Raw Diet Benefits for Dog Longevity

Kristina Voltin
May 8
8 min read

Updated: May 10

Feeding your dog a raw diet can improve their health, energy, and potentially extend their lifespan. Here's why:

Better Nutrient Absorption: Raw food provides nutrients in their most natural, easily digestible form.
Improved Muscle Health: High-quality proteins repair muscles, support joints, and maintain strength.
Healthier Digestion: Natural fibers and whole ingredients promote a balanced gut.
Allergy Reduction: Minimally processed foods lower the risk of sensitivities.
Omega Fatty Acids: Essential for brain health, a shiny coat, reduced inflammation, and heart health.

Switching to raw food requires a gradual transition and proper portioning based on your dog’s size and activity. Loyal Saints offers freeze-dried raw options that are veterinarian-approved, meet AAFCO standards, and use human-grade ingredients for safe, high-quality nutrition.

The Benefits of Raw Diet for Dogs - A Comprehensive Guide

Raw Diet Nutrition Benefits

Raw diets offer essential nutrients in a form that’s easy for your dog’s body to absorb, helping to support overall health and longevity. The carefully balanced nutrients in high-quality raw foods not only keep your dog’s body functioning at its best but also help strengthen their natural defenses against illness.

Protein Quality and Muscle Health

Animal proteins in raw diets are packed with the amino acids your dog needs to thrive. These proteins are vital for:

: They aid in advanced muscle recovery and maintenance.
: Essential for keeping your dog’s body in peak condition.
: Ideal for active dogs who need extra energy and strength.
: Helping maintain mobility and reduce wear and tear.

In addition to protein, raw diets deliver fatty acids that are key to your dog’s overall well-being.

Omega Fatty Acids and Health

Essential fatty acids play a crucial role in keeping your dog healthy. Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits:

Fatty Acid Type	Benefits for Your Dog
Omega-3	Reduces inflammation, supports brain health, and keeps skin in great condition.
Omega-6	Promotes a shiny coat, strengthens the immune system, and aids in cell structure.
Omega-9	Helps maintain heart health and regulates blood sugar levels.

These fatty acids work together to support your dog’s health from the inside out, creating a strong foundation for overall wellness.

Natural vs. Synthetic Nutrients

When it comes to nutrition, natural whole-food sources have the upper hand over synthetic options. Here’s why:

Bioavailability: Nutrients from raw ingredients are paired with natural cofactors, making them easier for your dog to absorb.
Nutrient Synergy: Whole foods provide nutrients that naturally work together. For example, vitamin C from fruits interacts with other compounds to enhance immune health.
Purity: Loyal Saints raw diets are crafted with pure, human-grade ingredients and contain no additives or fillers [1]. This ensures your dog gets clean, high-quality nutrition without unnecessary synthetic compounds.

Research on Raw Diets and Dog Lifespan

Studies indicate that raw diets, packed with natural ingredients, can play a role in promoting longer, healthier lives for dogs. Let’s explore how these diets support gut health and may help ward off diseases.

Gut Health and Digestion

Raw diets contribute to digestive health by providing nutrients and fibers derived from natural sources. These components enhance nutrient absorption, support a healthy gut microbiome, and promote regular digestion. The result? A balanced gut environment that helps your dog thrive.

Disease Prevention

Evidence suggests raw diets may lower the risk of certain health conditions. By relying on minimally processed ingredients and high-quality proteins, these diets help maintain overall health and muscle tone:

Health Aspect	Potential Benefit
Allergies	Reduces inflammation with fewer processed ingredients
Weight & Muscle Health	Encourages lean muscle growth and supports metabolism

Raw feeding offers more than just basic nutrition - it builds a solid foundation for your dog’s overall well-being. However, it’s crucial to choose veterinarian-approved products that meet established safety and nutritional guidelines. With proper care, transitioning to a raw diet can be a safe and beneficial choice for your dog.

Starting a Raw Diet

Switching your dog to a raw diet takes some preparation, but with the right steps, it can be a smooth process.

Diet Transition Steps

Here’s a simple schedule to help your dog adjust gradually:

Day Range	Raw Food	Current Food
Days 1–3	25% raw	75% current
Days 4–6	50% raw	50% current
Days 7–8	75% raw	25% current
Days 9–10	100% raw	0% current

This gradual approach helps minimize any digestive discomfort. Once your dog is fully transitioned, you’ll need to fine-tune portion sizes based on their weight and activity level.

Serving Size Guide

Portions vary depending on your dog’s size and energy needs. Use this guide as a starting point:

Dog Weight (lbs)	Daily Serving (cups)
1–10	¼ – ½
11–30	½ – 1
31–50	1 – 1½
51–70	1½ – 2
70+	2+

If your dog is especially active, consider increasing their portions by 10–15%. Keep an eye on their weight and energy levels, and adjust servings as needed to maintain a healthy balance.

Food Safety Guidelines

Proper handling is key to keeping raw food safe and nutritious. Follow these tips:

Storage: Store freeze-dried raw food in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Handling: Always use clean utensils, and wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw food.
Serving: Use dedicated measuring cups to portion food accurately.
Freshness: Check expiration dates and reseal packages after each use.

When selecting raw food, look for freeze-dried options that meet AAFCO standards and are made with human-grade ingredients [1]. This ensures your dog gets high-quality nutrition while keeping them safe and healthy.

Loyal Saints Raw Food Options

Loyal Saints provides top-tier freeze-dried raw dog food designed to promote a long and healthy life for your canine companion. By focusing on balanced, all-natural nutrition, their products aim to support your dog's overall well-being while delivering the benefits of a raw diet in a convenient form.

Freeze-Drying Process

The freeze-drying process used by Loyal Saints is carefully crafted to preserve the essential nutrients your dog needs. Here's how it works:

Nutrient Preservation: Vital nutrients remain bioavailable, ensuring your dog gets the full nutritional value.
Natural Flavor Retention: No additives are needed to maintain the food's natural taste.
Moisture Removal: Moisture is eliminated while safeguarding the food's nutritional content.

By using low-temperature processing, Loyal Saints ensures that proteins, vitamins, and minerals stay intact, offering the benefits of raw food in a shelf-stable, easy-to-serve format.

Ingredient Quality Standards

Loyal Saints is committed to using only the finest ingredients, adhering to strict quality measures:

Quality Measure	Standard
Ingredient Grade	Human-grade
Source Type	Natural, whole foods
Protein Content	High-quality, complete proteins
Additives	None
Fillers	Zero
Processing Location	USA facilities

This level of care ensures that every meal is as nutritious and wholesome as possible.

Safety and Nutrition Standards

Loyal Saints takes safety and nutrition seriously, implementing rigorous measures to ensure the highest quality:

Veterinarian Reviewed: All recipes are carefully reviewed and approved by veterinary professionals.
AAFCO Standards: Products meet or exceed the nutritional guidelines set for all life stages.
Thorough Testing: Regular safety checks and nutrient analyses are conducted.
Sensitivity Consideration: Formulated to reduce common allergens, supporting dogs with sensitivities.

These high standards are designed to provide your dog with safe, nutritious meals that contribute to a healthier, happier life.

Conclusion: Raw Diet Benefits Summary

Feeding your dog a raw diet can greatly enhance their lifespan and overall well-being by offering natural, nutrient-rich food. Research highlights several key benefits that directly contribute to your dog's longevity and quality of life.

Here are some standout advantages of a raw diet:

Better Nutrient Absorption: Raw food provides nutrients in their most natural and absorbable form.
Stronger Muscles: High-quality proteins help maintain and build lean muscle, especially important as dogs grow older.
Healthier Digestion: Natural fibers and whole ingredients support a healthy gut and smooth digestion.

Loyal Saints' freeze-dried raw food is crafted with these benefits in mind. Made with human-grade ingredients and approved by veterinarians, their recipes are carefully formulated to preserve essential nutrients while meeting AAFCO standards. Plus, they’re free from artificial additives or fillers, ensuring your dog gets only the best.

Here’s a quick summary of how a raw diet can improve your pet’s health:

Health Aspect	Impact of a Raw Diet
Vitality	Encourages an active lifestyle
Muscle Strength	Supports agility and mobility
Allergy Management	Reduces reactions with natural foods
Digestive Health	Promotes a healthy gut

FAQs

How can I make sure my dog's raw diet is nutritionally complete?

To make sure your dog's raw diet meets all their nutritional needs, go for options that are carefully designed with their health in mind. Brands like Loyal Saints stand out by using human-grade, all-natural ingredients and ensuring their recipes are veterinarian-approved to align with AAFCO standards. These diets provide a well-rounded combination of high-quality proteins, essential nutrients, and a variety of fruits and vegetables to help keep your dog healthy and full of energy.

When choosing a raw diet, steer clear of foods that contain additives or fillers. Instead, look for options tailored for dogs at every stage of life. A well-balanced raw diet can lead to better digestion, a shinier coat, and more energy - helping your dog live their best life for years to come.

What challenges might I face when transitioning my dog to a raw diet, and how can I address them?

Switching your dog to a raw diet can bring a range of benefits, but it’s crucial to address potential challenges to ensure the transition is smooth and safe. Common concerns include nutritional imbalances, digestive upset, and the importance of handling raw food properly.

Here’s how to address these challenges:

Balance your dog's diet: Collaborate with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to make sure the raw diet provides the right mix of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals tailored to your dog’s needs.
Ease into it gradually: Transitioning to raw food should be done slowly over 7–10 days. Start by mixing small portions of raw food with their current diet, gradually increasing the raw portion while reducing the old food.
Handle food with care: Store raw food correctly, wash your hands and utensils thoroughly, and keep your dog’s feeding area clean to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.

By planning carefully and taking precautions, you can help your dog thrive on a raw diet while avoiding potential pitfalls.

How can I figure out the right portion size of raw food for my dog based on their activity level and dietary needs?

To figure out the right portion size when switching your dog to a raw diet, you’ll need to take into account their weight, activity level, age, and any specific health considerations. For instance, active dogs or growing puppies typically need more calories, while senior or less active dogs might require smaller portions to maintain a healthy weight.

A good starting point is feeding 2-3% of your dog’s ideal body weight daily. Adjust this amount based on their energy needs and overall condition. For example, a 50-pound dog would need about 1 to 1.5 pounds of raw food each day. Keep an eye on their weight and energy levels over time, and make adjustments as needed.

Loyal Saints' freeze-dried raw dog food is designed to deliver balanced nutrition for dogs at any life stage. Packed with high-quality protein and free of fillers, it’s a great option to help keep your dog healthy and full of energy.