A raw diet for dogs is an option gaining significant popularity for pet owners who want a more natural diet for their best friends. Many believe that a raw diet is the best way to provide nutrition, improve digestion, and maintain overall health.
Advocates believe that the diet resembles what their ancestors ate, which consisted of raw meat, bones, and organs.
However, raw feeding has its perceived cons and health risks. Because of this, they require careful planning and safe-handling practices.
Every pet owner needs a helping hand when it comes to a dog’s nutrition. Fortunately, we’re here to help you decide if you want a raw diet for your dog.
What Do Dogs Eat on a Raw Diet?
Most dogs on a raw diet follow the 80/10/10 rule, which consists of 80 percent muscle meat, 10 percent raw meaty bones, and 10 percent organ meat. Muscle meat options include:
Chicken
Beef
Lamb
Pork
Fish
Duck
Raw bones can be from the necks or wings, while organs typically included are the liver, kidney, and pancreas. Additionally, some pet owners add a couple of fruits and vegetables to the mix. This includes broccoli, spinach, carrots, and apples.
Some pet parents also prefer to feed frozen or freeze dried versions of raw food for safety and convenience.
Two Approaches to Raw Feeding
A raw diet for dogs has two main types:
BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): BARF utilizes both plant and animal sources, including raw meat, bones, and vegetables.
PMR (Prey Model Raw): Inspired by how wild canines eat whole prey, this method excludes plant matter and focuses on mimicking the muscle meat, bones, and organs of prey animals, usually in an 80/10/10 ratio.
If you want to feed a raw diet for your dog, then we recommend choosing the approach that best fits your best friend. This means creating a diet plan that targets their health, digestive tolerance, and nutritional needs.
What Are the Potential Benefits of a Raw Diet for Dogs?
Feeding raw foods can have some benefits, including:
Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Many believe that a raw diet can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption. The main problem with low-quality pet food is the presence of artificial additives and grains, which makes it hard for some dogs to process.
Since raw diets do not contain any fillers, dogs can easily digest what they eat. When they do, they absorb more nutrients and can experience less bloating and gas.
Healthier Skin and a Shinier Coat
Animal proteins are naturally rich in protein and healthy fatty acids, which are good components for healthy skin and coat.
This is beneficial for dogs with skin allergies, dry skin, or a dull coat caused by poor nutrition. Many dog owners report that within a few weeks of switching to raw food, their dogs’ coats became softer, shinier, and less prone to itching or flaking.
Stronger Teeth and Better Dental Health
Dental hygiene is a big part of a dog’s health, and a raw diet is believed to naturally improve it. When dogs chew on raw bones and tough meat, it acts as a natural toothbrush, scraping away plaque and preventing tartar buildup.
Unlike kibble, which often contains starches that contribute to plaque formation, raw bones and meat do not leave residue on the teeth. Raw meat also has enzymes that prevent plaque buildup by destroying bacteria.
Increased Energy and Vitality
A diet rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats provides a constant source of energy for dogs. This is beneficial for working dogs, highly active breeds, and senior dogs that need additional support for maintaining muscle mass and energy levels.
Unlike highly processed kibble, which can cause blood sugar spikes, a raw diet provides sustained energy throughout the day.
Smaller, Less Odorous Stools
Raw diets for dogs have fewer fillers and additives, which means they can digest the food more easily. Because of the improvement in digestion, raw feeding also results in smaller, firmer, and less smelly stools.
Basically, it means that dogs will be able to absorb more of the nutrients and produce less waste.
Possible Reduction in Allergies and Food Sensitivities
Commercial dog food, especially low-quality ones, often has additives that can potentially trigger food sensitivities or allergies. Raw diets can potentially reduce the risk of allergies, especially since they are a considerably more natural option.
Better Weight Management and Lean Muscle Development
Because a raw diet for dogs often includes lean meats, they have higher protein levels and fewer carbohydrates. From here, they can potentially maintain a balanced weight. Plus, the lean meats can help with lean muscle development.
Enhanced Immune System and Overall Health
Another talked about benefit of a raw diet for dogs is how they helps enhance the immune system, mainly by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Raw diets are a dog's natural source of nutrition, allowing their bodies to effectively utilize the components.
The mix of meats, organs, and bones supplies essential nutrients that all work to improve your dog's defenses. As a result, a raw diet for dogs can be effective in maintaining good health.
Dogs fed on a raw diet may possibly experience fewer illnesses, faster recovery from illnesses, and overall better joint health.
What’s the Difference Between Kibble and a Raw Diet for Dogs?
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of feeding traditional kibble vs raw dog food:
Feature | Kibble | Raw Diet |
|---|---|---|
Ingredient Quality | Processed, may include fillers | Fresh, minimally processed |
Digestion | May cause bloating or sensitivities | Easier for many dogs |
Convenience | Quick and easy | Time-consuming |
Cost | More affordable | Higher |
Bacterial Risk | Lower | Higher |
Storage | Shelf-stable | Needs freezer space |
This table highlights why some owners choose raw and why others prefer the simplicity of kibble. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we tailor advice based on your dog’s needs.
What Are the Potential Risks of a Raw Diet for Dogs?
While a raw diet for dogs has its benefits, there are also certain things that every pet owner should consider before making the switch. Here are some of the common risks of a raw diet for dogs:
Bacterial Contamination and Food Safety Risks
One of the most well-known risks of a raw meat diet is the potential for bacterial contamination. This risk doesn’t just apply to dogs, but also to owners who are handling the raw food. These raw or undercooked meats may bring harmful pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
These have been common concerns relayed by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, even if dogs may have a much more acidic stomach, it doesn’t mean they are immune to infections.
Nutritional Imbalances
A well-balanced raw diet must include the right mix of nutrients, including protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins. One of the most common mistakes with feeding a raw diet is improper meal planning, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
Some owners may feed a diet solely of animal meat, which can be suboptimal for some dogs and their specific needs.
Risk of Choking, Blockages, or Bone Fractures
Raw diets often include raw bones, which can be beneficial for dental health. However, feeding bones comes with risks, including choking hazards, digestive blockages, or even broken teeth. These bones can also cause life-threatening injuries, such as potentially piercing the mouth.
Digestive Upset During Transition
Transitioning to a raw diet too quickly can potentially cause digestive issues like acute vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. Some dogs may take longer to adjust, particularly those who have been eating kibble for years.
Higher Cost and Storage Requirements
A raw diet for dogs can be significantly more expensive than feeding commercial diet food, depending on the ingredients used. High-quality raw meat, organs, and bones may cost significantly more than commercial dog food.
Additionally, raw food requires proper storage and handling. This requires adequate freezer space, higher energy costs, and more time to prepare the food.
Do Vets Recommend Raw Diets for Dogs?
No, our vets do not typically recommend raw diets for dogs. While the potential benefits can seem great, the risks and requirements are relatively heavy. High-quality dog food is generally the option we recommend for your dog’s diet.
Can Puppies Eat a Raw Diet?
Yes, puppies can eat a raw diet, but just like for adults, it must be served properly and carefully. A well-prepared raw diet can support the puppy’s early development.
But if not done correctly, then the risk of nutritional imbalance and deficiencies can affect their growth. Plus, it can also expose the pup to harmful bacteria. When deciding on meals for puppies, it’s best to consult with us first so we can identify their specific needs.
How Can I Feed My Dog a Raw Diet at Home?
If you’ve decided to start feeding your dog a raw diet, then be sure to do it the right way. Here are a few tips:
Consult a Veterinarian or a Pet Nutritionist
Discuss your dog's nutritional needs with us before changing anything on your own. The specific needs will depend on overall health, age, breed, and activity level. From here, we can advise if a raw diet is good or not.
Store and Handle Food Properly
Raw feeding requires strict food safety measures to prevent bacterial contamination. The meat should be kept in the freezer and thawed in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. After handling raw food, hands, bowls, and surfaces should be cleaned properly with hot water and soap.
Choose the Right Feeding Approach
Pre-packaged commercial raw food and homemade raw meals are the two main options. Pre-packaged raw diets are formulated by experts to provide complete and balanced nutrition.
Homemade raw food diets for dogs will require the right balance of meat, bones, and organs. Many raw feeders follow the 80/10/10 rule. You can also add vegetables and fruits to the mix, depending on the advice from our vets and pet nutritionists.
Slowly Transition to a Raw Diet
Switching from kibble to raw food should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Follow this quick tip:
Day 1-3. 75% old food, 25% new food.
Day 4-6. 50% old food, 50% new food.
Day 7-9. 25% old food, 75% new food.
Day 10. 100% new food.
Some dogs adapt quickly, while others may take longer to adjust. If symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive gas occur, the transition may need to be slowed down. Starting with a small amount of a single protein source, such as chicken or turkey, can help minimize digestive issues initially.
Determine the Right Portion Sizes
The amount of raw food a dog needs depends on its age, weight, and activity level. Adult dogs typically require two to three percent of their body weight in raw food per day. For example, a 10 kg dog would need approximately 200 to 300 grams of raw food daily.
Puppies require more food relative to their size, usually around four to six percent of their body weight.
To help you visualize what a raw meal looks like, here’s a sample portion breakdown for a healthy adult dog weighing 10 kg, based on the standard 2.5% body weight rule:
Component | Amount | Example |
|---|---|---|
Muscle Meat | 200g | Chicken thigh (boneless) |
Raw Edible Bone | 25g | Duck neck or wing |
Organ (Liver) | 12.5g | Beef liver |
Organ (Other) | 12.5g | Kidney or spleen |
Optional Add-ons | 10g | Spinach or grated carrot |
Nutrient Boost | 1 | Raw egg yolk |
Please note: This is just a sample. Your dog’s specific needs may vary based on age, breed, health conditions, and activity level. Always consult a veterinarian or canine nutritionist before starting a raw diet.
Monitor Health and Adjust the Diet
Once your dog has transitioned to a raw diet, monitor its health and behavior closely. Many owners notice positive changes, but any signs of persistent diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, or weakness may indicate an issue with the diet. If problems arise, consult with us.
“With their every bite, it’s our job to make sure they become happy and healthy.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts: Is a Raw Diet Actually Better for Dogs?
A raw diet for dogs offers potential benefits but also some potential risks. Fortunately, these risks can be managed with the right effort and preparation. For those willing to put in the time and effort, a raw diet for your dog can be life-changing.
All in all, high-quality dog food is the option we recommend for most dog owners. It offers minimal risks while providing a good amount of nutrition fit for human consumption standards.
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