Is Raw Meat Safe For Dogs?

I will be the first to admit that I completely spoil my dog. She has approximately 40 toys and sleeps next to me in bed. However, I am conscientious about what I feed her, much to her chagrin. If it was up to her, I would give her buttered toast and cheese for every single meal. 

Unfortunately for my furry friend, I need to make sure she eats as healthy as possible. This is why I like to pay attention to the latest dog diets to see if they are beneficial. 

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As of late, there has been a trend of owners giving their dogs raw meat, including beef, pork, chicken, and fish, for supposed health benefits. 

Here’s what you need to know.

Giving Your Dog Raw Meat Can Be Harmful 

According to Pet WebMD, some individuals believe that giving your dog uncooked meat will provide them with “shinier coats, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, higher energy levels, and smaller stools.” However, the publication reported there are quite a few risks associated with the raw meat diet due to bacteria.

VCA American Hospitals also warned against feeding your dog raw meat. Dr. Robin Downing, DVM, explained that studies have shown that “25% of the raw food samples tested positive for harmful bacteria, including Salmonella ssp. and Listeria monocytogenes,” which “can pose a health risk for the dogs who eat the raw food.”

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If your dog becomes infected with salmonella bacteria, he may experience intestinal upset, such as vomiting and bloody diarrhea. He may also have a fever, be lethargic, and have a reduced appetite. If you notice that your furry friend is exhibiting these symptoms, please take them to your local vet.

Dr. Downing also noted that the raw meat diet may not be the most nutritious due to “the difficulty in balancing the ratio among macro-and micro-nutrients.”

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“Adding to that the fact that nearly a quarter of the commercially available raw dog food diets that were tested by the US FDA were contaminated by Salmonella or Listeria (or both), it is reasonable to conclude that a commercially prepared, conventional, complete and life-stage balanced dog food is a better choice,” explained the vet.

He also recommended pet parents talk to their pup’s vet to determine their dog’s nutritional needs.

What kind of diet do you feed your dog? Let us know in the comments below. 

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