A lot of the time when Jack Russell owners think about what they need to do to maintain their dog’s health, they’ll be considering things like brushing their teeth, combing through the fur, and cutting nails.
However, one of the most important aspects of keeping your pet healthy is actually feeding them well and on time.
The most important factor in this is remembering that what you feed your furry friend matters. You should always be trying to make sure that he or she has a good variety in what they eat but also making sure that it’s balanced with necessary nutrients.
Healthy food can reduce shedding, skin problems, and joint pain (amongst other benefits) so it’s really important to help your dog live a healthy life both inside and outside the house.
However, what about feeding raw meat to a Jack Russell? Is this really something that you should be considering? Or is it even healthy for your pup?
Can Jack Russells Eat Raw Meat?
Yes, Jack Russells can eat raw meat, but you shouldn’t let them. The reason for this is because raw meat isn’t safe for them and it could actually make them ill. You see, although meat is something that dogs love and it’s good for them in moderation, there are a lot of harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli that can live inside it which your dog will ingest if they eat it. If any of these bacteria get into the dog’s system then they could make your pup very ill and even cause long-term physical problems for your Jack Russell.
Why Raw Meat Isn’t Good For Your Jack Russell
1.) Harmful Bacteria
As was just mentioned, there are a lot of harmful bacteria that can live in raw meat. Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli are just three of the biggest culprits when it comes to contamination.
These things can cause long-term physical problems for your dog and even cause them to become dangerously ill if you’re not careful. If you feed your Jack Russell raw meat then you’re massively increasing the risk of them ingesting something that could be dangerous for their health and well-being.
2.) It can have bones in it
If your dog’s food has bones in it then it increases the risk even more. Bones can get caught in your dog’s throat or stomach and cause them a lot of pain and suffering. It could even be fatal for them if they swallow too many or one in the wrong place at the wrong time.
3.) It could be contaminated with chemicals
If the meat that you’re planning on feeding your Jack Russell is from a factory farm then it’s almost definitely going to be contaminated with all sorts of chemicals and hormones. These things are bad for your dog and can cause them harm if you’re not careful.
4.) It could be full of parasites
Parasites can live inside raw meat if it comes from an infected animal. These things will then make their way into your dog’s stomach and intestines and cause a lot of problems for them. Parasites can even spread to you from your dog, so it’s something that you have to be careful about.
5.) It doesn’t contain enough nutrients for your dog
If you’re feeding your Jack Russell raw meat then chances are you’re not giving them anything else as well. This means that the meat isn’t going to have any other nutrients in it which means that it’s not going to provide all of the right vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your pup.
6.) It can be very expensive
The raw meat that you feed your dog could be very expensive. The reason for this is because it usually comes from a farm or a butcher’s shop. This means that if you’re feeding your dog a few times a week then they’re going to need quite a lot of meat to keep them in good health.
What meat to give to your Jack Russell instead of raw meat
There’s a lot of confusion in the Jack Russell owner world about what to feed your dog. A lot of owners often question whether they should be feeding their pooch raw meat because it seems more natural, but in reality, cooked meat is more beneficial and better for them.
If you’re wondering what to feed your Jack Russell, then you may want to stick with cooked meats that are balanced in nutrients and contain less harmful bacteria. The best types of meat for your pooch are:
1.) Cooked Beef
Cooked beef is a great treat for your Jack Russell because it is healthy and nutritious. It has a high iron content, which helps with the production of red blood cells, and it’s low in fat so your dog’s body doesn’t have to work as much to process the nutrients into energy.
2.) Cooked Chicken
Like cooked beef, chicken is a great choice for your dog because it contains a lot of protein and healthy fats. It’s also low in calories so it won’t affect your dog’s weight too much (if you’re trying to help them lose some).
3.) Cooked Fish
Fish is a fantastic choice for your dog, and Jack Russells are no different. They have tons of vitamins in them that help with your pup’s health from making their fur nice and shiny to improving their brain function.
4.) Cooked Turkey
If you’re looking for quality cooked meat to feed your Jack Russell, then cooked turkey is ideal. Turkey has a lot of vitamins and minerals in it so they go a long way to helping your pooch’s health.
Conclusion
Jack Russells are a type of dog that is known for their feistiness and high activity levels that need to be managed in order to keep them happy. One way in which this can be done is by feeding them the right food on the right schedule.
The diet of a Jack Russell is important because it will set them up for success or failure, depending on what they eat. There’s no one great food out there that will work for every dog, but there are some balanced recipes out there that work well as a starting point.
Whichever food you choose, you should make sure it doesn’t contain anything toxic and provides all the nutrients your pet needs.
As far as raw meat is concerned, it’s not a great idea to feed your Jack Russell raw meat because there are just too many risks involved with doing so.
