As more pet owners in Singapore explore fresh and raw diets for their furry companions, misconceptions about these feeding methods continue to circulate. Some believe fresh food lacks essential nutrients, while others worry raw diets are unsafe.
To help new pet owners make informed decisions, we’re debunking the most common myths surrounding fresh and raw pet food and explaining the real benefits of feeding high-quality, minimally processed meals.
Myth #1: Fresh and Raw Diets Lack Essential Nutrients
❌ Myth: “Fresh food doesn’t provide all the nutrients my pet needs.” ✅ Fact: High-quality fresh and raw diets are carefully formulated to meet AAFCO Nutritional Standards. When prepared correctly, they provide all the essential proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals your pet requires. Many commercial kibble brands use artificial fortification to compensate for nutrient loss due to high-heat processing, whereas fresh food retains its natural nutrients.
Myth #2: Raw Food is Unsafe Due to Bacteria
❌ Myth: “Raw pet food is full of harmful bacteria.” ✅ Fact: While raw meat can contain bacteria, properly sourced and handled raw pet food follows strict hygiene and safety protocols to minimize risk. Many raw pet food companies, including The Bon Pet, use sous vide cooking or flash freezing to eliminate pathogens while preserving nutrients. Additionally, pets have a shorter, more acidic digestive tract that helps them process raw meat safely.
Myth #3: Fresh Food is Too Expensive
❌ Myth: “Feeding fresh food is way too expensive.” ✅ Fact: While fresh pet food can have a higher upfront cost than kibble, it reduces vet bills in the long run by promoting better digestion, stronger immunity, and a healthier weight. Many pet owners find that their pets require fewer vet visits when switched to a high-quality fresh diet.
Myth #4: Cooking Pet Food Removes All Nutrients
❌ Myth: “Cooking pet food destroys all the nutrients.” ✅ Fact: Gently cooked meals retain most essential nutrientswhile eliminating bacteria, making them a safer alternative to raw feeding for pets with sensitive stomachs. The key is using low-temperature cooking methods, such as sous vide, which preserve proteins, vitamins, and minerals while ensuring food safety.
Myth #5: Fresh and Raw Food is Hard to Store and Prepare
❌ Myth: “Fresh and raw food takes too much time and effort.” ✅ Fact: Today, many fresh and raw pet food brands in Singapore, including The Bon Pet, offer ready-to-serve meals that require minimal preparation. Simply store them in the fridge or freezer and thaw or heat as needed. Meal prep is often no more time-consuming than scooping kibble!
Myth #6: Kibble is Better for Dental Health
❌ Myth: “Kibble helps clean my pet’s teeth.” ✅ Fact: While kibble provides some mechanical scraping, it doesn’t replace proper dental care. Many kibble formulas contain sugars and starches that contribute to plaque buildup. Fresh food, particularly raw meaty bones (for dogs), can naturally promote better dental hygiene by reducing tartar and plaque.
Making the Right Choice for Your Pet
Switching to a fresh or raw diet can provide tangible health benefits, from improved digestion and shinier coats to higher energy levels and stronger immunity.
At The Bon Pet, our Signature Chicken Ragu and other gently cooked meals are formulated by PhD nutritionists to meet AAFCO Nutritional Standards, ensuring your pet receives optimal nutrition in every bite.
🐾 Ready to make the switch? Explore our trial packs today!