Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat? A Guide to Raw Diets for Dogs

In an effort to support canine health more “naturally,” some consumers are feeding their dogs raw foods. Advocates promote it as a primal method of feeding that mirrors a dog’s ancestral diet, resulting in better digestion, shiny coats and greater overall health. Meanwhile, critics raise concerns about its safety, nutritional balance and long-term effects.

What Is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?

Raw food diets for dogs consist primarily of uncooked animal-sourced proteins — including muscle and organ meat — and may also contain bones, vegetables, eggs and fruit. Supplemental vitamins and minerals may also be added to improve the nutrient profile or achieve nutritional balance.

The primary difference between raw food diets and commercial dry food (kibble) or fresh food for dogs is the absence of cooking or traditional pasteurization, which eliminates pathogens. But raw food diets are more than just uncooked meat. The raw feeding movement includes various models and diet styles, including:

BARF diet

Coined by the “father of raw,” veterinary surgeon Ian Billinghurst, B.V.Sc.(Hons), B.Sc.Agr., Dip. Ed., the “bones and raw food” or “biologically appropriate raw foods” (BARF) diet includes the feeding of muscle and organ meat, raw meaty bones and the addition of fruits and vegetables.

Prey model raw (PMR)

Prey model feeding mirrors a true carnivorous diet, emphasizing what may be consumed from whole prey (e.g., meat, bones, organs and fur or feathers) and excluding plant material.

Commercially prepared raw diets

These are ready-to-serve frozen, refrigerated or freeze-dried meals that may follow BARF or PMR models and may or may not be nutritionally balanced. Although the food remains uncooked, commercial diets may be treated with high-pressure pasteurization (HPP) or another non-heated process to reduce the chance of harmful pathogens.

Potential Benefits of Raw Feeding

While raw feeding advocates may differ on the best ingredient ratios and feeding model, there can be health benefits for some dogs.

Improved digestion and nutrient absorption

Raw dog food is primarily composed of whole, natural ingredients in plain form. This is the opposite of traditional kibble or canned food, which is often highly processed and may contain fillers, synthetic vitamins and minerals and preservatives to keep the food shelf-stable. The simple, natural ingredients in raw food are often easier for a dog’s digestive system to break down. This can lead to faster, more complete digestion, fewer allergic responses and better absorption of essential nutrients — like vitamins and minerals — that support overall health.

Healthier skin and coat

One of the most obvious benefits of a raw dog food diet is healthier skin and coat. Because raw food isn’t heavily processed, more nutrients — such as vitamin E, essential amino acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids — are preserved in the food and consumed by the dog. These nutrients can help reduce allergic inflammation, hydrate the skin and keep the coat strong and shiny.

Increased energy and vitality

Raw diets are typically high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which can help dogs maintain a healthy weight. Plus, better nutrient absorption supports overall body function and helps reduce inflammation. As a result, some dog owners report noticeable boosts in their dog’s energy levels — sometimes even saying their dogs act like younger, more playful versions of themselves.

Less tartar buildup

While many dog owners worry about their pet chewing on bones, uncooked and appropriately sized raw bones are soft, pliable and easily broken down by the dog’s digestive tract. When chewed properly, raw bones scrub the tooth’s surface and can help reduce tartar. Complete supervision is essential to prevent choking on large pieces.

Better weight management

Unlike many traditional kibble diets that are high in carbohydrates, raw diets focus primarily on animal-sourced proteins and healthy fats. Dogs are naturally built to use these nutrients efficiently, converting them into energy rather than storing them as excess fat. This can promote healthier weight maintenance and a leaner body condition.

Potential Concerns With Raw Feeding

Despite its popularity, many veterinary organizations raise critical concerns about the safety of raw feeding for dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association “discourages feeding any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein (e.g., meat, poultry, fish, egg and milk) to dogs and cats because of their risk to human and animal health.”¹

Here is a closer look at some of the common concerns.

Bacterial contamination

Uncooked animal-sourced proteins are a common source of harmful pathogens, including Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Clostridium spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can be transferred to pets or humans through consumption, handling of raw meat or close contact, resulting in foodborne illness.

Zoonotic infection

Healthy dogs may carry pathogens without obvious signs of illness and transmit them to humans through infected feces or contaminated supplies such as bowls, scoops or storage containers. Although foodborne illness can affect anyone, young, old and sick pets and people are most vulnerable. These illnesses can be serious and may lead to hospitalization.

Nutritional imbalance

Raw food diets, including homemade and commercial preparations, may be nutritionally unbalanced. This means they may have too little or too much of essential nutrients, which can lead to serious health problems over time.

Choking and intestinal blockages

Unlike cooked bones, which can break a dog’s teeth or splinter and cause serious internal complications, appropriately sized raw bones are generally soft and digestible. However, this doesn’t mean they are problem-free. Dogs can choke on large pieces, especially if they try to eat too quickly. Too much bone can also cause constipation or intestinal blockages, which may require emergency surgery to remove. If you choose to feed raw bones, consult a veterinarian who supports raw feeding for personalized guidance and recommendations.

Safely Transitioning Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet

Raw feeding may seem like a natural diet, but it can still be a big transition for your dog. Plan to make the change gradually, taking appropriate safety precautions and monitoring your dog’s response at every step.

Here are five steps to consider for a smooth and safe transition.

1. Start small

Start by mixing a small amount of raw food with your dog’s regular kibble. Slowly increase the raw portion over seven to 10 days or longer to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust.

2. Introduce one new protein at a time

Stick with one protein or recipe at a time. You’ll have time for variety after your dog is fully transitioned to a raw diet.

3. Monitor your dog’s health

Observe your dog’s bowel movements, behavior, appetite and thirst. While it is normal to see smaller stools and decreased water intake while feeding a raw diet — raw food is easy to digest and high in moisture — signs like loose stools, diarrhea, gas, vomiting or abdominal pain indicate that your dog’s digestive tract is irritated or upset. Consider going back a step and proceeding more slowly.

4. Maintain good hygiene

Handle your dog’s food, dishes and other supplies as if you are handling raw meat. Wash all bowls, storage containers, utensils and counters with hot, soapy water after contact. Avoid letting your pet lick your face or hands, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling food, interacting with your dog or cleaning pet waste.

5. Work with your veterinarian

Raw feeding can have a steep learning curve, especially in the beginning. Working closely with a veterinarian who supports raw feeding can ensure you’re feeding your dog a nutritionally balanced diet and help you troubleshoot common challenges. Finally, because raw food isn’t right for every dog, your veterinarian can also help you find the diet that’s right for them.

Homemade vs. Commercial Raw Dog Food

Preparing your dog’s food at home can be a cost-effective way to feed raw, but it requires more time, effort and understanding of how to source the right ingredients and create an appropriate and balanced diet. In contrast, reputable commercial brands may provide convenient, complete and balanced meals along with peace of mind — but sometimes at a higher price point.

Ultimately, the decision between making your dog’s food and purchasing prepared meals comes down to convenience, cost and your comfort level.

Finding a Balance With Raw Feeding

Raw feeding can be a big change that requires thorough research and careful consideration. Despite concerns about safety for both pets and humans, interest in raw dog food continues to grow. Choosing what’s right for your dog means focusing on their unique needs — not trends — to help fill their bowl, and their life, with health and vitality. Understand the different options available, and talk with your veterinarian to determine if a raw food diet is right for your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Food Diets for Dogs

Still have questions about raw feeding for dogs? To help you get started, here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions on this topic.

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Author Bio

Angela Beal, D.V.M., has more than 20 years of experience as a veterinarian. Leveraging her background in private practice and academia, she uses her passion for writing to convey information to pet owners to help them keep their pets healthy and happy.