Wolves and dogs are distant relatives, and wolves survive on animal prey. Can dogs consume raw meat and flourish in this situation? Yes and no are quick answers to this question. Experts continue to discuss whether or not dogs should be fed a raw meat diet. Some dogs have thrived on a raw meat diet without incident, while others acquire dangerous food-borne infections that may even endanger human health. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages may help pet owners make informed choices about their pet’s health and well-being. Continue reading to find out more!

Can dogs eat raw meat?

Yes, dogs can consume raw meat. A meal consisting mostly of raw meat may not deliver the full and balanced nutrients your dog need. This is particularly true in pups that are fast growing and maturing. Their food requirements are fairly diverse. Senior dogs, who may have a weaker immune system and more sensitive digestive systems, are in the same boat.
Cooking meat and carbs properly (like we do with our dog food) helps improve digestion. Dogs can be utilised more of the nutrients more efficiently for creating energy, growing muscles, and maintaining their immune systems when diets are quickly digested.

An RFD puts your dog at risk for nutritional deficiency and sickness. They need a well-balanced diet in order to live long and healthy lives. If you do decide to use a professionally produced RFD, be sure it was created by a veterinary nutritionist. To ensure your dog receives all the nutrients he needs, choose a diet that has completed feeding trials and satisfies World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommendations.

Why are pet owners switching to raw meat diets for their dogs?

The constant stream of pet food recalls is one of the driving forces behind many pet owners’ interest in raw meat diets for dogs. They’re also worried about the prevalence of diet-related disorders in dogs, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which has been linked to grain-free diet usage.

The availability of commercial raw meat-based diets has made it simple for pet owners to transition their animals to a raw diet. Unfortunately, many of these pet owners made the move from commercial to raw meat diets without consulting veterinarians or pet nutritionists.

Furthermore, as more individuals make major dietary adjustments in favor of natural and organic items, a comparable trend for dogs is occurring. Many pet owners have abandoned standard commercial diets in favor of raw food diets, which they believe are more natural.

Another explanation is that, although nutrition is essential in meal choices, food selection and feeding habits also have social and cultural implications. Unlike physicians and researchers, most pet owners feed their pets the same way they feed their families, and pets are seen as family members.

What is the BARF diet all about?

“Bones and Raw Food” or “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” is what BARF stands for. Adult dogs may live on a diet similar to what their ancestors ate before they were domesticated, according to the BARF diet theory. Raw flesh and bones, as well as vegetable waste, were part of this evolutionary diet.

However, many veterinarians oppose the BARF diet. The US Food and Drug Administration shares this viewpoint (FDA). The hazards and consequences of raw meals in dogs have been shown in a number of research studies.

What are the advantages of feeding raw meat to dogs?

Raw meat supporters believe that the domestic dog’s wild predecessor, the wolf, would approve. Wolves used to consume largely raw meat before becoming domesticated. The nutrients in a raw diet are sufficient to fulfill the biological demands of dogs. It is thought that eating raw beef is more natural.

Raw meat proponents further claim that a dog’s digestive tract is built for effective digestion and usage of raw meat. Digestive enzymes included in fresh food boost biological activity. Cooking and other procedures that commercial dog food and homemade diets go through may degrade these enzymes, lowering the quality of the meal dramatically.

Raw food advocates also tout the following advantages: shinier coats, clearer skin, better dental health, more energy, and smaller stools.

What are the risks of consuming raw food?

Because of the danger of infection in pets and people, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes feeding raw meat to cats and dogs that has not been exposed to a pathogen-killing treatment. Even freezing raw meat cannot eliminate all germs. Both canines and people may acquire infections from the germs that survive. There is a lot of evidence that feeding raw meat to dogs has nutritional hazards.

Final words
Regardless of whether raw meat diet enthusiasts believe in the advantages, many specialists are concerned about if putting dogs on raw meals might put them and their owners at harm. Bacterial infections such as Salmonella, which may cause gastrointestinal disorders in dogs and people, are often found in raw meat. Raw meals are not recommended for dogs that live with small children or humans with impaired immune systems, according to several veterinarians.
In dogs, consuming bacterially contaminated raw meat might result in subclinical illnesses. This implies that even if the dog has certain viruses, there are no symptoms. However, germs are excreted by dogs in their excrement. This may spread illness to other dogs and people, especially if adequate hygiene procedures are not followed.