By Florence Chong
We are often asked about raw food diets for dogs, which is why, at the Veterinary Meeting and Expo in Florida, we attended a lecture focused on nutrition and the scientific facts behind common myths. The session addressed popular beliefs surrounding raw feeding, clarified misconceptions, and discussed both the potential benefits and the documented risks associated with raw diets. Based on the information presented by veterinary nutrition experts, we would like to share evidence-based insights on raw food diets for dogs to help pet owners make informed, responsible decisions about their dogs’ nutrition.
A raw food diet for dogs typically consists of uncooked meat, bones, organs, and sometimes fruits, vegetables, and supplements. Each ingredient in a raw diet is intended to serve a specific nutritional purpose. Muscle meat provides protein and essential amino acids for growth and tissue repair, organs supply vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A and iron, bones contribute calcium and phosphorus for skeletal health, and plant ingredients may add fiber and phytonutrients. When formulated correctly, these components aim to meet a dog’s nutritional requirements, but improper balance can lead to deficiencies or excesses.
Understanding ingredient definitions is important when evaluating raw diets. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), by-products are secondary parts of an animal other than muscle meat, such as organs, blood, and bones, which can be nutritious and appropriate for pet food when properly processed. Secondary products are ingredients derived during the processing of primary food products and may include rendered fats or meals. While often viewed negatively by consumers, many by-products are biologically valuable for dogs and can contribute essential nutrients when included responsibly.
Assessing recipes for a raw diet requires careful evaluation of nutritional completeness and balance. Dogs require specific amounts of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iodine, and vitamins such as D3 and E. Homemade raw recipes are particularly risky if they are not formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, as they may lack critical nutrients or contain improper ratios. Simply combining meat and vegetables does not guarantee a complete diet, and long-term feeding of unbalanced recipes can result in skeletal disease, immune dysfunction, or metabolic disorders.
A common myth surrounding raw diets is that they closely mimic what dogs eat in the wild and are therefore inherently healthier. In reality, modern domestic dogs differ significantly from their wild ancestors in genetics, lifestyle, and lifespan. Wild canids consume whole prey inconsistently and often experience nutritional stress and shorter lifespans. A raw diet does not automatically replicate a natural or optimal feeding pattern, nor is it proven to be superior to properly formulated commercial diets that meet AAFCO nutritional standards.
Motivations for feeding raw diets vary widely and may include beliefs that raw food improves coat quality, digestion, dental health, or overall vitality, as well as distrust of commercial pet food processing. While some owners report perceived benefits, scientific evidence supporting broad health advantages of raw diets remains limited and inconsistent.
Raw diets also carry significant risks of contamination. Raw meat may harbor pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can infect dogs, contaminate household surfaces, and pose serious health risks to humans, particularly children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Environmental contamination can occur through food handling, storage, and disposal of waste.
Finally, assessments of some commercial raw food diets have identified nutritional deficiencies, including inadequate levels of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium regulation, bone health, and immune function, and deficiencies can lead to skeletal abnormalities and metabolic disease. This highlights the importance of critical evaluation, quality control, and adherence to established nutritional guidelines when considering raw food diets for dogs.
