Scrolling through TikTok’s pet owner community reveals a growing trend: raw food diets for dogs. Influencers showcase aesthetically appealing bowls filled with quail eggs, chicken feet, and raw beef, promoting a return to a diet reminiscent of wild ancestors. One popular variant, Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF), claims 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 possess stronger stomach acids that help them digest raw meat and kill harmful bacteria, as reported by New Scientist. Historically, raw meat was a staple of dogs’ diets 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) advises against a raw meat diet. Such diets often lack the balanced nutrition necessary for optimal canine health. A 2011 study from Cambridge University highlighted that 60% of dogs on a raw food regimen suffered from nutritional imbalances. Regulated dog food, on the other hand, is formulated to meet all nutritional requirements, ensuring a balanced diet for your pet.

Further supporting this view, research from the University of California, Davis, found minimal scientific backing for raw diets. Canned food, kibble, and home-cooked meals are deemed more reliable for meeting nutritional needs. Domesticated dogs have adapted to a more varied diet compared to their wild ancestors, showing improved digestion of starch, as noted in a study published in Nature.

Evaluating the 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 like Salmonella and Listeria, which pose health risks to both pets and their owners. These pathogens are usually killed through cooking, and although some pet food companies use high-pressure processing to address this, the effectiveness remains uncertain. Handling raw food can also lead to foodborne illnesses for humans, particularly affecting children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems. One promising study published in 2023 in Scientific Reports indicated that gradually introducing non-processed meats and raw bones to young dogs might help prevent stomach disorders 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 choose to feed your dog a raw food diet, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian first. The CDC recommends freezing raw meat and thawing it in the refrigerator to reduce bacterial risks. Additionally, ensure thorough disinfection of all surfaces that come into contact with raw meat. Avoid close contact with your pet right after meals to prevent the transmission of germs. While the raw food diet trend for dogs is intriguing, it carries significant risks and is not universally recommended by veterinarians. Balanced, regulated pet foods remain the safest and most reliable option for maintaining your dog’s health.