Raw Diet for Dogs: Benefits, Risks, and How to Start

Raw feeding has passionate advocates and equally passionate critics. The truth? It's more nuanced than either side admits.

Here's what you actually need to know about raw diets for dogs.

What Is a Raw Diet?

Basic Definition

A raw diet feeds dogs uncooked animal products—meat, bones, and organs—mimicking what wolves and wild canids eat.

Common Approaches

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)

• 70% muscle meat
• 10% raw edible bone
• 5% liver
• 5% other organs
• 10% vegetables/fruits (optional)

Prey Model Raw (PMR)

• 80% muscle meat
• 10% raw edible bone
• 5% liver
• 5% other organs
• No vegetables

Commercial Raw

• Pre-made frozen or freeze-dried raw diets
• Formulated to be complete and balanced
• Convenient but expensive

The Case FOR Raw Feeding

Potential Benefits

Dental health: Raw bones may help clean teeth (though risks exist)

Coat quality: Many raw-fed dogs have notably shiny coats

Smaller, less smelly stools: More digestible = less waste

Reduced allergies: Some dogs improve on raw (may be due to elimination of specific ingredients in kibble)

Increased energy: Owners frequently report this

Muscle definition: High-quality protein utilization

What Advocates Say

• Dogs evolved from wolves who ate raw prey
• Cooking destroys nutrients
• Kibble is heavily processed
• Dogs don't need carbohydrates
• Natural diet is optimal

The Case AGAINST Raw Feeding

Legitimate Concerns

1. Bacterial contamination

Raw meat contains pathogens:

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Listeria
• Campylobacter

Dogs can carry and shed these without symptoms, exposing humans—especially dangerous for:

• Young children
• Elderly
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Pregnant women

2. Nutritional imbalances

Homemade raw diets are frequently deficient in:

• Calcium (bone:meat ratio issues)
• Zinc
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Essential fatty acids

A 2019 study found 60%+ of homemade raw diets analyzed were nutritionally incomplete.

3. Bone hazards

Bones can cause:

• Tooth fractures
• Choking
• Intestinal obstruction
• Perforation

4. No proven superiority

Despite claims, no peer-reviewed studies demonstrate raw diets are superior to high-quality commercial diets. The AVMA officially discourages feeding raw or undercooked animal-source protein to cats and dogs due to the risk of pathogen exposure to both pets and people.

What Critics Say

• Wolves live only 6-8 years; domesticated dogs have different needs
• Commercial diets are formulated by nutritionists
• Cooking improves digestibility of some nutrients
• Risks outweigh unproven benefits

What Does the Science Actually Say?

Limited Research

Surprisingly little research exists on raw diets for dogs. Most evidence is:

• Anecdotal
• Based on owner reports
• Small sample sizes
• Short duration

Known Findings

Pathogen shedding: Raw-fed dogs do shed bacteria in their feces. This is proven.

Nutritional adequacy: Many homemade raw diets are imbalanced. Also proven.

Coat quality: Some evidence supports improved coat condition.

Digestibility: Raw protein is highly digestible (but so is high-quality cooked protein).

Bottom Line on Science

We don't have enough research to definitively say raw is better or worse than quality kibble. Both sides overstate their cases.

If You Choose to Feed Raw

Do It Right

Option 1: Commercial complete raw diets

• AAFCO formulated for complete nutrition
• Brands: Stella & Chewy's, Primal, Northwest Naturals
• Follow handling guidelines strictly

Option 2: Work with a veterinary nutritionist

• Get a custom recipe formulated
• Use balancing supplements correctly
• Regular monitoring

Option 3: DIY with education

• Research extensively (books, courses)
• Use proper ratios (bone:meat:organ)
• Add appropriate supplements
• Varies by dog's needs

Essential Guidelines

Food safety:

• Buy from reputable sources
• Keep frozen until use
• Thaw in refrigerator
• Discard leftovers after 24 hours
• Sanitize all surfaces thoroughly
• Wash hands after handling

Transition slowly:

• Switch over 7-14 days
• Some dogs have digestive upset initially
• This is normal and temporary

Monitor health:

• Regular vet check-ups
• Bloodwork to monitor nutrition
• Watch for signs of imbalance

What to Feed

Proteins to rotate:

• Chicken (including frames, backs)
• Beef
• Lamb
• Pork
• Turkey
• Fish (occasionally)
• Organs (liver, kidney, heart)

Safe raw bones:

• Chicken necks, backs, feet (small dogs)
• Turkey necks (medium dogs)
• Lamb ribs (medium-large dogs)
• Always size-appropriate
• Always supervised

Never feed:

• Cooked bones (splinter dangerously)
• Weight-bearing bones from large animals (tooth fractures)
• Salmon or trout from Pacific Northwest (salmon poisoning risk)

The Balanced Approach

Not All-or-Nothing

You don't have to go fully raw OR fully kibble:

Topper approach: Raw-fed treats or meal toppers on commercial food

Rotation feeding: Some raw meals, some commercial

Prey-model treats: Raw bones, organs as occasional treats

High-Quality Kibble Is Fine

If raw feeding feels too risky or complex:

• Quality kibble is nutritionally complete
• Backed by nutritional research
• Safe when handled normally
• Dogs thrive on it

There's no shame in feeding kibble.

Who Should NOT Feed Raw

Avoid Raw If:

• Immunocompromised household members (chemotherapy, HIV, transplant recipients)
• Young children in home (diaper-changing + bacterial shedding = risk)
• Immunocompromised dogs (cancer treatment, autoimmune disease)
• Dogs with pancreatitis (high fat content can trigger episodes)
• You won't commit to proper handling (food safety is non-negotiable)

Consult Your Vet First If:

• Your dog has health conditions
• They're on medications
• They're very young or very old
• They're pregnant or nursing

Red Flags in Raw Feeding Communities

Be skeptical of claims that:

• "Vets are paid off by kibble companies"
• "Raw cures cancer/allergies/everything"
• "Dogs can never get sick from raw"
• "All kibble is poison"
• Any extreme, science-denying statements

Balanced perspectives acknowledge both benefits and risks.

The Bottom Line

Raw feeding:

• Can be done safely with proper handling and formulation
• May offer benefits though none are scientifically proven
• Carries real risks (pathogens, nutritional imbalance, bones)
• Requires commitment to food safety and proper formulation
• Is not superior to high-quality commercial diets based on current evidence

Your decision should be based on:

• Honest assessment of your ability to handle it properly
• Household risk factors
• Your dog's specific health needs
• Consultation with your veterinarian

Whatever you choose, feed responsibly.

Related: What to Feed Your Dog: A Nutrition Guide Related: Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a raw diet safe for puppies?

Raw diets carry higher risks for puppies because their developing immune systems are more vulnerable to bacterial pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. Puppies also require precise calcium-to-phosphorus ratios for proper bone development, which are difficult to balance without professional formulation. Consult a veterinary nutritionist before feeding raw to any puppy.

How much does a raw diet cost compared to kibble?

A raw diet typically costs 2-5 times more than premium kibble, depending on whether you use commercial raw or prepare meals yourself. Expect to spend $150-$400+ per month for a medium-sized dog on raw food, compared to $50-$100 for high-quality kibble. DIY raw can be cheaper if you buy in bulk from butchers or co-ops.

Can I mix raw food with kibble?

This is debated among raw feeding advocates, but most veterinary nutritionists say mixing is fine. The myth that raw and kibble digest at different rates has not been supported by scientific evidence. If transitioning to raw, mixing allows a gradual switch that is easier on your dog's digestive system.