Harmful Effects of Raw Dog Food Diets

Raw food dog diets are gaining popularity, but there are some negative aspects that dog owners should consider when dealing with their pet's diet. Many veterinarians and animal experts feel that the lack of studies on the raw diet and its results should keep owners cautious. Over-processed commercial dog foods have driven the idea of a raw dog diet to popularity, but imbalances and other issues in the diet are often overlooked. (See References 1)

  1. Excessive Protein

    • If not carefully monitored, a raw diet can cause an excess of protein in dogs. Canines need vegetables to balance out the heavy protein of their diets and some feeders do not include these in raw dog food. An over-abundance of protein can cause calcium deficiency. The protein source should also be appropriate to the animal. Chickens are usually grain fed; pigs can consume all types of food scrap.

    Parasites

    • Parasites are usually not an issue with commercial dog foods because of the heat applied when manufacturing the product. Raw foods can contain parasites harmful to the canine system. Pork, fish and chicken are especially susceptible to parasitic invasion and can cause gastrointestinal problems, vomiting and other symptoms. Freezing is believed to kill many of the bacteria and parasites that are found in some raw meats, but it is no guarantee.

    Bacteria

    • Although dogs have stomach acids and digestive enzymes that kill many bacteria, salmonella and E. coli can be harmful and potentially deadly to dogs. (See References 2) New strains are discovered regularly and these bacteria are often resistant to treatment. Dogs may appear to fight off deadly and threatening strains, but they can decrease a dog's nutritional absorption and leave the system weakened without outward signs of infection.

    Bone Splinters

    • Chicken and other bones can splinter and perforate the stomach and bowels of dogs. While bones from cows are digestible for dogs, poultry is not as easily ground down. Although bones are good for a dog's dental health, a full raw diet including too many bones can be too taxing on the animal's system and digestion is impeded. In moderation, bones are a healthy addition to most dog diets.

    Aggression

    • Raw meats can spark aggression in canines, especially when the dog eats with other dogs. In a natural and evolutionary response, dogs will fight over a chunk of raw meat or a whole animal such as a chicken. The high protein diet is thought by some opponents to be too high in hormones, causing the animal to become aggressive through consumption. The scent of blood in meat can also stimulate aggression in some dogs.