Browsing the community of pet owners on TikTok, one thing that stands out is a growing trend: raw food diets for dogs. Influencers are showcasing aesthetically pleasing bowls of quail eggs, chicken feet, and raw beef, promoting a return to a diet reminiscent of their wild ancestors. One popular variant, Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF), promises benefits such as improved growth, health, and longevity. But can a raw meat diet support your dog’s well-being? Here’s what you need to consider.

The risks and realities of feeding raw meat

Dogs, like their wild ancestors, can technically eat raw meat. Wild animals have stronger stomach acids that help them digest raw meat and kill harmful bacteria, New Scientist reports. Historically, raw meat was a staple diet for dogs before domestication. However, just because dogs can eat raw meat doesn’t mean it’s the best option for their health.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends against raw meat diets. Such diets often lack the balanced nutrition necessary for optimal dog health. A 2011 study from the University of Cambridge showed that 60% of dogs fed a raw diet suffered from nutritional imbalances. Regulated dog food, on the other hand, is formulated to meet all nutritional requirements and ensure a balanced diet for your pet.

This view is also supported by a study from the University of California at Davis, which found little scientific evidence for raw food diets. Canned foods, dry food and home-cooked meals are considered more reliable for meeting nutritional needs. Domesticated dogs have adapted to a more varied diet compared to their wild ancestors and show better starch digestion, according to a study published in Nature.

Assessment of benefits and risks

Despite the popularity of raw food diets, the risks associated with raw meat are significant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that raw meat can harbor bacteria such as salmonella and listeria, which pose health risks to both pets and their owners. These pathogens are usually killed by cooking, and although some pet food manufacturers use high-pressure processing to prevent this, the effectiveness remains uncertain. Handling raw foods can also lead to foodborne illness in humans, especially children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. A promising study published in Scientific Reports in 2023 indicated that gradually introducing unprocessed meat and raw bones to young dogs could help prevent stomach upset later in life. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits, and care must be taken to avoid toxic foods such as garlic and onions.

Safe Practices for Raw Food Diets

If you’re considering feeding your dog a raw food diet, be sure to consult your veterinarian first. The CDC recommends freezing raw meat and thawing it in the refrigerator to reduce the risk of bacteria. Also, make sure all surfaces that come into contact with raw meat are thoroughly disinfected. Avoid close contact with your pet immediately after eating to prevent the transmission of germs. While the raw food diet trend for dogs is intriguing, it carries significant risks and is not widely recommended by veterinarians. Balanced, regulated pet food remains the safest and most reliable option for maintaining your dog’s health.