Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat? 

Raw food diets have grown to be more popular in recent years. Some pet owners may want to feed their dogs foods that more closely resemble how they would have eaten in the wild. A diet consisting of raw meat, fruits and vegetables may seem to resemble the diet of wild dogs. However, you should be aware that wild dogs have a much shorter life expectancy compared to domesticated dogs.

Yes, dogs can eat raw meat. Should they eat raw meat though? Feeding your dog a diet primarily of raw meat may not provide the complete and balanced nutrition that your dog needs. Properly cooking meat and carbohydrates can make the food more digestible. Keep in mind that when food is easily digested, dogs can use more of the nutrients more effectively for producing energy, building muscle, and boosting the immune system.

You may be wondering if there are risks associated with giving dogs raw meat. Raw meat can not only pose a risk to your dog, but your entire family as well. It is likely to contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli and more. By cooking the meat to a safe temperature, you are killing off those harmful bacteria. If your dog consumes uncooked meat, there is a high risk that they will develop a foodborne illness or other bacterial infection.

Although we do not recommend feeding your dogs raw meat, other raw foods such as fruits and vegetables are safe and healthy. If you want to focus on giving your dog raw foods, you can opt for fresh fruits and vegetables. There are also various protein-rich dog foods on the market which would help them meet their instinctual cravings. As always, consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions.