- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Raw diets for dogs have been on the rise since the 90s, fueled by a mistrust of the pet food industry and a belief that raw foods offer more robust nutrition than traditional kibble. Advocates cite benefits like improved digestion, enhanced energy, and shinier coats.
But raw diets are hotly debated by both pet parents and veterinarians, with critics quick to point out the risks of foodborne illnesses and nutritional deficiencies. So, who has it right? Is a raw diet good for dogs? Or should pet parents avoid raw food altogether?
Since the heart of this debate lies in giving our dogs the best nutrition possible, we wanted to make sense of all the conflicting opinions. Here’s what the research says, plus what you can do to decide whether a raw diet is a good fit for your pup.
What Is a Raw Diet for Dogs? The Argument in a Nutshell
There are two main types of raw diets for dogs:
- The BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) hit the scene in 1993. Developed by veterinary surgeon Ian Billinghurst, the BARF diet follows an omnivorous model consisting of meat, bones, dog-safe fruits and veggies, eggs, dairy, and supplements.
- The “Whole Prey” raw diet focuses strictly on meat-based ingredients, including muscles, organs, and bones.
Some pet parents feed their dogs a raw food diet because they believe it’s closer to what they would naturally eat in the wild and a healthier alternative to regular dog food. This line of thinking argues that a dog’s diet should mimic that of their wolf ancestors.
Champions of raw food diets point to possible behavioral benefits, increased palatability, and higher-quality protein compared to commercial cooked dog food.
Detractors point out that while some raw diets may be offered safely, others pose clear health risks. Homemade raw diets, for example, can easily lead to nutritional imbalances, and the safety standards for raw food handling are more onerous than many pet parents can easily manage.
Some dogs may benefit from commercial raw foods, but these diets won’t be appropriate across the board, especially for immunocompromised dogs and households.
The decision to feed raw is best made on a case-by-case basis, as this type of diet will work for some dogs while it may harm others. We lay out raw food’s perceived benefits and established drawbacks, so you can have an informed conversation with your veterinarian.
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Potential Advantages of a Raw Food Diet for Dogs
Much of the praise for raw food is anecdotal. That’s not to say a raw diet should be automatically discredited—but pet parents should proceed with caution. More research is needed to determine any direct benefits of feeding a raw diet.
While there’s no concrete evidence that dogs are healthier on a raw diet, pet parents in favor of raw have noted the following advantages and health benefits:
- Raw protein may be easier for some dogs to digest
- It may retain nutrients that are lost through the heating process during cooking
- It can be helpful with picky eaters
- Some pet parents observe higher energy, shinier coats, and healthier skin
- Some pet parents report fresher breath and cleaner teeth
- There is some formal evidence that supports improved stool quality and altered gut bacteria in raw-fed dogs
- Raw food may help with weight management because of the high protein levels and low carbohydrate content
- Raw food may help with allergies by eliminating offending ingredients from a dog’s diet
Disadvantages of a Raw Food Diet for Dogs
Whereas the benefits of raw food are grounded in personal testimonies, the drawbacks are supported by science. Before moving forward with a raw diet, it’s important to understand the associated risks.
For one, raw meat diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. Dogs can pass this bacteria to humans through their mouths and muzzles after eating raw food, so special care must be taken in households with small children, seniors, or immunocompromised family members. Exposure to parasites like Toxoplasma gondii is another risk to consider.
In addition, there may be nutritional imbalances when feeding raw diets, whether they’re commercial or homemade. One small study compared the nutrient profiles of homemade and commercial raw food diets with AAFCO standards. They found the raw diets had low levels of calcium and phosphorus and an improper ratio of the two nutrients.
Homemade raw diets are particularly challenging to ensure they contain all the necessary nutrients and vitamins that dogs need.
Finally, raw bones present the risk of dental fractures, internal punctures, and intestinal blockages.
Which Dogs Should Not Eat a Raw Diet?
Even if some dogs stand to benefit, there are certain dogs who should avoid raw food. While the risks of raw meat can affect all dogs, it’s never safe for:
- Puppies under a year old
- Dogs with compromised immune systems
- Dogs with kidney or liver disease (high protein levels can be harmful)
- Dogs with other serious illnesses (heart disease, diabetes, cancer)
- Dogs who live with small children or immunocompromised adults
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Different Types of Raw Food Diets
If you and your vet decide that a raw diet is right for your dog, you have a few options. To ensure your dog gets all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need, it’s best to look for a high-quality commercial raw food that meets AAFCO standards for a “complete and balanced” diet.
Raw food is available through pet retailers in several forms, most commonly frozen or freeze-dried. The type that works for your household will hinge primarily on how you prefer to store and serve it.
Freeze-dried raw food is dehydrated and easier to serve
Freeze-dried raw food is similar to kibble—it’s shelf-stable and relatively convenient to serve. It undergoes a freezing process that removes over 98% of its moisture, followed by a multi-step drying process. Sometimes, you’ll need to reconstitute freeze-dried food at home by adding a little water or dog-safe broth.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties, for example, can be served as is or rehydrated by mixing the crumbled patties with ¼ cup of water. Along with 90% raw meat, organs, and bones, these patties include fruits and vegetables. They’re meet the AAFCO’s standard for complete and balanced meals, and they’re fortified with probiotics and antioxidants.
Frozen raw food needs to be thawed ahead of time
There’s also frozen raw food (not to be confused with frozen “fresh” food, which is cooked first). Freezing is thought to help preserve nutrients, though it still comes with the risk of bacterial contamination. This approach requires a bit more effort, as you’ll need to thaw food ahead of time. Plus, you’ll have to free up some freezer space.
Instinct’s Frozen Raw Bites are a good example; they’re made with 85% meat and organs and 15% fruits, veggies, vitamins, and minerals. To minimize the risk of pathogens, the brand uses High-Pressure Processing (HPP), which subjects food to high pressure without heating.
Instinct is a popular example of frozen raw dog food.
Raw toppers supplement more traditional diets
For those who want to incorporate raw foods without making them the primary nutrient source in their dog’s diet, mixers and toppers offer a way to supplement with raw. Foods like Primal’s Freeze-dried Raw Toppers can be served over your dog’s regular meal for a boost of flavor and nutrition. Or you can use them as enriching treats for puzzle toys.
Finally, you can take a hybrid approach by serving a product that blends the best of both worlds. Open Farm RawMix, for example, combines regular dry kibble with pieces of freeze-dried raw. There are also foods that offer kibble coated in a raw layer.
Bottom Line: Is a Raw Diet a Good Idea for Your Dog?
While a raw diet might work for some dogs, they’re not for everyone. Just as with humans, diets are not one-size-fits-all. Every dog has unique nutritional needs, and in some cases, a raw meat diet may do more harm than good. The choice to feed raw is a highly individualized one—and it’s a decision that’s best made with the guidance of your veterinarian.
If your vet gives the all-clear, be sure to choose a high-quality raw food that meets the AAFCO requirements for a “complete and balanced” diet. Always take proper safety precautions when handling raw food to keep your family healthy and prevent contamination.
The FDA advises thoroughly washing hands and surfaces that come in contact with raw pet food. Pet parents should also keep raw meat separate from other foods and thaw it in the refrigerator, not on the counter or sink.
How We Chose
The foods featured here were selected based on extensive research on raw diets for dogs and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized products from reputable brands in the raw food space, choosing foods that meet AAFCO standards and follow the safest processing procedures.
We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
