A raw diet for dogs consists of uncooked animal parts, such as meat, organs, and bones, which is designed to mimic the natural diet of dogs' wild ancestors
. A raw dog food diet typically includes:
- Muscle meat, often still on the bone
- Bones, either whole or ground
- Organ meats such as livers and kidneys
- Raw eggs
- Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery
- Apples or other fruit
- Some dairy, such as yogurt
Advocates of raw food diets claim benefits such as shinier coats, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, and smaller stools
. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have expressed concerns about the nutritional balance and safety of raw food diets
. There are several types of raw diets available for dogs, including:
- Home-prepared raw meat-based diets (RMBDs)
- Commercially processed raw food diets that are frozen or freeze-dried
- Combination diets that include vegetables and vitamins mixed with raw meat purchased by the owner at the grocery store
Feeding a raw diet to your dog can be more expensive and time-consuming than providing a cooked diet
. Additionally, raw food diets can pose safety risks to both the dog and the pet owner, such as the potential for whole bones to choke an animal, break teeth, or cause an internal puncture
. If you decide to feed a raw diet to your dog, it is essential to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet is balanced and complete
. Keep in mind that many animal care facilities, such as animal hospitals and kennels, may not accept dogs with raw food diets
