{"id":11918,"date":"2023-09-06T06:00:47","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T13:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=11918"},"modified":"2026-09-29T13:18:58","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T20:18:58","slug":"raw-dog-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/raw-dog-food","title":{"rendered":"Raw Dog Food Is a Public Health Issue"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Raw dog food has become an increasingly popular diet in recent years. However, many dog owners ignore veterinarians, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the American Veterinary Medical Association\u2019s (AVMA) warnings about the risks to their pet’s health \u2014 and theirs.<\/p>\n\n

Unfortunately, some pet owners catch on to this trend from social media before obtaining objective information from reputable sources. Here\u2019s why we think pet parents should think twice before considering a raw food diet or feeding dogs raw meat.<\/p>\n\n

1. Raw food can be dangerous to dogs and their owners.<\/h2>\n\n

\u201cIt has been well-documented that both commercial raw pet foods and raw meats sold for human consumption have high rates of contamination with dangerous bacteria, many of which are antibiotic-resistant,\u201d writes Tuft School of Veterinary Medicine\u2019s Cailin R. Heinze<\/a>, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition).<\/p>\n\n

Raw diets (even freeze-dried and air-dried<\/a>) can contain harmful bacteria and pathogens, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. These bacteria can cause food poisoning in dogs and their owners, which can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. Pets and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.<\/p>\n\n

A 2019 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that raw pet foods were responsible for an outbreak of Salmonella that sickened 150 people in 25 states. The outbreak was linked to pig ear dog treats, which were contaminated with Salmonella.<\/p>\n\n

Bacterial contamination is no joke! In another study<\/a>, researchers found that children who lived in households with dogs that ate raw diets were more likely to be hospitalized for Salmonella infection than children who lived in households with dogs that did not eat raw diets.<\/p>\n\n

2. There is no scientific evidence that raw diets are beneficial to a dog\u2019s health.<\/h2>\n\n

There is no evidence that proves the benefits of feeding raw, but there is evidence of the health risks. Multiple studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals report contamination in animal-source proteins.<\/p>\n\n

Despite a gross lack of scientific evidence to support the supposed health benefits of raw diets, proponents downplay the reported risks.<\/p>\n\n

3. Raw food diets for dogs can be unbalanced and lead to nutritional deficiencies.<\/h2>\n\n

Imbalances in raw diets may not provide all the nutrients that dogs need. This is because raw diets are often made up of only a few different ingredients, such as meat, bones, and vegetables.<\/p>\n\n

A balanced diet for dogs should include a variety of nutrients, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Raw diets may not provide enough of these nutrients, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies in your furry family member.<\/p>\n\n

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4. Raw diets pose a risk of cross-contamination.<\/h2>\n\n

Raw diets can be difficult to prepare, especially if you are not familiar with food safety practices. It is important to properly handle and store raw meat and bones to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.<\/p>\n\n

Cross-contamination can occur when raw meat or bones come into contact with other foods or surfaces. This can happen if you do not wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw food, or if you do not properly clean and disinfect your kitchen utensils and surfaces.<\/p>\n\n

5. Major organizations, veterinary nutritionists, and other veterinary professionals warn against it.<\/h2>\n\n

The CDC, FDA, AVMA, as well as numerous reputable veterinary schools,<\/a> do not recommend<\/a> raw food diets for pets.<\/p>\n\n

6. Raw diets are not necessary for dogs.<\/h2>\n\n

Again, there is no scientific evidence that raw diets are healthier for dogs than kibble. Some may argue it\u2019s more \u2018natural\u2019 because it\u2019s what wolves eat, or what their ancestors ate in the wild, but the lifespan of a wolf is less than half that of a domesticated dog.<\/p>\n\n

Simply put: the nutritional needs of a house pet are not the same as those of a wild animal.<\/p>\n\n

Other risks<\/h2>\n\n