Over the past few years, many dog parents have turned to raw food diets, believing it's the most natural way of feeding their furry friends. Raw food dog diets, bones & the occasional vegetable are commonly used in such diets, hoping to provide dogs with what wild animals would eat.
Some feel it is the healthiest alternative for their pets, but one should know the dangers it involves. These may not be suitable for every animal.
Let's examine why this can be harmful & what you should know before you make any decision.
Raw Meat Can Carry Harmful Germs
Giving them raw food may be natural, but it comes with serious health risks. One large issue is that it may contain dangerous germs such as Salmonella, E. coli & Listeria. These bacteria will make them ill. They also spread throughout your house, particularly if your pet licks you, the floor, or the furniture after mealtime.
Even when your furry friend looks healthy, they can still be carrying germs & passing them to others. This is particularly risky if you have children, elderly relatives, or anyone with a weak immune system at home.
Contracting sick from these bacteria can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever & other problems - both in pets and humans. And having to clean up after vomiting is no fun.
Raw Food Diet: Should You Try It?
Although these may seem perfect for your furry friend, but actual they are not. Some contain harmful bacteria, toxins, or enzymes that cooking would normally get rid of. These dangers may harm both animals and humans, so it is best to identify which foods are to be avoided. Some listed are below:
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Meat
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Poultry
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Fish
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Eggs
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Potatoes
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Beans
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Eggplant
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Mushrooms
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Milk
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Cashews
These risks highlight why raw food dog diets may not always be the best option for your pet.
Why Many Vets Don’t Recommend These Diets
Most veterinarians strongly advise against feeding dogs raw food. Although it may appear natural, vets worry that the risks are far greater than the advantages. The primary fear is that it can adversely affect health in ways you're not aware of. Most suggest safer, balanced meals that are specially formulated for dogs, as they provide greater protection and nutrition for your pet. Here are the reasons why vets don't support it:
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Unbalanced Nutrition
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Bacterial Risks
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Hard to Digest
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Health Complications
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Increased Risk of Parasites
Challenges in Food Safety & Preparation
Preparing is time-consuming, and it requires an ultra-clean space. If things are not done properly, then your furry friend will definitely get sick. Some of the usual challenges and preparation are:
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Hard to Keep Clean: Raw meat easily spreads bacteria. You must wash all surfaces, bowls, and your hands each and every time.
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Needs Cold Storage: These should always be stored cold in order to remain safe, or else they will spoil rapidly.
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Takes Longer Time: Everything needs to be measured, planned ahead, and then ensured that it is fresh.
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Difficult to Travel With: Packing meals on trips or for the park is not easy—you require coolers or ice packs.
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Cross-Contamination: Raw food bacteria can become transferred to countertops, utensils, or other foods by accident.
Making it safe isn’t easy & for many pet owners, the risks and effort just aren’t worth it.
How to Keep Safe if You Choose a Raw Diet
If you need to continue feeding them this diet, it's extremely important to make sure you do the right things to keep your pet and home safe. A bit of extra effort can decrease the risks. It's not merely a matter of what you give them- it's also about how you prepare them and store them.
First of all, purchase fresh, top-quality ingredients only from reputable stores. Avoid buying meat approaching the expiry date. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or the freezer. Don’t leave these out for too long- they should eat it right away & leftovers should be thrown out if they’ve been sitting out.
When you're cooking meals, wash your hands first & after you handle the raw food dog diets. Make sure to use a separate cutting board and bowl for food so that it won't get mixed with yours. Wash all the surfaces, tools, and their bowl immediately after every meal. If you're ever in doubt, immediately consult with your vet.
Final Words
Feeding might seem like a natural choice, but it comes with serious risks—like harmful bacteria, missing nutrients & food safety issues. Many vets don’t recommend it because it can lead to long-term health problems. Your dog’s well-being depends on safe, balanced meals made just for them.
If you're looking to improve in other ways, My Pet Command is here for you. We offer trusted training, containment & grooming products made with care and safety in mind. As dog owners ourselves, we understand your bond—and we’re here to help you make it even stronger.
