Feeding fiber-like furry animal parts like rabbit ears and paws as part of a raw food diet for dogs offers several benefits.

As most of you are aware, I strongly believe that dogs are very close to being true carnivores. For them to be in the best possible health, we need to replicate the kind of diet they would have had if they were living in the wild and had the freedom to choose their food.

They would have killed a prey and eaten it. During this process, they would consume some furry parts, which we know is beneficial to their digestive system and gut health and more…

Digestive Health Benefits

Improved Gut Function

The insoluble fiber provided by fur and feathers helps clean out the digestive tract, facilitating better nutrient absorption[1]. This can lead to improved overall gut health and function.

Stool Quality

Fur helps bulk up the stool, resulting in more consistent and solid bowel movements[1]. This can make waste cleanup easier for pet owners.

Colon Health 

The insoluble fiber from furry parts promotes colon health by providing bulk and aiding in the elimination of waste[4][5].

Nutritional Benefits

Natural Fiber Source

Fur and feathers provide a species-appropriate source of insoluble fiber, mimicking what dogs would consume in the wild when eating whole prey[4][5].

Manganese

Some sources suggest fur and feathers may be good sources of manganese, though the bioavailability is uncertain[1]. Manganese supports bone health, metabolism, and other bodily functions.

Other Benefits

Dental Health

Chewing on furry parts like rabbit ears can help clean teeth naturally, potentially improving dental hygiene[1].

Enrichment

Offering whole prey parts provides mental stimulation and can satisfy a dog’s natural chewing instincts[1].

Immune Support

By supporting digestive health, furry parts may indirectly boost the immune system, as about 80% of the immune system resides in the gut[1].

Feeding Guidelines

It’s recommended to feed furry parts as treats or occasional additions rather than a regular part of every meal. The general guideline is to include 2-5% of “furry” ingredients by weight in daily meals[4][5]. This provides about 1-2% fiber in the diet.

When furry parts are unavailable, some raw feeders substitute with psyllium husk at about 1.25 teaspoons per pound of food to provide similar fiber benefits[4][5].

As with any dietary change, it’s important to introduce furry parts gradually and monitor your dog’s response. While these parts can offer valuable benefits, they should be part of a balanced raw diet that meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs.

How I do it!

I don’t give my animals treats. I belive it creates a habit of always begging for food. My dogs have no idea what that is and they never ask for food between meals. 

I give furry animal parts a few minutes before meals, then they think it is a part of the meal. 

Citations:

[1] https://keepthetailwagging.com/adding-fur-to-my-dogs-raw-diet/

[2] https://smoochie-pooch.com/the-benefits-and-challenges-of-raw-feeding-your-dog/

[3] https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides/diy-balanced-raw-food-diets

[4] https://perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-knowledgebase/prey-model-raw-diet-pmr-adult-dogs/

[5] https://perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-knowledgebase/prey-model-raw-pmr-diet-for-adult-cats/

[6] https://www.farm2forkdelivery.ca/blogs/news/unleashing-health-and-vitality-10-benefits-of-a-raw-dog-food-diet

[7] https://www.reddogbluekat.com/raw-pet-food-faq

[8] https://www.justfoodfordogs.com/blog/fiber-for-dogs.html

Need help with your pet?

Do you have health issues that you cannot resolve with conventional therapies? Are you looking for a natural approach to help your pet live a long healthy life?

This is possible, and what I do. My approach is to restore the immune system in dogs and cats so they can achieve homeostasis. That is the best protection against pathogens that can lead to diseases.