Feeding Dogs a Raw Food Diet – Pros, Cons and Dangers

A raw food diet for dogs has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years. Proponents claim it is a more natural and healthier way to feed dogs, closely mimicking what they would eat in the wild. However, the raw diet remains controversial. While there may be some benefits, there are also risks and drawbacks to consider. This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of feeding dogs a raw food diet, including the potential dangers and how to mitigate the risks.

Outline of Topics Covered

1. What is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?
2. Potential Benefits and Pros of a Raw Dog Food Diet
3. More Nutrients and Enzymes
4. Healthier Skin and Coat
5. Cleaner Teeth and Breath
6. Increased Energy Levels
7. Improved Digestion
8. Shinier Coat
9. Reduction of Allergies
10. Potential Risks and Cons of a Raw Dog Food Diet
11. Bacterial Contamination and Foodborne Illnesses
    1. Salmonella
    2. E. coli
    3. Listeria
12. Nutritional Imbalances
13. Bone Fragments and Obstructions
14. Parasites
15. Tooth Fractures
16. Choking Hazard
17. High Cost
18. Intensive Meal Preparation and Storage
19. What Can You Feed Dogs on a Raw Diet?
20. Raw Meat
21. Raw Bones
22. Raw Organ Meats
23. Raw Eggs
24. Raw Fruits and Vegetables
25. Grains and Dairy
26. Is Raw Food Safe for Puppies and Nursing Dogs?
27. How to Transition Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet
28. Food Safety and Handling Tips for Raw Diets
29. FAQs About Raw Diets for Dogs
30. Is a raw diet more natural for dogs?
31. Do dogs digest raw meat better than kibble?
32. Is a raw diet more expensive?
33. How do I know if my dog will benefit from a raw diet?
34. Will my dog get sick from raw food bacteria?
35. What is the ideal raw diet meal plan for my dog?
36. The Bottom Line: Is a Raw Diet Right for Your Dog?

What is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?

A raw dog food diet consists primarily of uncooked meats, edible bones, organs, eggs, vegetables, fruits and other supplements. The goal is to replicate the natural ancestral diet dogs would eat in the wild.

This is markedly different from commercial kibble and canned dog foods which are cooked at high temperatures. Processed dog food also contains other ingredients like grains, by-products, artificial preservatives and additives not found in raw diets.

With raw feeding, owners usually follow either a commercial pre-made raw diet using fresh ingredients, or a home-prepared diet they make themselves for their dogs. Meals can include raw meaty bones, whole prey items like chicken necks or rabbit, chunks of muscle meat, organs like liver or kidney, pureed veggies and fruits, eggs and supplements like oils. Portion sizes vary based on the dog’s size and needs.

Proponents believe this diet optimizes canine health and longevity by providing nutrients in their natural state, akin to the canine ancestral diet. Let’s look closer at the proposed benefits and risks of feeding our canine companions this way.

Potential Benefits and Pros of a Raw Dog Food Diet

Feeding dogs a species-appropriate raw food diet offers certain advantages over traditional commercial dog food according to advocates. Here are some of the main benefits claimed:

1. More Nutrients and Enzymes

Cooking food destroys certain nutrients like enzymes and heat-sensitive vitamins. Raw diets contain these nutrients in their complete, unaltered form as nature intended. Enzymes like amylase, lipase and protease aid digestion. Higher vitamin content improves immunity and overall health.

2. Healthier Skin and Coat

The natural oils, vitamins and fatty acids in raw meats nourish skin and fur. Anecdotes abound of dogs with glossier coats, less shedding and itching after switching to raw.

3. Cleaner Teeth and Breath

Chewing meaty bones scrapes away tartar for cleaner teeth. It also massages gums and slows dental disease. Raw diets avoid starchy fillers that cause plaque buildup and smelly doggy breath.

4. Increased Energy Levels

Uncooked foods contain more nutrients than cooked, so dogs absorb more energy-boosting proteins, carbs and fats. Owners often report their dogs becoming livelier and more active after switching to raw.

5. Improved Digestion

The natural enzymes in raw foods make them easier to digest than processed kibble. Dogs may have smaller stools and less gas. Digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease can improve.

6. Shinier Coat

The moisture and oils in raw meat, fish and eggs replenish the skin and coat. A diet without rendered or rancid fats reduces dry, itchy skin and dull fur.

7. Reduction of Allergies

Common triggers like grains and preservatives are eliminated on a raw diet. Dogs with food allergies often improve when switched to a novel protein diet made of raw meat, organs and bones.

Potential Risks and Cons of a Raw Dog Food Diet

While the benefits seem promising at first glance, there are also considerable risks and cons associated with feeding dogs a raw diet. Owners should weigh these carefully when deciding what to feed their pet.

1. Bacterial Contamination and Foodborne Illnesses

Raw meat is prime breeding ground for harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli that cause vomiting, diarrhea and other conditions:

Salmonella

This common foodborne bacteria is found in the digestive tracts of animals like poultry and cattle. Consuming raw meat or eggs puts dogs at risk.

E. coli

A type of coliform bacteria often transmitted through contaminated water or food. Some strains cause intestinal illness.

Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can lurk in raw meat, dairy, produce and processed foods. Can prove fatal if contracted.

Owners handling raw food can also be infected through cross contamination. Proper handling and cleaning practices must be followed diligently to avoid sickness.

2. Nutritional Imbalances

Without the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist, homemade raw diets risk being unbalanced and deficient in key nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition and developmental issues, especially in puppies.

3. Bone Fragments and Obstructions

Raw bones that splinter can block or puncture the gastrointestinal tract requiring emergency surgery. Large marrow bones and recreational bones like femurs should be avoided.

4. Parasites

Raw meats may contain parasitic cysts and eggs like Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum that cause illness if ingested. Freezing meats for 3 weeks kills parasites.

5. Tooth Fractures

Hard raw bones like large knuckle bones can fracture teeth, unlike softer raw meaty bones. Antlers and hooves are also not recommended.

6. Choking Hazard

Chunks of raw meat or whole bones could be inhaled or swallowed causing choking. Always supervise mealtimes and monitor your dog.

7. High Cost

On average, raw diets cost about two to four times more than commercial kibble. Significant freezer space is also needed to store ingredients safely.

8. Intensive Meal Preparation and Storage

Homemade raw diets require intensive planning, prep work and clean up daily unlike simply scooping kibble. Ingredients must be stored safely and dog bowls sanitized after each meal to prevent bacterial growth.

What Can You Feed Dogs on a Raw Diet?

Constructing a well-rounded raw dog diet requires offering a variety of different food items. Here are the basic categories of ingredients fed:

1. Raw Meat

Raw meaty bones provide protein, fat and minerals:

• Beef, lamb, bison, goat, venison
• Poultry like chicken, turkey, duck
• Pork in moderation due to salt content
• Fish like salmon, sardines
• Game meats like rabbit and quail

2. Raw Bones

Recreational raw bones should be soft and pliable to avoid tooth fractures:

• Chicken wings, necks and thighs
• Lamb necks and ribs
• Pork ribs
• Beef ribs and knuckle bones

3. Raw Organ Meats

Organ meats provide iron, B vitamins and vitamin A:

• Liver
• Kidneys
• Heart
• Spleen
• Brain
• Testicles
• Tripe

4. Raw Eggs

Eggs provide fatty acids, protein and biotin. Serve fully cooked to avoid salmonella risk. Limit to 2 eggs per week.

5. Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies supply antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber, vitamins, minerals:

• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potatoes

6. Grains and Dairy

Some raw diets include limited amounts of:

• Oats
• Quinoa
• Yogurt
• Cottage cheese

Always introduce new proteins slowly one at a time to check for allergic reactions. Rotating proteins is ideal so dogs get a variety.

Is Raw Food Safe for Puppies and Nursing Dogs?

Feeding a homemade raw diet to puppies or pregnant/nursing dogs requires extreme care. These life stages have higher nutritional needs that may not be met without expert guidance.

Nutrient deficiencies can retard growth and immunity in puppies. Nursing mothers also require sufficient calories, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. Work closely with your vet and a veterinary nutritionist if planning to feed a homemade raw diet to these vulnerable dogs rather than a commercial complete raw puppy food.

Otherwise, it is generally safer to wait until puppies are older before transitioning to raw since their immune systems are still developing. Pregnant and nursing dogs also have higher nutritional needs that may be challenging to meet without the right balance of ingredients, portions and supplements.

How to Transition Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet

Switching your dog to a raw food diet must be done gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset:

• On days 1-2, replace 25% of the previous diet with raw food.
• On days 3-4, increase to 50% raw.
• On days 5-6, feed 75% raw food.
• By days 7-10, transition to feeding 100% raw if well tolerated.

Closely monitor stool consistency throughout the switch. Diarrhea or constipation means you are transitioning too quickly. Slow down and stretch the process out for a few more days until stools normalize.

This gradual approach allows the metabolism and gut flora time to adapt to the richness and different texture of raw food. Rushing this transition can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and poor nutrient absorption. Be patient to avoid tummy troubles.

Food Safety and Handling Tips for Raw Diets

To safely feed dogs a raw food diet, strict food handling guidelines should be followed:

• Maintain a separate set of utensils and cutting boards just for raw meats to avoid cross-contamination. Wash extremely thoroughly with soap and hot water after each use.
• Always wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw meat and bones. Use a sanitizer on cutting boards, utensils and surfaces exposed to raw meat.
• Refrigerate perishable raw foods at or below 40°F. Freeze raw meats intended for later use below 0°F for a minimum of 2 weeks to kill parasites before thawing.
• Thaw frozen raw food in the fridge, never at room temperature where bacteria multiply quickly. Discard thawed items if left longer than 24 hours.
• Toss any leftovers not eaten within 60 minutes of serving. Bacteria spreads rapidly at room temperature.
• Keep dogs separated from humans when eating raw food to avoid accidental sharing or illness transmission.
• Clean food bowls thoroughly after each use with soap and hot water. Rinse and spray bowls with veterinary disinfectant weekly.

Always exercise caution when handling, preparing and feeding any raw meat diet to reduce the risks of foodborne illness. Supervise dogs closely when eating bones or chunks of raw food to prevent choking.

FAQs About Raw Diets for Dogs

1. Is a raw diet more natural for dogs?

In the wild, dogs would hunt prey animals and eat them raw, including the meat, bones, organs and stomach contents. The raw food movement aims to mimic this ancestral diet since dogs evolved as carnivores. However, the average modern household dog bears little resemblance to its early wolf ancestors. Dogs have adapted well over thousands of years to eating a variety of different foods including cooked commercial kibble and canned diets, which provide balanced nutrition in an easy form. So while raw food may be more “natural,” that does not automatically make it healthier or safer than cooked commercial dog foods.

2. Do dogs digest raw meat better than kibble?

It’s true that cooking food destroys some natural enzymes and nutrients. However, kibble is still highly digestible for dogs despite being cooked. Extrusion and baking processes partially gelatinize starches in commercial dog food to improve digestibility. Kibble does contain adequate proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins and minerals when made by a reputable pet food company, although quality varies. Some dogs do see improvements in digestion ailments when switched to a raw diet while others experience problems. Overall, most healthy dogs with no digestive issues do well on commercial cooked diets.

3. Is a raw diet more expensive?

Yes, raw diets usually cost at least twice as much as dry or canned dog foods. Raw ingredients like fresh meat and produce are more perishable and pricey than shelf-stable kibble. You must buy meat in bulk quantities and have freezer space to store food to make homemade raw diets affordable. There are also many pre-made commercial raw brands which are very costly, running $5-10 per pound on average. Large dogs or multi-dog households could spend over $200 per month feeding raw.

4. How do I know if my dog will benefit from a raw diet?

There’s no way to predict whether raw food will improve your individual dog’s health. Some dogs with digestive troubles, allergies or dull coat may indeed benefit from a natural raw diet. However, other dogs do perfectly fine on kibble. It’s best to consult your vet before switching foods, especially for young, old or ill dogs. Monitor your dog closely when transitioning to spot any negative reaction. Raw diets carry risks as well as possible rewards.

5. Will my dog get sick from raw food bacteria?

There is always some risk when feeding raw meat which could potentially contain dangerous bacteria. However, the possibility is quite low especially when following proper raw feeding guidelines. Take care to maintain strict hygiene, store food safely and take preventative measures like freezing meats. Most healthy dogs tolerate raw diets well with very few incidents of foodborne illness. Only you can decide if you are comfortable feeding raw after considering the risks and mitigation strategies.

6. What is the ideal raw diet meal plan for my dog?

There is no single perfect raw diet recipe for all dogs. The best raw diet depends on your dog’s age, size, activity level, health status and individual needs. To formulate a complete and balanced raw meal plan, you must calculate appropriate ratios of muscle meat, bones, organs and vegetables based on established recommendations. Getting nutrition ratios wrong, especially for homemade diets, can lead to long-term health risks. Consult your vet to help design the optimal raw diet tailored specifically for your dog.

The Bottom Line: Is a Raw Diet Right for Your Dog?

To decide if a raw dog food diet is right for your four-legged friend, carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks. Raw diets aim to mimic the ancestral canine diet of uncooked whole prey. Possible perks include shinier coats, cleaner teeth, increased energy, less allergies and improved digestion. However, raw foods may contain harmful bacteria and lack balanced nutrition if not prepared properly.

Raw diets are more time-consuming and expensive to follow, requiring meticulous handling and storage. They may not be suitable for puppies or dogs with certain health conditions without veterinary supervision. Work closely with your vet before attempting to switch your dog to a raw diet. Monitor your pet closely and stop raw feeding if any issues like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite or lethargy arise.

While moderately healthy adult dogs can likely eat raw foods without problems, raw diets remain controversial in veterinary circles. There is minimal scientific evidence of tangible health benefits compared to risks. Much anecdotal hype about raw diets improving dogs’ health and wellness abounds, but few robust studies confirm this. Talk to your vet about whether trying a raw diet could be worthwhile or unsafe for your individual dog. Raw feeding is a very personal choice for each pet owner to make after carefully weighing all factors.