Article: -That's why you should choose raw food!
Våre dyr 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 greater popularity.
„Both dogs and wolves are adaptable species that require animal-based food, but can also benefit from small amounts of plant-based food. Studies have shown that dogs themselves prefer plenty of fat, sufficient protein and relatively little carbohydrate. So if the animals could choose for themselves, most would probably opt for raw food.“
– Øystein Ahlstrøm, Professor of Animal Nutrition
You can read the full article on the Våre Dyr website. here.
VOM and the dog food approach to the right dog food
The dog's natural need for nutrients
By nature, the dog, like its cousin the wolf, is a predator – a hunter and carnivore. Physiologically, it is adapted to a diet consisting of animal fat and protein. Carbohydrates do not, or only to a very small extent, form part of its diet.
The dog's digestive system, like that of other carnivores, has typical characteristics adapted to its natural diet. It is adapted for digesting energy-rich food and, as with other predators, the dog also has a large stomach, because there can be long intervals between kills.
A dog's teeth have 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 adapted to a vegetarian diet have amylase in their saliva so that the breakdown of carbohydrates can begin early.
Absorption of nutrients through the intestinal wall occurs in the small intestine. The large intestine is short and has a low degree of fermentative activity. The microflora in the large intestine will utilise any remaining nutrients, but the breakdown of fibre is limited.
The dog utilises fat as an energy source very well and is also adapted to a protein-rich diet.
Nevertheless, most dog food on the market today is based on grains, which are very rich in carbohydrates in the form of starch and fibre. Traditional dog food often contains moderate amounts of fat, and both plant-based and animal protein sources are used. Dog food is also often heavily processed.
Vom and dog food are very rich in protein and fat, and everything comes from animal-based raw materials.
You can read all about Good dog food here.