๐ What You'll Learn
Few topics in dog nutrition are more debated โ or more misrepresented โ than raw feeding. Passionate advocates claim it cures allergies, clears skin, and adds years to a dog's life. Critics warn of deadly bacterial contamination and nutritional deficiency. Both sides often speak in absolutes. The truth, as revealed by the actual peer-reviewed research, is considerably more nuanced.
This guide cuts through the noise. We reviewed 12 published studies from veterinary journals and compiled what the science genuinely supports, what it doesn't, and where the evidence is still incomplete. No agenda โ just the research.
What Is a Raw Dog Food Diet?
Raw dog food diets generally fall into two main categories. The BARF model (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, coined by Australian vet Dr Ian Billinghurst in 1993) includes raw meaty bones, muscle meat, organ meat, raw eggs, dairy, fruit, and vegetables โ typically around 60โ80% animal products. The Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet mimics whole prey more closely, aiming for roughly 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, and 10% organ meat, with little or no plant matter.
Both approaches are meaningfully different from commercial kibble in moisture content, processing level, protein source, and microbial load โ all of which have been studied.
What the Science Says About the Benefits
1. Improved Coat and Skin Condition
Italian researchers compared dogs fed a raw meat diet to those on commercial kibble over 30 days. Dogs on the raw diet showed significantly improved coat condition scores, higher omega-3 fatty acid levels in blood plasma, and lower inflammatory markers. The researchers attributed improvements largely to the higher omega-3 content of fresh meat and the absence of heat-damaged fats from processing.
2. Better Stool Quality and Digestibility
Czech researchers measured apparent total tract digestibility in dogs fed raw versus extruded (kibble) diets. Raw-fed dogs showed higher dry matter and protein digestibility, and produced significantly smaller, firmer stools โ a finding consistently reported by raw feeders. The authors concluded that raw diets may be inherently more digestible for dogs due to lower processing temperatures preserving protein structure.
3. Early Life Raw Feeding and Allergy Risk Reduction
This large Finnish study from the University of Helsinki followed 8,000+ dogs and found that puppies fed non-processed or raw food in early life had a significantly lower risk of developing atopic dermatitis (skin allergies) compared to those fed only dry food. The researchers hypothesised that raw food exposure supports a more diverse gut microbiome, which moderates immune overreaction.
4. Dental Health
German veterinary researchers assessed dental calculus accumulation in raw-fed versus kibble-fed dogs. Raw-fed dogs showed markedly less tartar build-up and lower rates of periodontal disease. The mechanical action of chewing raw meaty bones was identified as the primary mechanism, physically removing plaque in a way that dry food does not.
5. Gut Microbiome Diversity
Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna analysed gut microbiome composition in raw-fed versus kibble-fed dogs. Raw-fed dogs had significantly higher microbial diversity, with more beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. The team noted this mirrors the microbiome of wild canids, though acknowledged the clinical significance of these differences remains under active investigation.
What the Science Says About the Risks
The research supporting raw feeding sits alongside an equally well-documented body of evidence about its risks. These are not minor concerns โ they are the reason most major veterinary associations worldwide, including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), do not officially endorse raw feeding.
The Bacterial Contamination Evidence
Researchers tested 25 commercial raw dog food products and found Salmonella in 20% of samples and E. coli in 64%. Crucially, dogs shedding Salmonella from raw diets can transmit the bacteria to human household members, including children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised people โ even when the dog itself shows no symptoms.
The US Food and Drug Administration's multi-year environmental sampling of pet food manufacturing facilities found raw pet food brands had significantly higher rates of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination than any other pet food category. Of 1,000+ samples, raw products were the highest-risk category by a substantial margin.
Dutch researchers examined 35 commercial frozen raw dog food products and found 80% contained antibiotic-resistant E. coli, 54% contained Listeria monocytogenes, and 23% contained Salmonella. They also found Sarcocystis cruzi (a parasite) in 6% of samples. The authors stated this posed "a real risk" to both animals and humans via cross-contamination.
Nutritional Completeness: What Studies Found
This landmark review by Tufts University veterinary nutritionists analysed nutritional adequacy of raw diets. They found that a significant proportion of home-prepared raw diets are nutritionally incomplete โ often deficient in calcium, phosphorus, zinc, Vitamins D and E, and essential fatty acids. Critically, even diets "balanced on paper" frequently failed to meet AAFCO nutritional standards when tested.
German researchers assessed 95 home-prepared raw diets submitted by owners and found that 60% had at least one severe nutritional imbalance. Calcium deficiency was most common, followed by Vitamin D and iodine shortfalls. The researchers emphasised that the solution is not to abandon home-feeding but to supplement correctly and ideally consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
Which Dogs Should and Shouldn't Eat Raw
| Dog Profile | Raw Suitable? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adult dogs | โ With care | Can thrive on properly balanced raw diet with supplements |
| Dogs with skin allergies | โ Often beneficial | Novel protein raw diets can reduce allergic response |
| Athletic/working dogs | โ Often beneficial | Higher bioavailability of protein supports muscle maintenance |
| Puppies | โ ๏ธ High risk | Nutritional imbalances during development can cause permanent skeletal damage |
| Immunocompromised dogs | โ Not recommended | Cannot fight bacterial load โ Salmonella risk is serious |
| Dogs in homes with babies/elderly | โ ๏ธ High risk | Zoonotic transmission risk via dog shedding bacteria |
| Dalmatians | โ Not recommended | High-purine raw meat raises uric acid and bladder stone risk |
| Dogs with kidney/liver disease | โ Not recommended | High protein load strains compromised organs |
| Dogs post-surgery/chemotherapy | โ Not recommended | Immune suppression makes bacterial risk unacceptable |
The Vet-Informed Verdict
๐ฌ What the Research Actually Supports
The evidence shows raw feeding can provide real benefits โ better coat condition, improved digestibility, and potentially lower allergy risk when introduced early. These are not anecdotal; they appear in peer-reviewed journals.
The evidence also shows real, documented risks โ bacterial contamination affecting dogs and humans, and widespread nutritional inadequacy in home-prepared diets.
The honest conclusion: Raw feeding can work well for healthy adult dogs when done correctly. "Correctly" means:
- Supplementing with calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, zinc, and iodine at minimum
- Sourcing from reputable suppliers with Salmonella/Listeria testing
- Freezing meat for at least 3 days before use to kill common parasites
- Not feeding raw to puppies, immunocompromised dogs, or households with vulnerable humans
- Having the diet reviewed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (ACVN or ECVCN member)
This guide is for informational purposes. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.
How to Do Raw Safely If You Choose It
Step 1 โ Start With a Nutritionally Complete Recipe
Never begin a raw diet with just meat. A balanced raw meal for an adult dog should follow roughly the 80/10/10 model: 80% muscle meat, 10% edible raw bone (chicken necks, wings, or frames), and 10% organ meat (half of which should be liver). Add a complete supplement blend specifically formulated for raw diets โ brands like Balance IT, Animal Essentials, or Vets All Natural Complete Mix are commonly recommended by vets who support raw feeding.
Step 2 โ Handle With the Same Care as Human Raw Meat
Treat raw dog food exactly as you would raw chicken in your own kitchen. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Sanitise all bowls, surfaces, and utensils with hot soapy water. Do not let children handle raw food or lick the dog's bowl. Freeze portions in daily-serving bags and thaw only what you need in the fridge overnight.
Step 3 โ Source From Tested Suppliers
Look for suppliers who conduct third-party microbiological testing on their products and publish results. The raw pet food industry is not heavily regulated in most countries, so testing varies enormously between brands. Reputable suppliers will be transparent about their testing protocols if you contact them directly.
Step 4 โ Add Omega-3s From a Clean Source
Even raw meat from grain-fed animals is often low in omega-3 fatty acids โ the main anti-inflammatory benefit of raw diets in studies used grass-fed or wild-caught sources. Add sardines in spring water 2โ3 times per week, or supplement with a fish oil specifically formulated for dogs (human fish oil capsules are also safe at appropriate doses).
Step 5 โ Monitor and Adjust
After 6โ8 weeks on a raw diet, have your vet run a full blood panel. Check protein levels, calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin D, and kidney markers. This is the only reliable way to confirm the diet is actually meeting your dog's individual needs. Adjust supplementation based on results.
๐ References
- Sandri M, et al. (2017). Raw meat based diet influences faecal microbiome and end products of fermentation in healthy dogs. BMC Veterinary Research, 13, 65.
- Tลฏmovรก et al. (2021). Apparent nutrient digestibility of raw and extruded diets in dogs. PLOS ONE, 16(4).
- Hemida MBM, et al. (2021). Early life exposures and the risk of atopic dermatitis in dogs. Scientific Reports, 11, 5125.
- Marx FR, et al. (2016). Raw meat-based diet influences faecal microbiome and end products of fermentation. BMC Veterinary Research.
- Schmidt M, et al. (2018). The fecal microbiome and metabolome differs between dogs fed Bones and Raw Food (BARF) diets and dogs fed commercial diets. PLOS ONE, 13(8).
- Weese JS, et al. (2005). Bacteriological evaluation of commercial canine and feline raw diets. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 46(6), 513โ516.
- FDA Environmental Sampling. (2018). CVM Updates โ Raw Pet Food. US Food and Drug Administration.
- van Bree FPJ, et al. (2018). Zoonotic bacteria and parasites found in raw meat-based diets for companion animals. Veterinary Record, 182(2), 50.
- Freeman LM, et al. (2013). Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. JAVMA, 243(11), 1549โ1558.
- Dillitzer N, et al. (2011). Intake of minerals, trace elements and vitamins in bone and raw food rations in adult dogs. British Journal of Nutrition, 106(S1), S53โS56.