Milly Gaines
The raw food diet for dogs consists of feeding dogs raw fruits, vegetables, organ meats, muscle meat, and eggs. This diet is considered to be the ancestral diet of dogs, and it is believed that it improves their overall health, including their skin and coat. The raw food diet is said to have several benefits, such as increased energy, improved dental health, and smaller stools. However, there are also some risks associated with feeding raw food to dogs, including bacterial contamination and nutrient deficiencies if the diet is not well-balanced. It is important for dog owners to carefully consider the benefits and risks of a raw food diet and consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to their dog's diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and dairy products such as yogurt |
| Benefits | Shinier coats, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, smaller stools, reduced allergies, and improved long-term immune system health |
| Risks | Food-borne harmful bacteria, parasite contamination, obstruction of the esophagus, constipation, and nutrient deficiencies |
| Cost | More expensive than kibble |
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What You'll Learn
Raw diets improve dental health
While there is no direct evidence that dogs on raw diets have more muscle, raw diets have been linked to improved dental health in dogs.
A raw diet can improve a dog's dental health by reducing the risk of dental problems. Kibble diets are typically high in carbohydrates, which can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. In contrast, raw diets are usually lower in carbohydrates, minimizing plaque and tartar accumulation.
Raw meat contains natural enzymes that help break down bacteria and food particles in a dog's mouth. These enzymes contribute to a healthier oral environment and can reduce bad breath. The mechanical action of chewing raw, meaty bones also helps to physically scrape away plaque and tartar.
Some veterinarians warn that raw diets may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those living with young children or immunocompromised individuals. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog's individual needs.
In addition to a raw diet, other dental care measures such as regular teeth brushing and professional cleanings are important to ensure optimal oral hygiene. Oral probiotics and prebiotics can also be beneficial for improving gut health and reducing oral inflammation.
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Raw food is more expensive
Raw food for dogs is more expensive than kibble. The average cost of kibble is $2.75 per pound, while raw food blends are double that, at $5.51 per pound. The cost per pound of raw food can vary, with some sources saying that premade raw food starts at $4 per pound, while others say that it is possible to buy cuts of meat for $2 to $3 per pound.
The first month of a raw food diet is usually the most expensive, as it is common to buy smaller, individual packages of different raw proteins to find out which ones your dog enjoys. This can be mitigated by choosing more affordable proteins such as chicken, tripe, turkey, beef, and lamb, rather than more expensive options like buffalo or venison.
The higher cost of raw food is due to the fact that it is not filled with cheap ingredients that bulk up the food without adding nutritional value. Raw food is also more expensive because it is not as widely available as kibble, and the ingredients used in raw food preparations vary greatly.
While raw food is more expensive, it may save money in the long run by improving your dog's health and reducing vet bills. Raw food is also more nutritionally dense, so your dog will need to eat less of it than they would need to eat of kibble.
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The risk of bacterial contamination
Raw food diets for dogs have been associated with a higher risk of bacterial contamination, which can pose a risk to both the pets consuming the food and their owners. A study by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) found that compared to other types of pet food, raw pet food was more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria. The study analysed 196 raw pet food samples, of which 15 were positive for Salmonella and 32 were positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
Salmonella is one of the most prevalent bacteria in raw meat and presents a significant risk of transmission from pets to humans. While Salmonella rarely causes illness in healthy animals, the risk is greater for young, old, pregnant, or immunocompromised pets. Similarly, vulnerable people in the household, such as children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, are at risk of developing severe effects from Salmonella infection. This risk of transmission can occur through direct contact with the pet, such as licking, or by coming into contact with Salmonella shed in the pet's faeces.
Listeria monocytogenes, another pathogenic bacteria, was also found in the raw pet food samples tested by the CVM. Listeria can be killed by freezing, but it thrives at refrigerator temperatures. While the risk of transmission is low, infection in humans can have significant health impacts.
In addition to Salmonella and Listeria, raw meat has been found to contain other antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as E. coli. A study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that dogs fed a raw meat diet were more likely to excrete antibiotic-resistant E. coli in their faeces. This bacteria can then be spread throughout the house, posing a risk to other family members, especially those who are young, old, or immunocompromised.
To minimise the risk of bacterial contamination, it is important to handle and prepare raw food for pets with care. This includes thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after handling raw pet food and cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces and objects that come into contact with the food.
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Nutritional deficiencies
A raw diet for dogs typically includes organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and a dairy product such as yogurt. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging to ensure the correct proportions of these ingredients are included in a dog's diet. For example, a wolf would eat a whole animal carcass that contains muscle meat, bone, tendons, organs, skin, and fur—a nutritionally complete meal. In contrast, the parts of a chicken that humans would choose to feed their dogs may not include the parts that provide essential fat, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
In addition, raw-meat diets high in liver may supply too much vitamin A, which can lead to vitamin A toxicity if fed for an extended period. A study of five raw diets, three homemade and two commercially available, found that all had nutritional deficiencies or excesses that could cause serious health problems when given long-term. These problems included poor coats, bad skin, or weak bones.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages the feeding of raw animal-source protein to dogs, citing the risk of illness. The AVMA also recommends that "animals that have been fed any raw or dehydrated (but otherwise raw) foods, chews or treats of animal origin within the past 90 days should be excluded from health-care facilities." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) also warn that feeding raw food to dogs is potentially dangerous to both the dog and its owner due to the risk of harmful bacteria.
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Raw diets improve overall health
Raw diets for dogs have been a topic of interest for many pet owners. The idea of a raw diet is to feed dogs what their wild ancestors ate, which is biologically appropriate raw food. This type of diet typically includes organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and dairy products such as yogurt.
Raw diets are believed to improve a dog's overall health in several ways. Firstly, raw food is less processed and more concentrated in nutrition, allowing dogs to digest it more efficiently and absorb more of the nutrients. This results in improved digestion, smaller and firmer stools, and better hydration. Additionally, raw diets are rich in enzymes and amino acids, which aid in the absorption of nutrients and promote healthy cell regeneration and growth. The high protein and low-carb ratio in raw diets help maintain energy levels and keep dogs feeling full for longer.
Another benefit of raw diets is improved dental health. Raw meaty bones provide the nutritional benefit of added calcium and phosphorus, which help maintain strong teeth and prevent tartar buildup. Recreational raw bones also provide jaw exercise and mental stimulation. Studies have shown that puppies fed a raw diet from a young age are less likely to have problems with chronic ear infections as adults.
Furthermore, raw diets are believed to improve a dog's coat and skin health, making their coats shinier and healthier. The limited ingredients in raw diets make it easier to avoid products that the dog may be sensitive to, and the higher antioxidant content may have beneficial effects on overall health.
However, it is important to approach raw diets cautiously. The risk of nutrient deficiencies exists if the diet is not properly balanced, and bones in the diet can pose health risks such as obstruction of the esophagus and constipation. Additionally, there are concerns about bacterial contamination in raw diets, which can pose risks to both dogs and their human companions, especially those with compromised immune systems.
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Frequently asked questions
A raw food diet for dogs can include fruits, vegetables, organ meats, muscle meat, raw eggs, and dairy products. Advocates of raw food diets claim that it can lead to shinier coats, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, and smaller stools. Raw food diets are also believed to improve long-term immune system health, reduce seasonal allergies, and provide dogs with more energy.
Raw diets for dogs can pose health risks, such as bacterial contamination, which can cause diarrhea and illness in both dogs and humans living in the same household. Bones included in the raw diet can also cause obstruction of the esophagus and constipation if there are too many bone fragments.
You can start by combining homemade raw food with high-quality kibble or feeding your dog a mix of raw dog food and kibble. You can also opt for commercially available raw dog food, usually sold as frozen logs that can be thawed before feeding. It is important to consult your veterinarian before making any dietary changes for your dog.
