Is A Raw Food Diet Good For Dogs?

You want the best for your pet and are thinking about switching to a raw food diet. Some questions you may have are:

•  What is a raw food diet?
•  Do vets recommend a raw food diet?
•  Can a dog get sick from eating raw meat?
•  How much should I feed my dog on a raw diet?

Let's look at each of these questions to help you decide if a raw food diet is right for your pet.

What is a raw dog food diet?

 A raw dog food diet typically consists of:

• Muscle meat
• Organ meats such as livers and kidneys
• Raw eggs and shells
• Cooked Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery
• Apples, berries or other fruit
• Some dairy, such as yogurt

A raw food diet is a lot more than just meat.  To be balanced and provide the needed nutrients it should contain muscle meat, organs, bones, eggs and veggies. Variety is needed to get all the required vitamins and minerals. 

Mistakes people make are not providing the proper balance.  Try for 60% meat and 40% combination of minced vegetables and fruit.  Adding in bones can also be beneficial.

Do vets recommend a raw diet?

Generally, the answer is no. Veterinarians have several concerns associated with a raw dog food diet.

From The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) says:

 "Pet Owners and Veterinary Professionals Divided on Grain-free, Clean Meats, Raw Meat Diets, and Other Popular Pet Food Trends in Latest Association for Pet Obesity Prevention Survey"

According to the FDA:

Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet

"In a two-year study spanning from October 2010 through July 2012, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) screened over 1,000 samples of pet food for bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.1 (The illnesses are called “foodborne” because the bacteria are carried, or “borne,” in or on contaminated food.) The study showed that, compared to other types of pet food tested, raw pet food was more likely to be contaminated with disease-causing bacteria."

The participating laboratories analyzed the raw pet food for harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

From the University of Zurich:

Raw Meat-Based Diets for Pets Pose a Health Risk for Humans

Multidrug-resistant bacteria are found in half of all dog foods made from raw meat, researchers from the University of Zurich have found. Feeding pets a diet of raw meat, also known as a "BARF" diet, is a growing trend. The resistant bacteria in the raw food can be transmitted to the pets - and thus also to humans.

Finally, from FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine:  A two-year study conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2010 to 2012 found that raw pet food is more likely than other types of pet food to carry bacteria, including Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes that cause food borne illnesses. This study prompted the FDA to issue a warning about the public health risks of raw pet food diets. Not only that, but veterinary organizations, like the American Animal Hospital Association, officially recommend against feeding raw meat-based diets to dogs, as does the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Supporters of raw dog food diets:
  Although raw dog food can contain harmful bacteria, so can raw meat intended for human consumption too.  People need to take similar precautions and wash hands and surfaces frequently, just as if you were preparing chicken to cook for yourself.

Processed pet foods often have added preservatives that are not necessarily good for your pet and only extend the shelf life of the packaged food.

If you take the time to prepare well balanced raw food, it can be nutritionally complete with no added ingredients you don't want included.

NOTE: Because the raw food diets are typically high in protein, they aren’t appropriate for dogs with late-stage kidney or severe liver failure, or puppies. Consult with your veterinarian before starting your pet on a raw food diet.
From American Animal Hospital Association:

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Tips to Prevent Illness From Raw Pet Food:

• Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw food.
• Use a disinfectant on all utensils and surfaces that contact raw food.
• Refrigerate any uneaten raw food and leftovers.
• Freeze raw foods until you are ready to use them.
• Wash pet bowls and scooping utensils after using them with raw food. 

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How much should I feed my dog on a raw diet?

According to barfworld.com:
How much should I feed my adult dog?
"Adult dogs can be fed between 2-3% of the their body weight. We recommend starting with 1/2 pound of food per 25 lbs of body weight daily and make adjustments according to your dog's age and activity. We also suggest that the daily ration be split to feed morning and night. Remember that a healthy dog is not overweight."

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Bonus:
  Use this lookup tool below from the FDA

Pet Food Recalls:

 Both cooked and raw pet food products are recalled for various reasons, including for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. For a list of recalled pet food and the reason for the recall, please see FDA’s Recalls & Withdrawals Web page.

Is My Dog or Cat a Healthy Weight? Important Questions to Ask the Vet

What's the takeaway?

Wanting the best for your pet is important and providing the right food is essential for their well being. Whether you choose a raw food diet or purchase a packaged food from a store, make sure it provides all the nutrition required by dogs.  A great resource is to work with your vet and make a plan for the future health of your beloved pet..

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Have you purchased raw dog food from a store? If so, did your dog take to it? Let me know..

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