Are Raw Diets Good For Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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CDC recommends against feeding raw food to dogs and cats because of the risk of illness to the pet as well as to people living in the household

. Do not feed your pet a raw diet. Here is why: Raw diets consist of foods such as meat, poultry, milk, and eggs that have not been cooked or treated to remove harmful germs.

How long can a dog live on a raw diet?

Learning that feeding a raw food diet can increase your dog’s lifespan by

as much as three years

– potentially a quarter of your dog’s natural lifespan – should be incentive enough to consider making the switch to raw.

Can I feed my dog raw food everyday?

If you are wondering how often you should feed your dog, we recommend

2-4 times per day for puppies and 1-2 times per day for adult dogs

. Again, this will depend on if your dog has any specific requirements set out by your vet.

Why are vets against raw diet?

Even with the greatest care, the risk of cross-contamination is much higher so you could accidentally spread around bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and even Tuberculosis (TB) via the food or via your pet. Bones are also another hazard with raw feeding, especially with “Raw Meaty Bones”-type foods.

What is the healthiest food to feed your dog?

  • Chicken.
  • Turkey.
  • Pork.
  • Lean beef.
  • Fish—salmon and sardines are especially good for dogs.
  • Eggs—cooked.
  • Cheeses—cottage cheese and hard cheeses in moderation are safe.
  • Yogurt—in moderation is an acceptable snack.

Can you feed raw and kibble?

The order in which you choose to feed, whether that’s kibble in the morning and raw at night, or raw in the morning or kibble at night,

does not matter as long as there’s a long enough window of digestion

. Aid your pets digestion by feeding dry kibble and raw food separately and at least 6 hours apart.

Why do vets push kibble?

Some vets only know what the kibble makers tell them, and pass that on to their clients:

eat the processed diet

.” So the first reason vets carry and recommend kibble and canned foods is….. the pet food companies have indoctrinated them well. And the second reason is…. profits.

Can I mix raw meat with dry dog food?


Yes, you can feed both kibble and raw

. We know that this is a controversial topic for many people, as generally speaking kibble and raw digest differently. For this reason, many people suggest avoiding feeding both at the same time, and would suggest separating the meals.

Is raw meat better for dogs than dog food?

Supporters of raw food claim that it offers numerous benefits to dogs, including more energy as well as healthier teeth, skin and coats. Torres says

there isn’t much evidence proving the benefits of feeding pets raw food

, but that there is evidence of the health risks, such as pathogenic bacterial exposure.

What do I feed my dog on a raw diet?

  1. Muscle meat, often still on the bone.
  2. Bones, either whole or ground.
  3. Organ meats such as livers and kidneys.
  4. Raw eggs.
  5. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery.
  6. Apples or other fruit.
  7. Some dairy, such as yogurt.

Is homemade dog food better than kibble?

Without question,

homemade dog food wins in this category

. When you commit to making your dog his meals, you can choose the freshest ingredients to feed him. Most commercially made dog food has a long shelf life. A bag of unopened dry dog food can last as long as 18 months; unopened canned food is good for two years.

Can a dog get sick from eating raw meat?

Absolutely, dogs have forgiving digestive systems. With higher acidity in their stomachs and shorter intestinal tracts,

they can eat raw meat that may harbor salmonella or listeria spores with no problem

– and before you panic, some pathogens are completely normal.

Should I feed my dog raw chicken?

In fact, it’s a good source of protein, and cooked chicken can even be substituted for or added to his regular meal.

Most sources recommend against raw chicken, due to the risk of salmonella or bacterial infections

, although the movement toward raw food, including raw chicken and raw chicken bones, is growing.

Can I feed my dog raw ground beef?

When asking the question, can dogs eat raw ground beef? The simple answer is no.

You shouldn’t feed your dog raw ground beef or any raw meat for that matter

. Raw beef, for example, even though it is a great source of healthy fats and protein for your dog, several risks come from a dog eating raw meat.

Should I freeze raw meat before giving it to my dog?

Dr. Bernstein recommends that

all meats are kept frozen following purchase

, and thawed on the day they are fed to the dog. Freezing is said to have a detrimental effect on the nutritional quality of meat, but the difference is not significant.

Can I feed my dog raw in the morning and kibble at night?

Kibble in the Morning, Raw at Night


On their dinner meal, load them up on raw food

. There should be a time gap of at least 10-12 hours. Between the morning meal and the evening meal, your dog’s body will have plenty of time to fully digest the food. The starch will no longer have an effect on the pH level.

Is it cruel to feed a dog once a day?

Most veterinarians (including myself) recommend feeding adult dogs twice a day. Some people feed their dogs once a day, but

dogs that are only fed once a day can get hungry and also sometimes can be prone to bilious vomiting (vomiting caused by an empty stomach)

.

Is Tuna good for dogs?


Tuna is not toxic to dogs

, and a tiny amount will not cause mercury poisoning. If you own both a dog and a cat, make sure your pup isn’t eating the feline’s food, as wet cat food often contains tuna. Cats are also susceptible to mercury poisoning, so consider choosing a cat food made with other kinds of fish.

Can dogs eat scrambled eggs?

Eggs should be cooked before given to a dog. Cook or boil eggs plain without oil, butter, salt, seasoning, spices, or other additives.

It doesn’t matter how your dog likes their eggs — sunny side up, scrambled, or hard boiled — as long as they are cooked

.

Do dogs poop less on a raw diet?

With a raw food diet, dogs are able to absorb more of the ingredients. Therefore,

dogs poop less frequently

and overall produce less fecal matter. Your dog is able to go longer on less food, compared to a kibble diet.

What can I mix with raw dog food?

  • Raw eggs.
  • Sweet potato.
  • Pumpkin.
  • Oatmeal.
  • Bone broth.
  • Raw fruits.

How often should I feed my dog raw meat?

If you’re wondering how often you should feed your dog raw meat, we recommend feeding pups

2 – 4 times per day and older dogs 1 – 2 times per day

, as part of a fully balanced meal. Feeding your canine twice a day may assist with begging tendencies.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.