My opinion is based on evolutionary science, for which I have two degrees. It is not based off something I read on the internet. Dogs have evolved alongside humans for several thousands of years, true. But processed dried kibbles have been around for only one hundred years or so. No matter how much evolution occurred up to this point, 100 years is simply not enough time for significant adaptation to have occurred, even at the enhanced speed brought about by breeding selection on the part of humans. Another poster cited the new research that shows signs of a genetic shift toward an increased capacity to digest starches in dogs as compared to wolves. This is an excellent finding and it shows that indeed, dogs are resilient creatures and our selection is changing them. But again, its a long way from meaning that kibble is biologically appropriate diet.
And to call me closed-minded is simply name-calling. I've already conceded to you that raw feeding is not the best option for everyone and that vets need to consider the health of a whole family when considering care and diet. And I don't know why you mention breeders, I haven't.
Oh yes, your degrees in evolutionary science... you must have learned all about animal physiology and nutrition with those degrees... seriously. We have provided peer-reviewed articles for you and knowledge from vet school and nutrition courses and all you are saying over and over is... well, based on my ecology and evolution degrees... it isn't possible for blah, blah, blah, blah... you are now just talking out your ass. You honestly have no clue what goes on in the veterinary world or veterinary research and you don't have any idea of animal physiology, metabolism or nutrition.
And you are being close-minded... it isn't name calling if someone is actually being that way. Apparently, it is ok for you to call an entire profession close-minded but when you won't listen to those that actually have the education, done the research and provided you with the scientific articles.. yeah that is rather close-minded.
I don't think a raw based diet is horribly wrong for a dog, nor would I ever say so..but I strongly believe that it is incredibly difficult to maintain this diet in a home. I would never, personally, recommend it for anyone and for a client that is adamant about this type of diet I would implore them to see a board certified veterinary nutritionist to be certain that their dog is getting a well-balanced diet. What it boils down to is what everything in life boils down to: time and money. The great majority of pet owners do not have the time nor the money to create and maintain a proper, well-balanced raw diet for their dog... dry dog food, or even canned dog food if you prefer, can offer this at a cheaper price and so that it does not take near as much time to feed. As a vet, I am in charge of the welfare of the pets in my care... I will recommend the dry or canned foods over a raw based diet simply because I know those are going to provide that dog with a well-balanced diet, if asked about raw diets I will tell them the same thing I have said... a well-balanced raw diet is expensive and difficult to maintain properly and the consequences of not maintaining this type of diet can be quite severe...
Here is a brief article discussing a few different peer-reviewed articles in which, at the end of the article, even the vet who SUPPORTS a raw-based diet says, well it isn't right for all dogs and the goes on to list those dogs that a raw-based diet is not ideal for:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/raw-dog-food-dietary-concerns-benefits-and-risks
