dont need to add anything else

3. Most of our meats are locally and properly raised with no injections 

4. Expert support and customization - check out our reviews

 

Can Raw food save me money long term?

Yes! This is because feeding a clean and healthy diet can help reduce short and long term health issues hence saving you a lot of vet bills.

Veterinarian Dr Lea Stogdale report published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal:

“Generally, raw pet diets are made from high-quality food sources and aimed at the informed, discerning pet owner. They’re more expensive than regular dog or cat kibble.

The costs may be substantial [...] Nevertheless, solving a problem with diet is better for the pet and cheaper than repeated veterinary visits and expensive medications.”

 

Raw can help benefit your dog's healthy through:

1. Fewer gut problems: Puppies and adolescent dogs which are fed raw are less likely to have gut issues later in life (refer to this study conducted at University of Helsinki). This is because raw feeding contributes towards a healthy microbiome and strengthens the immune system. 

 2. Reduces allergies: Raw feeding can also minimise the change of a dog developing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or "environmental allergies". According to a survey conducted at the University of Helsinki, puppies fed dry food are 182% more likely to have environmental allergies as adults when compared to raw fed puppies.

3. Fewer anal glad problems: raw food creates firmer poo because of the high levels of protein in raw food and the good sources of fibre which is ideal for gut health. This prevents anal glans from becoming blocked. 

4. Fewer dental issues: Feeding raw leads to better dental hygiene in dogs because raw food has less carbohydrates, sugars and fillers. Raw bones also help remove tartar and plaque reducing the risk of gum disease. 

5. Longer, healthier life: Dr Lea Stogdale’, states that raw diets are higher in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and flavonoids (beneficial compounds found in fruit and veg) which help dogs live healthier for longer. Antioxidants are lost in food which is highly processed. Refer also to the research published by the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition.

concluding remarks

Whilst raw food may be pricier than dry foods like kibble, the benefits will make it worthwhile, further reducing the cost of caring after your dog in the long term. The prices of raw food reflect the quality and sources of the ingredients. At the K9 Geek, we are proud to produce high-quality meals using only the finest of cuts (no scraps) from reliable sources.