Can I feed my dog raw meat?

There's an argument raging about whether or not it's OK to feed raw meat to pet dogs.

The main argument for raw meat is that it is “healthier” - those who advocate feeding raw meat to dogs believe that commercial dog food is tainted with toxins from over-processing to preserve the food for longer and to make it smell and taste appealing. They are adamant that just as humans benefit from eating a healthy diet of fresh meat and vegetables instead of processed foods, so do dogs. It is true that some kinds of dog food can actually be harmful to dogs – particularly the cheaper varieties and overprocessed ones which simply don't contain the right nutrients for the dogs, and which contain more artificial ingredients than beneficial vitamins and minerals.

The other major argument in favor of feeding raw meat to dogs is that it's more “natural” - animals in the wild would, after all, be hunting and eating raw meat, and it is generally accepted that dogs are much more resistant to bacteria in meat than humans are.

 

However, in spite of this, the evidence that raw meat is better for dogs is only anecdotal – it's the claim of small groups and individuals, not backed up by clinical trials. In fact, there does seem to be a much more solid argument against feeding a raw meat diet. For a start, you've got to remember that pet foods are designed by specialist companies who are experts in canine nutrition. They can provide complete foods with all the nutrients your dog needs, in exactly the right balance for your pet's size and its age. The right balance is extremely important to your dog's health, and getting it wrong can lead to all sorts of problems, particularly in young, growing dogs. When you choose a raw meat diet imstead, you have to figure out exactly how much food is required, and what that food is providing your dog with. This isn't easy if you're not an expert of dog nutrition!

Not only that, but the meat itself can be dangerous to pets. Any bones in raw meat can splinter and cause damage by becoming lodged in the digestive system or throat – or even fracture the dog's teeth! In addition to this, the bacteria in raw meat is dangerous to dogs as it is to humans. Yes, animals in the wild are more resistant to bacteria in meat, because their antibodies have been built up over generations of wild, hunting animals. But as it's unlikely that your pet pooch has such a family tree, his immune system and digestive system aren't going to be designed for that!

You can decide for yourself, but the majority of experts and veterinarians will recommend that you choose a good quality dog food and feed your dog on a regular diet of that. There are risks with raw meat, and there aren't enough proven benefits to suggest that it's worth those risks.

Return to Dog Food Reviews Guide Home Page

Text copyright 2009 Dogfoodreviewsguide.com and may not be reproduced without consent. This is not the official web page of any of the products listed on this site, this is a review page created by an individual. This site is not written by a vet, and if you have special questions or questions about your dog's health, you should ask your veterinarian.