Why Pet Raw Food Diets Get a BIG Thumbs Down From Vets

In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined again by our friend of the show, Dr Nic Stirk from (Watercrest Vets) (https://watercrestvet.co.za/), as we explore the many facets of feeding our furry friends raw food. Have you ever wondered if raw food diets are truly beneficial for your pets? Or maybe you're concerned about issues like nutritional balance, pathogen risks, and those alarming stories about bacteria contamination? In this episode, we give you expert insights and real science to help you make informed decisions. What You'll Discover - Safety Protocols: Learn how reputable pet food companies ensure the safety and quality of their products through stringent controls and protocols. - Nutritional Balance: Understand the importance of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients in a well-rounded pet diet, especially for those with specific health needs. - Raw Food Risks: We share the potential dangers of raw food diets, from bacteria to the lack of regulatory oversight in homemade diets. - Cost Concerns: We discuss the significant cost differences between raw food and commercial kibble diets. - Protein Digestibility: Cooking can increase protein digestibility and absorption, contrary to the raw food trend. - Environmental Contamination: Learn about the risks of bacteria shedding and environmental contamination associated with handling raw pet food. - Antibiotic Resistance: There is growing concern over antibiotic resistance and how it impacts both pet and human health. - Healthy Alternatives: Tips for cooking fresh food safely at home and consulting with animal nutritionists to create balanced, tailored diets for your pets. SPONSOR: Ultra Pet's Optimal Balance Senior Cat Food - Jump to 13:02 Elevate your senior cat's well-being with Ultra Pet's Optimal Balance Senior Cat Food. Specially crafted for ages 11 to 14, this complete formula, rich in fresh meat, ensures vibrancy and health. Join us in the episode for an exclusive look at the key to your cat's golden years! This Episode is made possible by Ultra Pet, South Africa's very own Ultra Pet premium pet food - Find out more about Ultra Pet's Optimal Balance Senior Cat Food: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-senior/ Find Dr Nic here: Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/watercrestvet Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watercrestvet Website: https://watercrestvet.co.za/ Connect with Dr Carra: Website: https://drcarra.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultrapetvet/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/ Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/ THIS EPISODES' SPONSORS: Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at [www.ultra-pet.co.za](http://www.ultra-pet.co.za/) [JustForPets.co.za](http://justforpets.co.za/) is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/