Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?

• Advocates of raw feeding, often called BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), suggest that it can lead to:
• Shinier coats and healthier skin
• Cleaner teeth
• Higher energy levels
• Smaller, firmer stools

Veterinarians and health organizations caution against raw meat for several critical reasons: 1. Bacterial Contamination: This is the biggest risk. Raw meat frequently contains dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. While a dog's digestive system is more robust than a human's, they can still get very sick. More importantly, an infected dog can shed these bacteria in their feces and saliva, posing a serious health risk to the humans in the household, especially children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. 2. Nutritional Imbalance: A diet consisting only of raw meat is not balanced. It will be deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. Creating a properly balanced homemade raw diet is extremely difficult and should only be done under the guidance of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. 3. Choking and Internal Injury: Raw diets often include bones, which can cause choking, broken teeth, or a life-threatening internal blockage or perforation. 4. Parasites: Raw meat can contain parasites that can make your dog sick.

Due to the significant and well-documented risks of bacterial contamination to both pets and their human families, feeding raw meat is not recommended. The safest way to provide meat for your dog is to cook it thoroughly, which kills harmful bacteria and parasites. A high-quality, commercially balanced dog food is formulated to provide all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.