Question:
I am confused about what’s best to feed my miniature poodle. Which is best: raw meat with vegetables or cooked meat with vegetables?
Marinette Schemali
Answer:
Making a homemade diet for pets isn’t as simple as it sounds. You need to be sure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals and enough protein and fat, which is very different to our needs. And primarily meat-only diets can be hugely deficient in calcium (surprisingly, to most people). In the wild, a carnivore would eat the whole carcass of their prey — skin, bone, stomach contents — so meat alone isn’t enough. You need to give fat, protein and carbohydrates in the right proportions, using rice, potato or pasta, veggies and meat, as well as raw bones and supplements.
I usually recommend feeding as at least half of the diet a good quality commercial food that is complete and balanced so there is no chance of a nutritional deficiency. Then supplement with fresh food. As for cooked or raw. I’d say raw — it’s more natural for them. As for specifics, be guided by your vet, as different weight, age, life stage and circumstances mean pets have very particular needs and without seeing your pet it is difficult to formulate exactly what is right for you and your precious poodle.
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