16/10/2026
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Raw feeding has a passionate following, and it's worth understanding both sides before making the switch.
Many owners who feed raw report shinier coats, smaller stools, and dogs who love mealtime. Most of this evidence is anecdotal, though, and well-designed studies comparing raw and commercial diets are still limited.
The main concerns raised by veterinary organizations involve safety and balance. Raw meat can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. These can affect dogs and also the people who handle the food or clean up afterward, which matters most in homes with young children, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Balance is the other challenge. A homemade raw diet needs the right mix of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and minerals, and it's easy to get wrong. If you're interested in raw feeding, consider a commercial diet formulated to be complete and balanced, or work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
Bones carry their own risks too, including broken teeth and blockages. Never feed cooked bones, which can splinter.
Whatever you feed, the best diet is one that's complete, balanced, and works for your individual dog.
