Try to avoid feeding dogs raw food

People have different opinions on what to feed dogs. Some prefer dry dog food; some prefer homemade meals; others like feeding raw food. The issue of feeding dogs raw food has always been controversial. Some say dogs grow just as well on raw food. So does feeding raw food affect a dog’s health?

1. What is Raw Food

Raw food usually includes: animal source raw meat (often with bones), bones (whole or ground), internal organs (such as liver, kidney), raw eggs, raw vegetables, fruits, certain unpasteurized yogurts or milk, and uncooked foods before eating.

2. Views of Seven Major Authoritative U.S. Institutions on Raw Food

1. American Veterinary Medical Association Statement: Due to disease risks to cats, dogs, and humans, the American Veterinary Medical Association does not support feeding any non-pasteurized animal source proteins to cats or dogs. Although the AVMA recognizes advances and applications of new technologies, cooking or pasteurizing to reach a protein core temperature sufficient to kill pathogens remains the traditional method to eliminate pathogens in animal protein.

2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Veterinary Center Statement:

The FDA considers feeding animals raw food contrary to protecting the public from significant health risks, especially when such products are brought into homes to feed pets; however, we understand some people prefer to feed their pets this food.

3. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Statement:

Raw feeding, especially raw meat diets, is not recommended because of risks from Salmonella and other infectious diseases transmissible to pets and their owners.

Many animal research institutions also do not recommend feeding dogs raw food

4. American College of Veterinary Nutritionists Statement:

Advocates of raw food claim benefits ranging from lifespan extension to improved oral or overall health, even curing diseases (especially gastrointestinal diseases). Another commonly cited benefit is providing natural digestive enzymes and other substances potentially altered or destroyed by cooking.

However, these claimed benefits have not been proven, and there are no published, peer-reviewed studies supporting advocates’ assertions. Usually, raw meat (as opposed to other uncooked foods like grains or starches) is easier to digest than cooked meat.

Feeding raw diets carries risks and concerns. One risk is nutritional imbalance—common in homemade and commercial raw meat diets. Another significant risk is bacterial and parasitic contamination. Of course, food poisoning is also an important concern for people, and feeding pets raw food impacts public health as well. Safe and proper handling of raw food is very important for reducing risks, but safety cannot be guaranteed. Meanwhile, most purported benefits of feeding raw food remain unproven, whereas risks and adverse consequences are confirmed. It is best to discuss raw feeding with your veterinarian to make informed choices about your pet’s diet.

5. Positions of the American Animal Hospital Association, National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, and American Association of Feline Practitioners:

The American Animal Hospital Association approved a policy in August 2012 to prohibit feeding raw meat to pets. The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians and the American Association of Feline Practitioners support the American Animal Hospital Association’s statement. This policy was developed independently of the AVMA’s position but was shared with AVMA before posting on websites.