Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat? Vet-Approved Answer & Research

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat raw meat, and many proponents of raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) argue that it aligns with their natural diet and provides numerous health benefits. However, before adding raw meat to your dog’s diet, there are a few important factors to consider. While fresh, high-quality raw meat can be safe, there is a risk of bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can affect both dogs and humans. Additionally, what about bones—are they safe or a choking hazard? Is ground raw meat better than whole cuts? What types of raw meats are safe for dogs? Can too much raw meat lead to nutritional imbalances? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest ways to incorporate raw meat into your dog’s diet.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?

Yes, dogs can eat raw meat due to their biological adaptations inherited from their wolf ancestors. Genetic DNA research shows that modern dogs descended from timber wolves approximately 15,000 to 100,000 years ago and have inherited their carnivorous traits, which enable them to eat and digest raw meat.^[1] Some of those traits include:

A raw meat diet alone may not provide complete nutrition. It’s best to balance it with commercial raw formulas or a veterinarian-approved homemade raw diet.

Is Raw Meat Good For Dogs?

Raw meat can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet if it’s been sourced from reputable purveyors and properly handled and served. Owners who feed raw meat cite many benefits, including:

• Cleaner teeth, improved immune health, and a reduced amount of feces.^[2]
• Avoids chemicals, additives, and by-products in highly processed kibble, which are often linked to illnesses such as cancer and allergies.
• More digestible and improve gut function in animals than commercial extruded-kibble diets.
• Raw meats also contain higher amounts of dry matter, energy, and protein in RMBDs than kibble.^[3]
• Higher natural fat content can improve skin health.

Additionally, a clinical diet intervention study revealed that a raw diet might affect gene expression in dogs with atopic dermatitis.^[4] The raw food diet significantly decreased certain biochemical markers, such as cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase, which are both important for liver health and overall health. It also increased other markers, such as transforming growth factor β1, a protein vital for many cellular functions.

The raw diet was associated with changes in skin gene expression, including the upregulation of genes related to immune defense and reactive oxygen species. While more research is needed, the effects of feeding raw meat to dogs seem to be positive.

Raw Meat Dogs Can Safely Eat

Raw Meats Dogs Shouldn’t Eat

Dogs eating raw or undercooked pork can get trichinosis, a parasitic infection caused by Trichinella spiralis larvae. This infection occurs when a dog eats infected animal muscle. Additionally, wild boars and pigs in Europe can carry swine herpes virus type 1, which is not infectious to humans but is highly contagious and deadly for dogs. Therefore, cooking, steaming, or frying pork before feeding it to your dog is safest.

Benefits

“Meat” is defined as the edible portions obtained from domestic animals, including caprine (goats), bovine (cattle), ovine (sheep), and porcine (pigs), as well as poultry, farmed, and wild animals. The nutritional benefits of meats vary based on the breed, type of feed, climatic conditions, and meat cut.^[5]

100 grams of raw meat (3.5 oz) contains the following nutrients:

The Science of Raw Meat For Dogs

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Raw Meat to Dogs

Raw meat is not inherently bad. However, feeding raw meat poses some risks and requires careful consideration.

Unbalanced nutrition: A raw meat diet may lack essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies in calcium, phosphorus, and essential fatty acids. A study analyzing three home-prepared and two commercial RMBD diets found all had imbalances, including a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 0.20, excessive vitamin D, and undetectable levels of vitamins A and E.^[15] Another study of 95 homemade raw diets found 60% had nutritional deficiencies, including low zinc, copper, and vitamin A, while some had excess calcium from bone consumption.^[16]

Bacterial contamination: Raw meat is more likely to contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, leading to foodborne illnesses in dogs. An FDA study of 1,000 pet food samples found raw diets had a higher risk of contamination, with 15 out of 196 raw pet food samples testing positive for Salmonella and 32 for Listeria monocytogenes.^[17] A Canadian Veterinary Journal study found that while no kibble-fed dogs had Salmonella in their food or feces, 80% of raw-fed meals contained Salmonella, and 30% of raw-fed dogs shed it in their feces.^[18]

Other than Salmonella, raw meats can also contain pathogens like:

Human contamination: The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages feeding raw meat to pets due to the risk of illness to animals and humans.^[19] A Journal of Small Animal Practice study found that dogs on raw diets had higher levels of Salmonella and antibiotic-resistant E. coli in their feces, posing a health risk, especially to vulnerable individuals. Handling raw meat and interacting with infected dogs can spread bacteria within households, while contaminated surfaces and utensils increase the risk of cross-contamination.^[20]

If you are new to raw feeding, read our Raw Dog Food For Beginners Guide to learn everything you need to get started. This comprehensive guide covers the basics of raw feeding, how to safely prepare and balance raw meals, and tips for transitioning your dog to a raw diet.

Where to Buy Raw Meat For Safe Dogs

To minimize the risks associated with feeding raw meat to dogs, purchase from reputable sources such as pet stores, local farmers, or butchers who follow stringent safety protocols to reduce bacterial contamination.

One of the best ways to ensure safety and balanced nutrition is by choosing a trusted raw dog food delivery service. Commercial raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) address concerns by formulating recipes that meet AAFCO nutritional standards. These companies use high-quality ingredients, including USDA-certified human-grade meats and fresh produce, while finely grinding bones to reduce choking risks. They also adhere to FDA recommendations for pet food processing and packaging.

One of our top choices is We Feed Raw, which delivers Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diets straight to your door. Their formulas are balanced with raw meat, organs, and bones, supplemented with key nutrients. All ingredients are USDA-sourced and formulated with input from a veterinary nutritionist to ensure a complete and balanced diet.

Get 25% off their first order with the code CB25. Use Canine Bible’s link to get started.

Are Dogs Allergic to Raw Meat?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to raw meat.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Raw Meat

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information:.When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home, or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining raw meat or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

When Raw Meat Is Not Suitable For Certain Dogs

Raw meat may not be appropriate for all dogs, particularly those with specific health conditions, life stages, or individual sensitivities. Here are some scenarios where a raw meat diet might not be suitable:

Dietary Hyperthyroidism: Though rare, raw meat consumption can cause hyperthyroidism if dogs consume excessive thyroid tissue. A study involving twelve dogs on raw diets or fed fresh or dried gullets found elevated thyroid hormone levels, with symptoms improving once the diet was changed to exclude these items. Since the thyroid gland is located in the neck of most animals, feeding raw chicken or beef necks could expose dogs to excess thyroid hormones. If your dog is prone to hyperthyroidism, avoid neck meat or limit its consumption.^[21]

Pancreatitis: Raw meat diets are often high in fat, which can trigger or worsen pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas. Dogs with a history of pancreatitis should avoid high-fat diets, including many raw meat options. To mitigate this risk, choose lean cuts of raw meat and formulate a low-fat raw diet, especially for breeds like English Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Schnauzers, which are predisposed to pancreatitis.

Other Health Conditions: Dogs with compromised immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy, with autoimmune diseases, or on immunosuppressive medications—are at a higher risk of bacterial infections from raw meat. Additionally, dogs with heart disease, kidney disease, or a history of bladder stones should be cautious, as raw diets may not align with their specific dietary needs.

Can Puppies Eat Raw Meat?

Puppies generally have more sensitive digestive systems than adult dogs, making them more prone to upset stomachs after consuming rich or high-fat foods, including raw meat. Due to their developing digestive systems, puppies may be more susceptible to bacterial infections from pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, commonly found in raw meat. Additionally, while puppies require a diet higher in protein to support their growth and development, their diet must be well-balanced to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Raw meat alone may not provide the necessary nutrients puppies need, and the risk of imbalanced nutrition is significant without careful planning and supplementation. Therefore, it is generally recommended that puppies avoid raw meat until their digestive systems are more mature and capable of handling such diets safely.

Raw Meat Reddit Conversations

Here are Reddit’s top comments and threads about raw meat for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, raw meat can be a part of a dog’s diet, but it is important to ensure it is nutritionally balanced and complete. Raw meat can pose some risks, including bacterial contamination and the risk of choking on bones, but it may also offer some benefits, such as improved dental health. Pet owners must consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist before deciding to feed their dogs a raw meat diet and follow proper handling and storage guidelines to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Overall, the decision to feed a dog a raw meat diet is personal and should be based on carefully considering the potential risks and benefits. The key is that it must be veterinarian-approved to contain all the necessary nutrients for your pup to thrive.

To get started, use our raw dog food calculator to determine the appropriate portion sizes for your dog. Additionally, consider a dog gut health test to ensure your dog’s digestive system can handle the raw diet. For those concerned about cost, check out our guide on raw feeding on a budget to provide your dog with a healthy, raw diet without breaking the bank. And if you want to buy raw meat in bulk, check out this article.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Nature. Genome sequence, comparative analysis and haplotype structure of the domestic dog. 
2. Timely Topics in Nutrition
3. BMC – Raw Meat Based Diet 
4. Raw Diet Gene Expression
5. Nutritional Composition of Meat
6. NCBI – Selenium & Dogs
7. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. Aspects of meat quality: trace elements and B vitamins in raw and cooked meats.
8. PubMed. The influence of cooking and fat trimming on the actual nutrient intake from meat
9. ‌NCBI – Clinical Health Markers in Dogs Fed Raw Meat-Based or Commercial Extruded Kibble Diets
10. ‌NCBI – Pet Diet Research on Lightly Cooked and Raw Formats
11. Helsinki: Raw Food vs Kibble
12. BMC – Raw Meat-Based Diet Influences Faecal Microbiome and End Products of Fermentation in Healthy Dogs
13. American Journal of Veterinary Research
14. The Relationships Between Environment, Diet, Transcriptome and Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs
15. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
16. Intake of Minerals, Trace Elements and Vitamins in Bone and Raw Food Rations in Adult Dogs
17. FDA – Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet
18. NCBI – Preliminary Assessment of the Risk of Salmonella Infection in Dogs Fed Raw Chicken Diets
19. Raw or Undercooked Animal-Source Protein in Cat and Dog Diets
20. NCBI – UK Dogs Eating Raw Meat Diets Have Higher Risk of Salmonella
21. PubMed. Dietary hyperthyroidism in dogs