The rising trend of feeding raw diets to dogs is largely fueled by the belief that it offers health benefits that mimic the diets of their wild ancestors. Supporters argue that raw diets result in healthier coats, better digestion, and overall vitality. However, recent assessments show that while there may be some advantages of feeding raw diets for dogs.

What Do You Know About Raw Diets of Dogs?

Raw food diets for dogs, often referred to as "raw feeding," typically emphasize feeding dogs a diet that consists mainly of raw meat, bones, and some plant-based ingredients. This approach has gained popularity among pet owners who believe it mimics the natural diet of wild canines and offers various health benefits. Here’s a comprehensive overview of raw food diets for dogs:

What are Types of Raw Diets?

There are two basic types of Raw diets

Commercially Prepared Raw Dog Food

This type of raw dog food is pre-made. It’s purchased from a pet store, grocery store, or even online. These are commercially prepared raw diets that come in various forms, such as frozen, freeze-dried, or dehydrated. They are formulated to meet nutritional guidelines established by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Homemade Raw Diet

You can prepare it by yourself. There are two types of homemade diets

•  BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)

Guess what BARF is!

This diet includes raw meat, bones, offal (organ meat), fruits, and vegetables. The focus is on a balanced diet that provides nutrients similar to what wild dogs might consume.

• Prey Model Diet

This approach aims to replicate the whole prey consumed by wild animals. It typically consists of raw meat, bones, and organs from a single animal species, mimicking the natural hunting and eating behavior.

Raw Diets of Dogs Consist Mainly of:

A raw diet for dogs typically includes a balanced mix of animal-based ingredients and, sometimes, a small portion of plant-based ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the primary components:

1. Muscle Meat

• The main source of protein, typically from animals like beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, or duck.

• This is the foundational component, providing amino acids and energy.

2. Raw Meaty Bones (RMBs)

• Includes bones with some meat attached, such as chicken wings, necks, and backs, or lamb ribs.

• Bones are essential for calcium and phosphorus, promoting bone health and balanced nutrition, and can also aid in dental health by naturally cleaning teeth.

• Note: Only raw bones should be fed, as cooked bones can splinter and pose a choking hazard.

3. Organ Meats

• These are nutrient-dense and include liver, kidneys, heart, and spleen.

• Organs provide vitamins (especially vitamin A from liver) and minerals but should be given in moderation to prevent imbalances, particularly with fat-soluble vitamins.

4. Vegetables and Fruits (Optional)

• Small amounts of dog-safe vegetables (like spinach, carrots, and pumpkin) and fruits (like apples and blueberries) are sometimes added.

• They offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Many raw diet enthusiasts puree or lightly cook these to aid digestion, as dogs don’t break down plant matter as efficiently as humans.

5. Eggs

• Eggs are included for their protein, vitamins (like biotin and B12), and fatty acids.

• They can be fed raw or lightly cooked, and some owners even include the eggshell for additional calcium.

6. Fish

• Certain types of fish, like sardines or salmon, are often added to provide omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health.

• Fish may be frozen first to eliminate parasites and fed in moderation to avoid an imbalance of fatty acids.

7. Dairy (Occasional)

• Some diets incorporate small amounts of yogurt or cottage cheese for probiotics and calcium, though not all dogs tolerate dairy well.

8. Supplements (If Needed)

• To ensure balance, supplements may be added, especially in homemade diets. Common additions include:

  • Fish Oil: for extra omega-3 fatty acids.

  • Calcium: if raw meaty bones are not included.

  • Probiotics: to support gut health.

  • Vitamin E and zinc: to maintain immune and skin health.

What are the Potential Benefits of Raw Diets?

• Improved Coat and Skin Health

 Many owners report when their dogs feed raw diets they have 

• shinier coats

• less shedding

• healthier skin

which may be linked to the higher protein and fat content in raw diets, including essential fatty acids from meat sources.

Dogs on BARF diets consumed significantly higher protein and fat levels and lower levels of fiber and Nitrogen-Free Extract (NFE) compared to those on commercial diets. This is expected, given BARF’s emphasis on animal-based ingredients and low carbohydrate content, but it influences gut health markers in specific ways.

• Enhanced Digestive Health

Some dogs that feed on raw diets have

•  smaller, firmer stools

•  Less stool odor

which can be an indication of high digestibility. However, the effects on stool can vary depending on the specific diet composition.

• Energy Levels and Muscle Tone

High protein content in raw diets can support muscle maintenance, which may benefit active dogs or those needing weight management.

• Dental Health

Raw meaty bones can act as natural "toothbrushes," helping to reduce tartar buildup. However, bones can sometimes break teeth or cause internal injuries if not properly prepared.

Next figure explain Health benefits of RMBDs (raw meat-based diets) reported by dog owners interviewed 

Characteristics of dogs enrolled in the study (n = 218)

Summary Table

This table offers a concise view, summarizing both the advantages and cautions associated with feeding dogs a raw diet.

Aspect	Potential Benefits	Risks
Gut Health	Increased diversity in gut microbiota	Possible dysbiosis and higher pathogen shedding
Coat & Skin	Enhanced shine and condition (anecdotal)	Limited scientific evidence
Stool Quality	Firmer, smaller stools	None reported
Pathogen Risks	None	Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli contamination
Nutritional Balance	Higher protein and fat	Risk of deficiencies/toxicities (e.g., calcium, vitamin A)
Human Health	None	Risk of zoonotic infection, antibiotic resistance

This table offers a concise view, summarizing both the advantages and cautions associated with feeding dogs a raw diet.

Raw Dog Food Diet: What the research shows

Research on raw dog food diets shows mixed findings, with some studies indicating potential benefits while others emphasize risks related to pathogen exposure, nutritional imbalances, and public health concerns. Here's a breakdown of what the research says:

• Gut Health and Microbiome Diversity

 Studies have found that dogs on raw diets have distinct gut microbiomes compared to those fed commercial kibble or canned diets. Raw-fed dogs often exhibit higher levels of certain bacteria like Lactobacillales and Enterobacteriaceae, which are associated with gut health. However, these differences in microbiome composition don’t necessarily equate to proven health benefits.

• Stool Quality

 Anecdotal evidence and some research suggest that dogs on raw diets may produce firmer, smaller stools due to higher digestibility of raw diets. This effect is often cited by proponents as an improvement in digestion and nutrient absorption.

• Coat and Skin Health

 There is some support for improvements in skin and coat condition, likely due to the higher fat content and more readily available proteins in raw diets. However, these claims are largely anecdotal, and more controlled studies are needed to confirm this.

• Pathogen Contamination

 Raw diets, especially those prepared with uncooked meat, can harbor harmful pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens. These pathogens are found in a substantial proportion of raw dog food samples and pose infection risks to both dogs and humans through direct contact or environmental contamination. Studies have consistently found pathogens in raw meat diets, even in commercially frozen products.

• Antibiotic Resistance

 Raw meat can contain bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, increasing the risk of antimicrobial-resistant infections. Pets on raw diets can shed these bacteria, which could potentially spread antibiotic-resistant strains in households and the wider environment, posing a public health risk.

Reviews about feeding raw diets for dogs

Reports in medical journals

• In a 2011 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, European researchers found that of 95 homemade raw meals for dogs they analyzed, 60 percent had deficiencies or excesses of 12 important nutrients.

• Freeman published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2001 looked at three home-prepared and two commercial raw diets, and found them to be lacking in some essential nutrients, such as vitamins A and E, and contained overly high doses of others, such as vitamin D.

• Freeman also says that raw meat diets tend to be high in fat, which may have the nice effect of making your pet's coat glossier, but may also cause mild to severe gastrointestinal issues or increase the risk of obesity.

• A number of reports have also found that dogs on raw diets can have elevated blood levels of the hormone thyroxine, which can indicate an overactive thyroid.

• Other reports said that diets that contain raw bones may fracture your dog's teeth as well as puncture the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon.

• Beth Hamper, D.V.M., Ph.D., a veterinarian at the VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Indiana says, "I feel the risks of a raw meat diet outweigh the few benefits, such as higher digestibility and palatability. I discourage owners from feeding their dogs these diets.

Individual opinions

• David J. Shuman 

Said that : “I have seen many dogs benefit from getting a raw diet- allergies, weight loss, healthy coat, good teeth…and so on so there is merit to feeding it to them.”

• Caytlin Victoria

Said that : I have been feeding my dog raw meals for the last three years. There was explosive diarrhea. Everywhere. All the time.). It  also was losing the hair on his legs.Then we tried only different types of meat (turkey, chicken, beef, etc). I even made his food myself for a few weeks (it was miserable!!). We finally hit on a raw food diet; however, even then the only food he could eat without getting sick was raw turkey. Now his stool becomes so hard and there isn't any diarrhea.

• Rajive Jain

Said that : I had 2 Siberian huskies- one male, one female.

Both had health issues which in the male became quite serious when he was eating kibble till about 8 months. Changed their diet to raw meat, organ meats with a bit of veggies blended in. The first week, they ate like they had not seen food for a long time. Then, satiated, their eating volume returned to normal.

• Felix Castro

Said that : I've been feeding my dogs a balanced raw diet for the past three years and they are all thriving. One of my dogs used to get ear infections and frequent hot spots. After switching him to raw at 9 months of age, he hasn't needed to see the vet for anything more than his annual checkup and shots. My other dog was bred by a lady who wrote a book on raw diets for dogs and cats and has never eaten anything but a raw diet. My third Dog is thirteen and before switching to raw I had a hard time getting him to lose weight. He's at a healthy weight now. All of my dogs are healthy, have nice coats, are energetic and playful.

• Dr Mai Elmeleh

In my opinion feeding raw diets for dogs is very important, especially a mixed diet of plant and animal origin. This gives dogs what they need from all nutrients but I prefer a fresh prepared diet at home to obtain a highly clean meal free of bacteria. If you use this diet your dog will have a beautiful coat, decrease hair loss, improve digestion process and also obtain good teeth health.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, raw diets for dogs offer potential benefits, including improved coat health, better digestion, firmer stools, and increased energy levels, which many owners report. However, these diets come with notable risks, including potential for pathogen exposure, nutritional imbalances, and public health concerns related to zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistance. Research remains mixed, with some studies supporting the positive effects of raw diets, while others highlight dangers, especially regarding pathogens and nutrient deficiencies. Pet owners considering a raw diet for their dogs should weigh the pros and cons carefully and consult with a veterinarian to ensure a safe, balanced approach tailored to their pet’s specific health needs.