Page 114 - The Pembroke & Cardigan Welsh Corgi Worldwide Magazine

HEALTH 3

POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACTS: Conclusion:
In the ongoing debate over the ideal diet for
A. Raw Diets – Whole Prey: dogs, the choice between raw feeding and
1. Enhanced Coat and Skin Health: traditional commercial dry kibble is a pivotal
• The balanced fatty acid profile in Whole consideration for pet owners. Both Whole
Prey diets may contribute to improved coat Prey and Balanced Raw diets offer comparable
and skin health, reducing issues like dryness benefits, emphasizing natural, nutrient-dense
and itching (Plevnik Kapun et al., 2016). ingredients that contribute to better overall
health and well-being for dogs. On the other
2. Weight Management: hand, commercial dry kibble, while convenient,
• Whole Prey diets, when appropriately may present challenges in terms of ingredient
portioned, may assist in weight management quality, processing, and potential health impacts.
by providing a nutrient-dense diet without
excessive carbohydrates (Bermingham et Ultimately, the decision between Whole Prey,
al., 2014). Balanced Raw, or commercial dry kibble should

be made based on a careful assessment of the
B. Raw Diets – Balanced Raw: dog's individual needs, health considerations,
1. Reduced Inflammation: and the owner's preferences. As the scientific
• The anti-inflammatory properties of a understanding of canine nutrition advances, pet
Balanced Raw diet may contribute to reducing owners can make informed choices to ensure
the risk of chronic diseases and promoting their beloved companions thrive on diets that
overall health (Kaplan et al., 2012). support their natural biological requirements.

2. Enhanced Immune Function:
• The rich array of nutrients in Balanced
Raw diets may bolster the immune system,
potentially reducing the incidence of
infections and illnesses (Hoenig, 2012).

C. Traditional Commercial Dry Kibble:
1. Obesity Concerns:
• The high carbohydrate content in commercial
kibble may contribute to obesity in some
dogs, especially if portion control is not
strictly maintained (German et al., 2017).

2. Common Health Issues:
• Dogs on commercial kibble may be more prone
to health issues associated with poor diet
quality, including diabetes, dental problems,
and skin conditions (Davies et al., 2004).

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