Milly Gaines
Raw food diets for dogs are controversial. Proponents argue that they improve a dog's health, with benefits like weight management, cleaner teeth, and a shinier coat. Critics, including mainstream veterinarians and the FDA, argue that they can be dangerous to both dogs and their owners. There are documented hazards and risks associated with raw food diets, including the potential for nutritional deficiencies, harmful bacteria, and parasites, as well as the presence of bones, which can lead to choking, dental fractures, or internal punctures. While some dogs seem to thrive on raw food diets, it is important to approach the decision cautiously and consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet is balanced and complete.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Potential benefits | Weight management, cleaner teeth, shinier coat, higher energy levels, better breath, better stool quality, improved overall health |
| Potential risks | Nutritional deficiencies, harmful bacteria and parasites, choking on bone fragments, dental fractures, internal puncture, infection |
| Nutritional concerns | May lack calcium and phosphorous, may be difficult to balance macro- and micro-nutrients, may not meet dog's specific nutritional needs |
| Bacterial contamination | Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli |
| Precautions | Consult a veterinary nutritionist, separate from other food, refrigerate or discard leftovers, wash hands after handling, do not kiss dog on face or let dog lick face |
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What You'll Learn
Nutritional deficiencies
One of the main challenges of a raw food diet is ensuring that it is well-balanced and meets the dog's nutrient requirements. Dogs have specific protein, fat, mineral, and vitamin needs that differ from humans, so supplements may be needed to ensure the diet is balanced. For example, too little fat can lead to a poor coat, while too much fat and not enough protein can cause mild anemia. Similarly, homemade raw diets may lack enough calcium and phosphorus, leading to bone fractures and dental problems.
The type and quality of ingredients used in raw frozen preparations vary greatly, and it can be challenging to determine the exact ingredients and their amounts. Even with recipes, it is difficult to ensure the correct ingredients are used in the right proportions. This is true for both homemade and commercial raw dog food diets, which often lack the necessary balance for a dog's nutrient requirements.
In addition to the potential for nutritional deficiencies, raw food diets for dogs also carry the risk of harmful bacteria and parasites, as well as the presence of bones, which can lead to gastrointestinal perforation or obstruction and dental fractures.
Consulting with a veterinary nutritionist is essential to ensure the raw food diet provides balanced nutrition and is appropriate for the specific needs of the dog, especially if the dog is young, old, or has health issues.
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Bacterial and parasitic infections
The raw food diet for dogs, also known as the BARF diet (Bones and Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), was first proposed in 1993 by veterinarian Ian Billinghurst. The diet is based on the idea that dogs would benefit from eating the raw, meaty bones and vegetables that their evolutionary ancestors consumed.
One of the potential risks of feeding raw food to dogs is the presence of harmful bacteria and parasites, which can lead to bacterial and parasitic infections. In a study conducted from 2011 to 2012, nearly 25% of commercially available raw dog food samples tested positive for harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. These pathogens can cause serious illnesses in dogs and pose a health risk to owners who handle the food while preparing it.
Another study by the FDA tested 196 raw pet food samples, of which 15 were positive for Salmonella and 32 were positive for L. monocytogenes. The presence of these pathogens in raw pet food has raised concerns about the public health risk of raw pet food diets.
To prevent bacterial and parasitic infections in your dog and yourself, it is important to handle raw food safely. Here are some tips:
- Keep raw food separate from other food.
- Immediately cover and refrigerate any leftovers, or discard them safely.
- If using raw ingredients to make cooked pet food, ensure the food is cooked to a proper internal temperature using a food thermometer. Thorough cooking kills harmful bacteria.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw pet food and after touching any surfaces or objects that have come into contact with raw food.
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces and objects that come in contact with raw food using hot soapy water followed by a disinfectant solution (a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart of water is effective).
- Do not kiss your dog on the face or allow it to lick your face, especially after it has eaten raw food.
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Gastrointestinal tract issues
The raw food diet for dogs has sparked controversy among experts. Some believe that it can improve a dog's health, while others argue that it can be detrimental without proper guidance. The raw food diet typically includes raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables.
One of the main concerns with feeding small dogs a raw food diet is the risk of gastrointestinal tract issues. The presence of bones in the raw food can lead to perforation or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Chewing on bones can also lead to dental fractures. In addition, raw meat may contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause infections in dogs, especially those with cancer or other serious health issues. These bacteria are not safe for humans either, and can be spread to owners handling the food while preparing it.
To prevent the spread of bacteria, it is important to thoroughly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw pet food and after touching surfaces or objects that have come into contact with the raw food. It is also crucial to keep raw food separate from other food and to immediately cover and refrigerate any leftovers. Surfaces and objects that come into contact with raw food should be washed with hot soapy water and then disinfected with a solution of bleach and water.
While the risk of most bacteria causing illness in dogs is small, it can lead to a sudden onset of diarrhea. In addition, some homemade raw diets may lack enough calcium and phosphorus, leading to bone fractures and dental problems.
Consulting with a veterinary nutritionist is essential to ensure that the raw food diet is balanced and complete, providing the proper amounts of protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins. They will consider the specific needs of your small dog to optimize their long-term health.
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Food preparation and handling
A raw food diet for dogs can include raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables. Some people opt for a raw food diet for their dogs because they believe it will improve their dog's health, with benefits like weight management, cleaner teeth, and a shinier coat. However, it is important to note that there are inherent risks associated with raw food diets, and they can be dangerous to both dogs and their owners.
When preparing raw food for your dog, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both your dog and yourself. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Consult with a veterinary nutritionist or your veterinarian to ensure that the raw food diet is balanced and complete, providing the proper nutrients for your dog's specific needs.
- When purchasing ingredients for a raw food diet, opt for trusted sources. The quality of ingredients can vary greatly, so it is important to select reputable suppliers or manufacturers.
- Keep raw food separate from other food items.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw food.
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw food. Use hot soapy water and follow with a disinfectant solution (a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart of water is effective). Alternatively, run items through the dishwasher.
- Cover and refrigerate any uneaten portions of raw food immediately, or discard leftovers safely.
- Do not allow your dog to lick your face, especially after it has eaten raw food.
- If you are using raw ingredients to create a cooked meal for your dog, ensure that the food is cooked thoroughly to an appropriate internal temperature using a food thermometer.
By following these guidelines, you can help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and ensure the safe handling of raw food for your dog.
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Veterinary recommendations
The decision to feed your dog a raw diet should be made cautiously and with the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. While raw food diets may provide some benefits, there are also inherent risks and hazards to both the dog and its owner.
Veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists can help you make an informed decision by providing guidance on the specific nutritional requirements of your dog, including its protein, fat, mineral, and vitamin needs. They can also advise on the potential health risks of a raw food diet, which include bacterial contamination, the presence of harmful pathogens, and the potential for bone fragments to cause injury.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends that animals fed raw food diets should be excluded from animal care facilities such as hospitals and kennels due to the potential for disease spread. The AVMA also notes that raw pet foods are often produced with little to no regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of microbiological hazards.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential to follow safe handling instructions when preparing and serving raw food to your dog. This includes thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw pet food and any surfaces or objects that come into contact with it. It is also important to keep raw food separate from other food and to properly cover, refrigerate, or discard any leftovers.
Consulting with a veterinary specialist is the best way to ensure that your dog's diet is balanced and complete, providing all the necessary nutrients for optimal long-term health. They can also advise on the quality and suitability of ingredients, as well as the right amounts to include in your dog's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Advocates of the raw food diet believe it helps improve a dog’s health, with benefits like weight management, cleaner teeth, and a shinier coat. Some people want their dog’s food to more closely resemble what their wild ancestors would have eaten.
There are inherent risks when choosing to serve raw meat—even for people. All raw meat and raw meat-based products may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, like Salmonella and E. coli, causing illness. The presence of bones in a raw food diet can lead to perforation or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.
If you choose to feed raw pet food to your pet, be aware that you can infect yourself with Salmonella or L. monocytogenes by spreading the bacteria from the contaminated food to your mouth. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw pet food, and after touching surfaces or objects that have come into contact with raw food. Clean and disinfect all surfaces and objects that come in contact with raw food.
