Pros and Cons of a Raw Meat Diet for Dogs

Canine raw diets, sometimes called the BARF (Bones And Raw Food) diet, consist of raw meat, bones, and sometimes vegetables and fruits. Supporters note that wild canines eat similar diets, and claim that feeding raw meat to dogs can reduce the chances of a number of diseases. Detractors point out that feeding dogs raw meat raises the risk of other illnesses, and that homemade diets are often nutritionally incomplete.

  1. Better Health

    • Raw meat proponents note that dogs eating a diet of entirely raw food have fewer dental problems, less body odor and overall better health. Many of them have better coats and fresher breath, as well. Some people have had good luck treating illness with a raw diet when conventional treatments fail to work. Food allergies, digestive problems and similar ailments may be treated with a raw diet.

    Appeal

    • Raw diets are more appealing to many dogs than conventional kibble. Dogs that have been previously uninterested in their food may find a raw meat diet to be more attractive. More appealing diets can lead to better eating and increased energy, as long as the basic diet is balanced. Most of this evidence is anecdotal, but owners do report that their animals are more interested in a raw meat diet.

    Bacteria

    • While dogs have some natural resistance to bacterial such as salmonella and E. coli, that resistance may not be enough to protect them completely. It also does nothing to protect the owner. Handling raw meat increases the chance of both owner and dog suffering from a bacterial infection and food poisoning. This makes it potentially dangerous, especially for immune-compromised animals and people.

    Bones

    • Many raw meat diets include raw bones, usually ground along with the meat. If improperly ground, these bones can become lodged in the throat, stomach or intestines, causing pain and significant damage. Large pieces of bone may also fracture teeth when a dog bites down on them. Proponents of raw diets note that bones should always be very finely ground.

    Balance

    • Many raw diets are prepared at home by the owners. This leads to concerns over nutritional balance. Commercial diets are made to have a consistent nutritional content that meets veterinary guidelines. Controlling a dog's intake of specific vitamins and minerals can be much more difficult when the diet is prepared at home. Because of this, owners should always consult a vet before choosing a raw diet.