Raw Diet for Dogs: What You Need to Know

In recent years, many parents have decided to switch their pets over to a raw food diet for dogs. There’s usually good reasoning behind this. After all, wolves get all of their nutrients from raw meat, so it makes sense that canine ancestors would do well on a similar diet, right?

But is a raw diet good for dogs? The jury’s still out. The veterinary community is divided on the proposed benefits of a raw diet for dogs, with some advocating for the practice and others taking a staunch stance against it. If you’re considering embracing the trend for a raw meat diet for dogs, read on.

We’ll weigh the pros and cons and give you all the facts you need to know before making the decision.

Whereas the vast majority of dog food recipes — be they kibble, canned or fresh products — are cooked in some capacity, raw dog food isn’t. This means it consists of uncooked and unprocessed meat, organs and bones, either placed in a dog’s bowl whole or ground down to a consistency that’s easier to consume.

Some parents prepare a raw food diet for dogs from scratch, but there are a growing number of fresh and freeze-dried raw dog food products on the market — like We Feed Raw, for example. These are ideal for parents who don’t fancy getting their hands dirty or perhaps want to be confident they’re not accidentally making their pet ill.

Those preparing a raw meat diet for dogs can choose from a wide variety of meats, including:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Venison
• Beef
• Bison
• Fish
• Pork
• Rabbit

This can take the form of muscle tissue, organs (like gizzards, hearts, and liver), fat and bones (which can be ground up for small dogs or those with dental problems).

It's important that you never serve cooked bones to your dog — ground or otherwise. The cooking process makes bones brittle, which can cause dogs to develop internal punctures or intestinal obstructions — both of which can be deadly if untreated.

When it comes to picking a raw food diet for dogs, there are various types. Here are some of the main ones.

BARF Diet

Depending on who you ask, BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Diet or Bones and Raw Food Diet. It doesn’t matter too much as they’re both the same — the BARF diet involves feeding dogs a variety of raw meats and dog-appropriate fruits and vegetables.

While the acronym doesn't sound appealing, many parents claim their dogs enjoy this diet and witness positive results, such as a shinier coat and clearer skin.

Ketogenic raw diet

A ketogenic raw diet is a bit more restrictive than a BARF diet. This diet focuses on putting dogs into a state of ketosis by removing carbohydrates from their meals. This essentially tricks the body into burning fat rather than carbohydrates for fuel.

The ketogenic diet uses the same meats as a traditional raw diet, though you won't find any sweet potatoes, legumes, or rice here. Instead, the diet focuses on low-carb fruits and veggies, like green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and blueberries.

Prey-model diet

The prey-model diet focuses on providing dogs with meals similar to that which wolves eat. The main difference between this approach and the BARF diet is that there are no fruits, vegetables, grains, or dairy in the prey-model.

Instead, dogs feed on the meat of small animals of the sort that their ancestors consumed (like rabbit, quail, and duck). Some pet parents who opt for the prey model diet feed the animal as is — feathers, fur, and all.

The prey-model diet has strict percentages for the amount and type of meat dogs should eat. According to the prey-model diet, a dog's meals should include: 

• 80% muscle meat
• 10% bones
• 5% liver
• 5% miscellaneous organs
  
  

It’s fair to say opinion is split. While many vets are supportive of a raw meat diet for dogs — including Dr Ian Billinghurst, who wrote some of the first books on the subject in the 1990s — there are others who are more hesitant. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises against feeding dogs unprocessed, raw food since it can contain bacteria that can make pets (and people) sick. Similarly, the FDA warns that preparing a raw meat diet for dogs can pose a health risk to humans due to the potential for cross-contamination.

Our very own veterinary consultant, Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS, also advises against raw diets for dogs. Here's her take:

Others argue that preparing raw meat for dogs is no different than preparing it for cooking, and there are no risks if you use proper meat-handling protocols like washing your hands and sanitizing your utensils.

The issue with this argument is that it is not just the preparing that poses the risk. Once the dog eats the raw food, they can then spread the bacteria as they drool on and lick things in the home.

All raw meat contains bacteria. However, cooking kills most bacteria, making it harmless to humans and animals. Since raw diets aren't cooked, vets worry about dogs consuming some of the more harmful bacteria strains, which can contaminate raw meat and make pets sick.

Is a raw diet good for dogs? According to converts, there are plenty of reasons to make the switch.

Raw Meat is High In Vital Nutrients

Dogs need lots of protein in their diet to replenish energy levels and repair muscles, and raw meat is an excellent source. Not only that, but it’s also naturally abundant with fatty acids, vitamins and minerals (including glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health).

Some Parents Witness Improved Health

Many parents have reported healthy changes in their dogs after they’ve started eating a raw food diet, including a shinier coat, healthier teeth and more ‘get up and go’ than when on kibble. However, according to Dr. Simon, these health benefits are "not proven".

It Can Be Good for Picky Eaters

A raw food diet for dogs appeals to a canine’s carnivorous tastes, so even the fussiest of pets will likely polish off a bowl of meat, organs and bones. Dogs with dental problems might also have an easier time eating raw meat than dry kibble.

There Can Be Fewer Nasty Ingredients

One of the biggest benefits of raw diet for dogs is that parents can know exactly what’s going into their pet’s food. Food labels can be difficult to decipher at 

https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-to-read-a-dog-food-label

By contrast, the best raw food diet for dogs contains little more than top-quality meat, organs and bones, so parents will have a better idea of what their dog’s actually eating.

Despite the potential benefits of raw diet for dogs, there are significant risks to consider before switching your dog over.

It Can Pose Health Risks for Pets and Humans

A raw meat diet for dogs may contain a range of bacteria including E. coli and salmonella. A study from the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine found that 7% of home-prepared raw diets for dogs were contaminated with salmonella and 16% contained listeria. Due to the potential for contamination, this diet is not for dogs with compromised immune systems, like those taking chemotherapy or those with organ failure. It could also pose a potential risk to parents, too.

There’s Potential for Nutritional Deficiencies and Imbalances

The main concern among veterinary experts when it comes to a raw food diet for dogs is that it won’t contain all the essential nutrients, especially so in the case of home-prepared diets. A 2019 study found that 42% of parents choosing a raw meat diet for dogs either followed online advice from other parents or followed no guidance whatsoever.

Some veterinarians worry that a raw food diet for dogs may contain too little calcium and phosphorus, and too much Vitamin A. A little extra Vitamin A is rarely a problem for healthy dogs, though pups with liver or kidney problems may not be able to process high levels of this vitamin. Too much calcium at a young age can lead to Elbow or Hip Dysplasia in later life. 

A Raw Food Diet For Dogs Can Lead To Side Effects

Bones left intact can damage a canine's teeth or cause gastric obstructions. These serious conditions can be avoided by grinding the bones with a meat grinder. However, some pup parents prefer feeding their dogs whole, uncooked bones since they can help remove plaque. 

Talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog's diet. Sudden changes in diet can cause vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and other unpleasant side effects.

Raw Meat Diets Are Usually More Expensive

Whether you prepare them at home using meat purchased from the butcher’s or buy a commercially-manufactured option, a raw food diet for dogs will usually work out considerably more expensive than kibble or canned food. Many parents would question whether the disputed benefits are worth this added cost, especially when many cheaper options meet the AAFCO’s nutrient standards.

• Many experts, including the AVMA and FDA, strongly advise against feeding your dog a home-prepared raw diet.

• Feeding dogs a raw diet comes with significant health risks for humans and dogs, from bacterial infections to choking risks.

• Without proper knowledge of canine nutrition, home-prepared raw diets increase a dog's risk of nutritional imbalances and deficiencies.
  

• Commercially available raw dog foods that contain all the nutrients your dog needs may be a safer option.