Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Raw Meat… or Should They?

by | Albany Dog Trainer

Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Raw Meat… or Should They?

Raw food diets for dogs—also known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food)—have become increasingly popular among dog owners. Proponents claim it mimics a natural, ancestral diet and leads to shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better health. Critics argue it’s risky, nutritionally unbalanced, and potentially dangerous to pets and people.

So, what’s the truth? Should your dog be eating raw meat—or is it a myth-driven fad?

Let’s explore the facts behind the raw food debate, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your pup.

What Is a Raw Dog Food Diet?

A raw diet typically includes:

  • Raw meat (beef, chicken, turkey, etc.)

  • Raw bones (non-weight-bearing and not cooked)

  • Organs (like liver, kidney, heart)

  • Vegetables and fruits (sometimes optional)

  • Supplements (to ensure nutritional balance)

Some owners prepare raw meals at home, while others use commercial raw diets (frozen or freeze-dried) that are pre-formulated.

The Raw Food Myth: It’s What Wolves Eat

Myth: Dogs should eat raw food because it’s what their wild ancestors (wolves) ate.

Fact: While dogs share ancestry with wolves, they’ve evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. Domesticated dogs have different digestive abilities, including the ability to process starches. They are omnivores, not obligate carnivores like cats.

Wolves also face much shorter lifespans in the wild, often due to malnutrition, parasites, or injury—hardly an ideal nutritional model.

Potential Benefits of Raw Diets (When Done Correctly)

Some dog owners report improvements such as:

  • Shinier coats

  • Cleaner teeth

  • Smaller, firmer stools

  • Increased energy

  • Weight management

However, many of these benefits may also result from switching from low-quality kibble to a more nutrient-rich diet—whether raw or cooked.

The Risks of Feeding Raw

⚠️ Bacterial Contamination

Raw meat can carry pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. These bacteria can infect not just your dog, but you and your family—especially children, elderly individuals, or immunocompromised people.

Handling raw dog food safely is essential.

⚠️ Nutritional Imbalances

Home-prepared raw diets often lack proper ratios of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Over time, this can lead to:

  • Growth issues in puppies

  • Weak bones

  • Organ problems

Unless a raw diet is carefully balanced (ideally with input from a veterinary nutritionist), it can do more harm than good.

⚠️ Bone Hazards

Raw bones are less brittle than cooked bones, but they can still break teeth or cause choking and internal injuries. Not all bones are safe—even raw ones.

What the Science Says

  • The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and many board-certified veterinary nutritionists do not recommend raw diets due to health and safety concerns.

  • Studies show raw diets may increase bacterial shedding, putting households at higher risk of foodborne illness.

  • Long-term data on raw diet outcomes is still limited, though anecdotal evidence is strong within some communities.

Commercial Raw vs. Homemade

Commercial raw diets are generally safer than homemade because they:

  • Are formulated to meet AAFCO standards

  • Often undergo high-pressure processing (HPP) to reduce pathogens

  • Come with feeding instructions and nutritional data

If you’re considering raw feeding, commercial options offer a more controlled and safer entry point.

Homemade raw diets require precise planning, supplements, and often professional guidance. Guesswork isn’t enough.

Who Might Benefit from a Raw Diet?

A raw diet may be helpful in specific situations:

  • Dogs with allergies who don’t respond to other diets

  • Owners seeking clean-label, limited-ingredient options

  • Very active or working dogs with high protein needs

Still, any raw feeding plan should be guided by a vet or canine nutritionist to avoid critical deficiencies.

Safe Alternatives to Raw

If the idea of raw feeding appeals to you but the risks are concerning, consider:

  • Gently cooked homemade diets (vet-approved)

  • Commercially prepared cooked meals (like fresh-frozen dog food)

  • High-quality kibble with human-grade ingredients

  • Freeze-dried raw with safety processing and supplementation

These options can offer many of the benefits of raw without the same level of risk.

Conclusion

Raw diets for dogs aren’t all bad—but they’re not a magic bullet either. While some dogs do well on raw, it takes significant knowledge, attention to detail, and safety practices to do it right. For many pet parents, a balanced, high-quality commercial diet or lightly cooked food may be a healthier and more practical option.

The key is not the trend—but the nutrition. Whatever you feed, it should meet your dog’s specific needs safely and consistently.