BARF Keeps pH in Balance

A common reason kibble feeders switch to raw is the excellent stomach flora that raw promotes. The benefits are easing digestion, reducing stress on internal organs and a normal pH level (referring to the level of acidity in the blood and gastric content) throughout the body, making your pet's body the healthiest it can possibly be. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower numbers being more acidic and the higher numbers being more alkaline. The goal is to keep pH levels at seven which makes it easier for the stomach to digest beneficial bacteria and enzymes while breaking down food. Thus, keeping the body free of unwanted pathogens and balancing the pH levels to prevent acidosis or alkalosis from occuring. When the pH levels are off-balance, whether they are too low or too high, serious health conditions can occur. 

Metabolic acidosis is a condition that occurs when the body becomes too acidic. Acidosis is common among dogs with complications such as diabetes and kidney disease. Both can be caused from consuming a kibble or grain based diet. Kidney disease can make it very difficult for the body to excrete the acidic compounds that are found in kibble and canned dog foods. Dogs who consume a dry food diet tend to have a gastric acidity level at around a 2 on the pH scale. Prolonged acidity levels to this degree can cause irreversible organ damage and future complications. 

Symptoms may vary considerably depending on what type of acidosis your pet is experiencing. It is important to pay attention to key signs such as nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fever, confusion or fatigue. Report these symptoms to your Vet so that your pet can receive early and appropriate treatment. 

Treatment involves reversing the underlying cause of the acidosis. Switching from a kibble to a raw diet can improve the situation drastically. Feeding raw reduces stress on the kidneys, allowing them to efficiently filter blood, which in turn, can reverse acidosis and eliminate symptoms completely. The kidneys are not the only organs getting a break from the harsh, processed chemicals found in other diets. The pancreas can also relax, as it isn't working as hard to keep up with the insulin requirements it takes for the grain based diet. 

Raw diets are about giving your dog's body a break. When we force the organs to work harder than they need to, we are shortening the quality of life in our pet. What we choose feed our animals is what we can expect from the health of their lifespan. Why not give them the best chance by choosing raw and maintaining the proper balance? 

The good news is, even if your dog is experiencing metabolic acidosis, it is usually completely reversible just by modifying his diet. To learn more, visit us at www.barfworld.com or call 1-866-282-2273.