Dante Carrillo
A raw food diet for dogs is a controversial topic. Some people believe that a raw food diet is more natural and will improve their dog's health, especially their hair coat. However, there are no studies to support that raw feeding is better than traditional dog food. Raw diets can be expensive and hard to balance nutritionally, and there are documented hazards and risks associated with them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Perceived Benefits | Shinier coats, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, smaller stools, more "natural" option |
| Potential Risks | Nutritional deficiencies, harmful bacteria, parasites, obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, dental fractures, vitamin A toxicity, bacterial contamination, zoonotic transmission of pathogens, choking hazards |
| Nutritional Concerns | Difficult to balance macro- and micro-nutrients, calcium and phosphorus may be difficult to digest, high in protein and therefore not appropriate for dogs with kidney or liver problems |
| Commercially Available | Commercially prepared raw food may be safer than homemade due to higher hygiene standards, but it is more expensive |
| Veterinary Opinion | The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes the unregulated feeding of raw foods, most veterinarians do not recommend homemade pet food, some raw food diets may not be nutritionally complete |
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What You'll Learn
Potential health benefits of a raw food diet
Although there are no clinically proven benefits of a raw food diet, some supporters of raw diets for dogs claim the following advantages:
- Shinier coats and healthier skin: A raw food diet that includes natural, real ingredients such as beef, chicken, lamb, and vegetables can promote healthier skin and shinier coats.
- Improved dental health: Bones in a raw diet can help maintain dental health by preventing tartar buildup. However, it is important to note that chewing on bones may also lead to dental fractures.
- Increased energy: A raw food diet is believed to increase a dog's energy levels.
- Smaller stools: Dogs on a raw diet may experience smaller and less smelly stools.
- Better breath: Feeding dogs a diet with natural ingredients can improve their breath.
- Improved overall health: Supporters of raw diets believe that it benefits a dog's overall health, promoting heart health and improving eyesight.
It is important to note that these potential benefits are based on anecdotal evidence and have not been clinically proven. There are also risks associated with raw diets, including bacterial contamination, nutritional deficiencies, and the presence of harmful pathogens. It is recommended to consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your dog's diet is balanced and complete.
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Nutritional deficiencies and safety concerns
One of the main concerns with raw diets is the risk of nutritional deficiencies. It can be challenging to ensure that a raw diet provides all the necessary macro- and micronutrients, and vitamins and minerals that a dog requires. For example, the calcium or phosphorus in raw food may be difficult to digest, even if present in adequate amounts. Additionally, diets high in liver may supply too much vitamin A, leading to toxicity if fed for an extended period.
Raw diets also pose safety concerns for both dogs and their owners. Raw food, especially meat, may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause illness. Studies have found that raw pet food is more likely to contain disease-causing bacteria than other types of pet food. The presence of bones in raw food can also lead to dental fractures or gastrointestinal obstruction and perforation.
The potential for bacterial contamination and the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria are not unique to raw diets, as commercially processed pet foods and raw meat for human consumption can also harbour bacteria. However, the risk of infection is heightened with raw food, and the handling and preparation of raw food require meticulous care and hygiene. It is important to keep in mind that many animal care facilities do not accept animals fed raw food diets due to the potential for disease spread.
While some sources suggest that the concerns about bacteria in raw diets are overblown, and that proper hygiene practices can mitigate the risks, it is crucial to approach the decision to feed a dog a raw diet with caution. Dog owners should consult a veterinarian familiar with raw diets to ensure that the diet is complete, balanced, and appropriate for their dog's long-term health.
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Commercially available raw food options
There are commercially available raw food options for dogs, which can be a more convenient choice than preparing raw meals at home. However, it is important to be cautious when choosing a raw food product, as cheaper alternatives may not meet the necessary hygiene standards.
One example of a commercially available raw food product is Steve's Real Food Frozen Raw Dog Food, which is a B.A.R.F. (biologically appropriate raw food) formulation. It is composed of 80% meat, organ, and bone, 15% GMO-free and pesticide-free produce, and 5% value-added ingredients such as New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, coconut oil, and raw goat milk. The food is available in convenient bags of scoop-and-serve nuggets or 8-ounce patties.
Another option is Stella and Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Patties, which derive most of their protein from rabbit, a novel protein that is less likely to trigger food sensitivities or allergies. The product has received a 5-star rating from the Dog Food Advisor.
Raw Dog Food & Co. is another company that offers balanced raw diets for all dog life stages. They provide educational resources and an easy ordering process, with options for pickup, delivery, or meeting a truck at a drop-off location.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian before starting your dog on a raw food diet and to ensure that the food is handled and stored properly to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.
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Preparing raw food at home
Preparing raw food for your dog at home can be a tricky business. While many dog owners report benefits like glossier coats, more energy, and less smelly poos, there are no studies to support that raw feeding is better than traditional dog food. Raw feeding can also pose a lot of problems, especially when prepared at home.
If you do decide to feed your dog raw food, it's important to be hygienic. Keep everything you use to prepare or handle raw food separate. Stainless steel bowls and metal or glass storage boxes are best as, unlike plastic, they won't develop tiny cracks on their surfaces, which can harbour bacteria. Wash your hands after petting or being licked by your dog, and don't let your dog lick your face, especially after eating raw food.
If there is anyone at higher risk of infections in your household (e.g. pregnant, very young, older or immunocompromised), it's best not to feed raw food to your dog due to the risk of disease from bacteria and pathogens on the raw food.
If you're preparing raw food at home, it's up to you to ensure your dog gets the proper nutritional balance for its size, age, and activity level. A diverse diet made up of high-quality foods is the best approach. Many dog owners use the 5:1:1 recipe: five parts bone-in meat, one part fresh organ meat, and one part fresh vegetables. You can also add raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits, and dairy products like yoghurt.
However, vets don't recommend preparing your dog's food at home, whether cooked or raw, as without help from a specialist in pet nutrition, a homemade diet could be nutritionally unbalanced, which can make your dog ill. If you do decide to feed your dog a raw diet, be sure to consult a veterinary nutritionist to make sure the diet is balanced and complete.
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Veterinary opinions on raw food diets
However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that raw feeding is better than traditional dog food. There are also no clinically proven benefits of a raw food diet, but there are documented hazards and risks. These include the presence of harmful bacteria and parasites, and the potential for nutritional deficiencies. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA) oppose the unregulated feeding of raw foods, citing the risk of illness to dogs, cats, and humans. The CDC also warns that feeding raw food to dogs is potentially dangerous to both the dog and the owner.
Some veterinarians do not advise preparing pet food at home, whether cooked or raw, as it may be nutritionally unbalanced. They recommend choosing a commercially prepared raw food diet, as these are packaged to certain hygiene standards. However, even with commercial raw food, there is still a risk of infections that can affect the pet and the family's health.
Veterinarians who support raw diets acknowledge the possible benefits for the pet and the risks to the family's health. They recommend discussing both with the pet owner to ensure an informed decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Raw diets for dogs can include raw meat, raw eggs, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. However, 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 also lead to gastrointestinal obstruction or dental fractures.
Supporters of raw diets for dogs believe that it can improve their overall health. Potential benefits include a shinier coat, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, and smaller stools.
It is important to approach the decision cautiously and consult a veterinarian who is familiar with raw diets. Raw diets can be expensive and time-consuming. They may also not be suitable for dogs with certain health conditions or those living with people who are pregnant, very young, older, or immunocompromised.
