Understanding Blood work Differences in Raw-Fed Pets

If you’ve switched your pet to a raw diet, you might notice that their bloodwork results look different from a kibble-fed pet’s. These variations are completely normal and are a reflection of a species-appropriate diet. However, many veterinarians unfamiliar with raw feeding might see these differences as concerning. That’s why it’s essential to understand what these values mean and why they occur.

Bloodwork Differences: Raw-Fed vs. Kibble-Fed

Here’s a breakdown of the most common differences seen in raw-fed pets:

1. Higher BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

• Raw-Fed Range: 22 - 35 mg/dL

• Kibble-Fed Range: 10 - 25 mg/dL

• Why? Raw-fed pets consume higher-quality protein, leading to increased protein metabolism, which results in slightly higher BUN levels. This is normal and does not indicate kidney dysfunction unless paired with other abnormal markers.

2. Higher Creatinine

• Raw-Fed Range: 1.4 - 2.2 mg/dL

• Kibble-Fed Range: 0.6 - 1.6 mg/dL

• Why? Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism. Raw-fed pets tend to have more lean muscle mass, which can cause higher creatinine levels. This is not a sign of kidney disease when hydration levels are normal.

3. Higher Albumin Levels

• Raw-Fed Range: 3.5 - 4.8 g/dL

• Kibble-Fed Range: 2.7 - 4.4 g/dL

• Why? Albumin is a protein found in the blood. A raw diet provides highly bioavailable protein, leading to naturally higher albumin levels.

4. Higher Total Protein

• Raw-Fed Range: 6.5 - 8.2 g/dL

• Kibble-Fed Range: 5.7 - 7.8 g/dL

• Why? Raw diets contain higher amounts of quality protein, contributing to an increased total protein count.

5. Higher Cholesterol

• Raw-Fed Range: 180 - 320 mg/dL

• Kibble-Fed Range: 120 - 280 mg/dL

• Why? Raw-fed pets typically consume more healthy fats, which result in a different lipid metabolism. This is not an issue unless cholesterol levels are excessively high and accompanied by other risk factors.

6. Lower Glucose Levels

• Raw-Fed Range: 70 - 90 mg/dL

• Kibble-Fed Range: 85 - 120 mg/dL

• Why? Raw-fed pets consume little to no processed carbohydrates, leading to a lower, more stable blood sugar level. Lower glucose levels are normal in raw-fed pets and do not indicate hypoglycemia unless clinically symptomatic.

  
  

Why Understanding These Differences Matters

Many vets are trained to analyze bloodwork based on standard kibble-fed values. If they see higher BUN, creatinine, or cholesterol, they may mistakenly believe that your pet is experiencing kidney or liver issues. However, context matters—and in a raw-fed pet, these levels are typically a sign of optimal nutrition rather than disease.

Working with a Raw-Friendly Veterinarian

If your vet is unfamiliar with raw feeding, consider working with a veterinarian who understands species-appropriate nutrition. A vet who recognizes the differences in bloodwork can help you interpret results correctly without unnecessary concern.

Final Thoughts

Switching to a raw diet offers numerous health benefits, including better digestion, shinier coats, increased muscle mass, and improved overall vitality. Understanding how raw feeding affects bloodwork ensures that you can advocate for your pet’s health and avoid misdiagnosis based on outdated reference ranges.

By educating yourself and your vet, you can continue to provide the best possible nutrition for your furry companion. 🐶🐱💚

#RawFeeding #PetHealth #BloodworkMatters #DogNutrition #CatNutrition #BettysFreshFood