Is raw meat good for dogs

Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

If youve heard about raw dog food, you may be wondering if its safe to feed your dog uncooked meat. Fans of raw food diets for dogs claim that feeding your dog raw meat offers health benefits that processed dog food doesnt have. The idea is that raw meat is closer to what their canine ancestors would have eaten in the wild, and therefore a better option for digestion and nutrient absorption.

But it's not that simple. Dogs today are domestic pets who live longer lives in the comfort of home, unlike the wild dogs and wolves who roamed the earth before Fido graduated to the sofa. While their bodies do still have the ability to digest raw animal protein, it's not a good idea to feed them raw meat. That's because raw meat and fish can cause serious health issues like food poisoning, which can even make you and other members of your household sicknot just your dog.

Keep reading to learn more about the risks of feeding your dog raw meat, and how to ensure they get the nutrients they need from safe sources instead.

Is Raw Meat Good for Dogs?

Dogs are natural carnivores that can digest raw meat, but that doesn't necessarily mean raw meat is good for them. Uncooked meat can harbor harmful bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which cause foodborne illnesses that can make your dog very sick.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and animal nutrition experts do not recommend feeding a raw food diet for dogs. Instead, choose aregular balanced dog food diet that contains all the nutrients needed to keep your pet healthy.

That said, if your dog eats a small amount of raw meat that falls on the floor while you're cooking, they'll likely be fine. But even a small amount of E. coli or Salmonella can be harmful, so monitor your pup for signs of illness and call the vet if you have concerns.

What to Know About Raw Food Diets for Dogs

While occasionally eating fallen bits of raw meat might be fine for your dog, a raw food diet is different. There are several health risks associated with raw food diets. In addition to infections from bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, dogs on a raw food diet may not receive all the nutrients they need from other sources.

In spite of the risks, some pet parents still opt to switch their dog to a raw food diet. Though there are some possible nutritional benefits that your dog could gain from eating raw meat, the health risks of uncooked meat outweigh the benefits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises against feeding your dog raw meat, along with the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Switching to a raw food diet should only be done after careful consideration of the potential health risks. Before you decide to feed your dog a raw food diet, talk to your vet about whether its a good idea. Your vet can point you to the best food based on your pups lifestyle and health history.

Can Dogs Die From Eating Raw Meat?

While it's rare for dogs to die from eating raw meat, it's important to take the potential health risks seriously. In addition to the risk of bacterial infections, raw meat can also contain bones that can cause choking or intestinal blockages.

If you're concerned about your dog's health or if they show any signs of illness after consuming raw meat, call your vet.

How to Prepare Meat for Dogs

If you want to add a fresh, healthy protein source to your dog's dish, it's best to opt for cooked meat instead of raw. This will help minimize the risk of bacterial infections and other health issues.

Make Sure Its Cooked

Anytime you prepare meat for your dog, remove any bones or skin that could be a choking hazard. Plain, cooked chicken, turkey, or beef are good options. You'll want to boil or bake it (don't fry!) and remove any excess fat, especially if your dog is overweight or has a condition affecting the pancreas, such as diabetes or pancreatitis.

Avoid Harmful Additives

Avoid any seasonings or spices that can make your dog sick, such asgarlic oronion powder, since both are toxic to dogs.

Cut It Up

Cut meat into bite-sized pieces or opt for ground options that are easier for your pooch to chew and digest.

Talk to Your Vet

As with any new food, check with your vet before making any changes to your dogs diet. Anytime youre adding new ingredients to your dogs bowl (cooked or uncooked), its a good idea to talk to your vet to determine what the best balanced diet looks like for your pet's long-term health.

Featured Image: iStock/Zontica

WRITTEN BY

April Saylor

Freelance Writer

Raw dog food

As the name suggests, the raw dog food diet is one which is mainly made up of uncooked and minimally processed ingredients. Raw dog food refers to a type of pet food that is made primarily from uncooked animal ingredients. It typically includes raw meat, bones, organs, fruits, and vegetables.

What is raw dog food?

Raw dog food also known as the BARF diet, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (or Bones And Raw Food). It usually includes foods like raw meat, bones, offal and sometimes fruits and vegetables.

There are two types of raw dog food diets: homemade and commercially prepared. They aim to mimic the diet that wolves and canines would eat, if they were living in the wild.

Is raw dog food good for dogs?

When it comes to how healthy a raw dog food diet is, theres a lot of debate between veterinarians, pet nutritionists and dog owners. Those in favour of raw dog food claim that it offers a number of healthy benefits for dogs, including:

• A shinier coat and healthier skin: thanks to the diets high-quality protein sources, as well as essential fatty acids.
• Healthier teeth: chewing on raw bones is good for cleaning a dogs teeth and gums, as it helps prevent the build up of tartar, which causes gum disease.
• Better digestion: a raw dog food diet can give relief to some dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• More energy: fans of the raw dog food diet claim that their pets are more energetic and vital overall.

However, not everyone is in favour of the raw dog food diet. Some veterinarians and nutritionists raise some important potential risks that come with dogs eating raw food.

• Bacterial contamination: harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli can be found in raw meat and bones. This can pose quite serious health risks not only to dogs, but also to their owners, who are handling the food.
• Nutritional imbalances: Dogs have very specific nutritional needs based on their age, size and activity level and it can be difficult to meet those needs effectively when preparing a dogs diet at home. It requires a lot of thought and careful planning to ensure dogs dont find themselves getting too much, or too little, of the nutrients they need.
• Choking hazards or broken teeth: Chewing on bones can be good for dogs dental health, but its important that they chew on the right types of bones, and that theyre properly supervised. When things go wrong, it can lead to damaged teeth, choking or gastrointestinal blockages.
• Puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems: Puppies grow rapidly and are energetic, so its important that theyre receiving the right nutrition to meet their needs. For dogs that are immunocompromised, they may be more susceptible to the risks that come with a raw dog food diet.

In addition to the risks, theres also the time and cost involved in preparing raw dog food.

What should I consider before switching my dog to raw dog food?

Ensure your dogs raw food diet will give them complete and balanced nutrition. This may involve careful planning, research and the addition of supplements to be sure that your dog is getting all the nutrition they need.

The best lifetime dog insurance

How much raw dog food should I feed my dog?

The amount you feed your dog should take into account your dogs age, breed, size, activity level and their specific nutritional needs. Here are some tips to help guide you.

• Speak to your vet first.
• Calculate your pets daily portion. As a guide, dogs should consume 2-3% of their body weight in raw food each day. So if your dog weighs 10kgs, they should eat 200-300 grams of raw food daily.
• How active is your dog? Active dogs need to eat more. Make sure your dog is getting the right amount of calories to maintain their weight.
• Think about your dogs breed and age. Older dogs, as well as puppies, have very specific nutritional requirements.
• Make sure your dogs diet includes a variety of protein sources, organs and bones, plus fruits and vegetables too, if your dog likes them.
• Monitor your dogs health. Check their weight, coat and general health. If you spot any changes that worry you, speak with your vet.

Does your dog have any allergies?

If so, they may be sensitive to some raw ingredients. Monitor your dog as they begin the new diet and ensure they are tolerating the ingredients and that there are no adverse reactions.

Be conscious of the risks.

Make sure youre up to speed on how to handle and prepare raw food safely. Be proactive and cautious when it comes to the risk of choking hazards and dental issues caused by chewing on bones.

Put in the time and effort.

Be aware that it can take time and money to ensure your raw dog food diet provides them with everything they need. There are some commercially produced raw dog food diets which may be worth considering, if youre short on time. Be realistic about the amount of time and money you can spare before you commit to this new feeding regime.

Does a raw dog food diet fit with your lifestyle?

Do you travel a lot? Do you have a busy schedule? Think about your own routine and how you would be able to accommodate the switch to a raw dog food regimen.Bottom line - your dogs health and well-being is the most important thing. If you do decide to feed your dog a raw diet, it should ultimately be for their benefit.

Find a vet near you

If you're looking for a vet practice near you, why not visit the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons'Find a vetpage.

Think your dog may be affected?

If you're worried about your dog's health, always contact your vetimmediately!

We are not a veterinary organisation and so we can't give veterinary advice, but if you're worried about any of the issues raised in this article, please contact your local vet practice for further information

Raw Food Diet for Dogs: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide

If youve been thinking about switching your pup to raw dog food, you may have a lot of questions, like what is a raw food diet for dogs? Can dogs even eat raw meat? Is raw meat good for dogs? What are the benefits of a raw diet for dogs? Is raw meat for dogs safe? Can puppies eat raw food for dogs?

Heres everything you need to know about raw dog food for beginners.

What Is Raw Dog Food?

Raw dog food is an uncooked diet for canines that features a mixture of raw meat (and associated connective tissue and fat), organs, and bones. Some people also choose to add fruits and vegetables to their dogs raw food diet, but those ingredients typically arent necessary since dogs are biologically designed to thrive off animal parts alone.

While humans need to cook meat before consuming it to remove pathogens and properly digest it, dogs are still designed to safely eat and digest raw meat, just like their wild wolf ancestors. Unlike humans, dogs have strong stomach acid, bile, and digestive enzymes that are specifically designed to kill pathogens and break down raw meat.

Is Raw Meat Good for Dogs?

Yes! Raw meat is the diet nature intended for dogs, as long as its nutritionally balanced. Just giving your pup muscle meat without including any organs or bones would cause nutritional deficiencies, so its crucial to provide food (like We Feed Raw) that has the right proportions of muscle, organs, and bones.

Why Is Raw Dog Food Better Than Cooked Homemade Dog Food?

If you love cooking for your family, you might already cook for your dog (or be interested in trying). While cooking for your pup is a far better option than highly processed kibble, raw is actually the best diet you can choose for your dog. Cooking meat also removes much of its nutritional value, which then needs to be added back. Your dog is designed to get the most nutrition from raw food; feed them what nature intended.

Benefits of a Raw Food Diet for Dogs

Raw food has a wide variety of benefits for dogs of all ages. Here are some of the reasons people are switching their dogs to raw diets.

Smaller, Firmer Stool

Since raw food for dogs isnt packed with species-inappropriate grains, fillers, or other ingredients your pup cant digest, your dog will have smaller, firmer poops on a raw diet. Thats because your dog is actually digesting and absorbing more of their food, so less comes out as waste.

Improved Skin and Coat

With its increased moisture and healthy fats, dogs fed a raw diet tend to have healthier skin and coats than dogs on other diets. Additionally, with fewer ingredients, raw diets may be less likely to cause allergies. In fact, a recent study at the University of Helsinki showed that puppies fed raw food are less likely to grow up to suffer from canine atopic dermatitis compared to puppies fed kibble.

Since gut health affects skin health, it shouldnt be surprising to learn that dogs fed a species-appropriate raw diet have healthier skin and shinier coats than dogs fed kibble or canned food.

Weight Control

Packed full of carbohydrates that dogs cant properly digest, kibble is one of the leading causes of the pet obesity crisismore than half of all dogs and cats are overweight or obeseand obesity causes many of the same health issues in animals as it does in people.

Switching to a raw diet and cutting out certain treats may help your dog lose excess weight and maintain a healthy figure. 90% of our customers said their dogs maintained a healthy weight after switching to We Feed Raw.

Better Dental Health

Highly processed foods like kibble contain high levels of starches and sugars that can cause unhealthy bacterial growth. As much as dry dog food manufacturers want you to believe that kibble is good for your dogs dental health, its about as effective at cleaning your dogs teeth as eating crackers would be at cleaning your teeth.

On the other hand, raw dog food contains naturally occurring enzymes that do help protect gums and teeth. We also recommend feeding recreational raw bones a few times a week to naturally clean plaque and tartar from the teeth while also providing jaw exercise and mental stimulation.

More Mealtime Excitement

Would YOU be excited to eat kibble for every meal? Since dogs were designed to eat raw meat, they naturally get more excited for the scent and taste of We Feed Raw than they would at the sound of hard brown pebbles clunking into a bowl.

Stronger Immune System

When your dogs body doesnt have to work as hard to digest their food and extract nutrients from it or fight off inflammation caused by species-inappropriate ingredients, the immune system can better do what its meant to do: fight off illnesses and keep your dog healthy.

Reduced Allergies

Commercial pet foods typically contain a huge variety of ingredients that dogs werent designed to digest, which can trigger allergic reactions. Since We Feed Raw uses only species-appropriate animal meat, organs, and bones, its less likely to trigger allergies, making for happier, healthier dogs.

Potential Concerns About a Raw Diet for Dogs

Pet food companies want people to be afraid of a raw meat-based diet for dogs, so theres a lot of misinformation out there about raw feeding. Lets talk about some of the potential concerns you may have about feeding a raw diet for dogs.

Safety

Raw dog food could make your pup or your family sick! Youve likely heard a friend, family member, or even your veterinarian warn you that raw meat could make your dog or even your human children sick.

Since raw and undercooked meat can make humans sick, its natural to worry. However, with some basic food safety precautions and We Feed Raws high-pressure processing (HPP), you and your entire family can stay safe while your pup enjoys the diet they were built to eat.

High-Pressure Processing (HPP)

Also used to ensure the safety of food intended for human consumption, high-pressure processing (HPP) is a food preservation method that uses cold water and high pressure to inactivate potentially harmful pathogens without affecting the integrity of the food itself.

Some foods you may already buy for your family that are often sanitized using HPP include juice, guacamole, seafood, salsas, baby food, fruit purees, dairy products, and many more.

High-Quality Ingredients

We Feed Raw uses USDA-certified human-grade meats with strict compliance requirements of BRC-safe quality food manufacturing, so you can be sure your pup isnt eating diseased animals that could make them sick.

Raw Dog Food Safe Handling Tips

You likely wash your hands and disinfect surfaces after handling raw meat when you do your own cooking, correct? Taking these same precautions after handling raw meat-based diets is simply the final step in ensuring your entire family stays safe.

Cost

Theres no getting around the fact that raw dog food is more expensive than kibble because it isnt filled with cheap ingredients that bulk it up without adding any nutritional value. However, you may save money in the long run by having fewer vet bills thanks to having a healthier pup. Also, you dont need to commit to feeding your dog a fully raw diet to reap its benefits.

Save Money in the Long Run

If your dog suffers from allergies, dry skin, obesity, or another malady that may be caused by their diet, switching them to raw food may actually save you money in the long run by improving their health and reducing their health-related expenses.

Mixing Raw Dog Food With Kibble

Cant afford to feed a strictly raw diet? No problem! Its totally safe to mix raw dog food and kibble. Your pup will still get some of the benefits of a raw diet even if its not the only thing they eat.

Time

Trying to create a perfectly balanced raw diet yourself can be extremely time-consuming. From measuring the ingredients to ensure your dog gets the right proportions of everything they need to sourcing things like organs and bones, raw diets can be a time suckbut they dont have to be.

We Feed Raw Is Easy

Made from approximately 80% meaty meat (muscle meat and associated connective tissue and fat), 10% organs, and 10% finely ground bones, We Feed Raws patties provide complete and balanced nutrition. All you need to do is thaw, portion, and serve, making our raw food nearly as easy to feed as kibble.

Disapproving Vet

Unfortunately, most vets are given little education about pet nutrition in vet school, aside from what they learn from kibble-funded studies. Most veterinarians only spent a few hours learning biased information about the best food for dogs or cats.

How to Talk to Your Vet About Raw Dog Food

You should reassure your vet that all We Feed Raw meals have been formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist with 30 years of experience. All of our recipes are complete and balanced and comply with AAFCO recommendations for dogs of all life stages. Finally, inform your vet that We Feed Raw uses high-pressure processing (HPP), a USDA-approved pathogen-reduction step that is effective at neutralizing Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

Choosing the Best Raw Dog Food Diet for Your Dog

How do you pick the best raw food for your dog? There are many factors to consider. Do you have the time and expertise to do it yourself? Are you looking for a commercial diet?

A few things you should keep in mind when selecting raw dog foods include:

• Make sure the diet is complete and balanced

• What steps does the company take to protect the food?

• Do you need to add anything extra to make sure your dog gets the proper nutrients?

• Do they deliver directly to your door?

• Where do they source their meats?

If you still have questions about We Feed Raw, check out our FAQ page.

Which Is the Best Raw Meat for Dogs?

Some dogs have allergies to specific meats (most commonly beef or chicken), and theres no one best raw meat thats perfect for all dogs. Each protein source has its own pros and cons. We recommend rotating between at least 3 different meats so your dog gets the most well-rounded diet they wont get tired of.

How Much Raw Dog Food to Feed Your Dog

A wide variety of factors go into determining how much raw food to feed your dog, but a general rule of thumb is to feed 2-3% of their body weight each day. What does that look like?

• 100-lb dog = 2-3 pounds of food per day

• 50-lb dog = 1-1.5 pounds of food per day

• 25-lb dog = 0.5-0.75 pounds of food per day

Its sometimes easier (especially with smaller dogs) to convert their weight to ounces. Simply multiply your dogs weight by 16 to get their weight in ounces; then use that number to find out how many ounces of raw food they should get per day. For example:

• A 25-lb dog weighs 400 oz and should get 8-12 ounces of food per day

• A 15-lb dog weighs 240 oz and should get 4.8-7.2 ounces of food per day

• An 8-lb dog weighs 128 oz and should get 2.56-3.84 ounces of food per day

Keep in mind that dogs who are younger, more active, or need to gain some weight may need more than 3% of their weight in raw food per day, while senior, inactive, or obese dogs may need less than 2% of their weight in raw food per day.

We Feed Raw makes it easy. When you take our quiz and tell us about your pup, we tell you exactly how many ounces of We Feed Raw you should feed your pup each day. You decide how many meals to split that amount into.

Can Puppies Eat Raw Dog Food?

Yes! Puppies can begin eating raw food as soon as they start weaning off their mothers milk. We Feed Raw is an excellent choice for puppies because all our food goes through high-pressure processing to neutralize pathogens, making it a safe, natural choice.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?

Yes! Dogs can absolutely eat raw eggs. In fact, eggs are full of nutrients, like folate, riboflavin, iron, fatty acids, and more. We recommend only including a raw egg in your dogs diet a few times a week, however, since too much egg white can cause a biotin deficiency.

How to Transition Your Dog to Raw Food

Many dogs are prone to stomach problems when switched to any new diet suddenly, so its best to transition your pup to raw food gradually. We recommend adding 25% raw food to 75% of your dogs current food for 3 days, then feeding a 50/50 mix for 3 days, then feeding 75% raw and 25% of their old diet for a further 3 days before transitioning fully to We Feed Raw on Day 10.

Get Started With We Feed Raw Today

Hopefully, weve managed to answer all your questions about raw feeding. Take our quiz now to find out how much We Feed Raw your pup will need each day and make the switch to our balanced and complete, easy-to-feed patties today.

FAQs

What is raw meat for dogs?

Raw meat for dogs is an uncooked diet that consists of a mixture of raw meat (including connective tissue and fat), organs, and bones. It is based on the natural diet of their wild wolf ancestors and provides the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

Is feeding dogs raw meat safe?

Yes, feeding raw meat to dogs is safe when it is nutritionally balanced and handled with proper food safety precautions. Dogs have strong stomach acid and digestive enzymes designed to kill pathogens and break down raw meat, unlike humans.

What is raw dog food?

Raw dog food is a diet consisting of uncooked animal parts, such as meat, organs, and bones, which is designed to mimic the natural diet of dogs' wild ancestors. Some people also choose to add fruits and vegetables to their dog's raw food diet, although these are not typically necessary.

What is a raw dog food diet?

A raw dog food diet is an uncooked, species-appropriate diet for dogs that features a mixture of raw meat, organs, and bones. This type of diet is based on the natural feeding habits of wild canines and is believed to provide numerous health benefits for domesticated dogs.

What is feeding raw meat to dogs?

Feeding raw meat to dogs involves providing them with a diet of uncooked animal parts, such as meat, organs, and bones. This type of diet is designed to closely mimic the natural feeding habits of wild canines and offers numerous health benefits for dogs.

Should dogs eat raw meat?

Yes, dogs should eat raw meat as long as it is part of a nutritionally balanced diet. Raw meat is the natural and species-appropriate diet for dogs, providing them with the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

What is feeding dog raw meat?

Feeding dog raw meat involves providing a diet consisting of uncooked animal parts, such as meat, organs, and bones. This type of diet is designed to closely mimic the natural feeding habits of wild canines and offers numerous health benefits for dogs.

What is raw feeding for beginners?

Raw feeding for beginners is a guide for those who are new to the concept of providing their dogs with a raw food diet. It covers essential information, such as the benefits of a raw diet, potential concerns, how to choose the best raw dog food, and how to transition your dog to a raw food diet.