It’s difficult to find something we all agree on, but many dog owners have the same question when it comes to feeding their pooch.
Can dogs eat raw meat?
Is a raw diet more healthy for dogs?
Should I try feeding my dog some raw meat?
We have all heard that raw meat is a great source of protein and other nutrients, but in reality, it can be dangerous for your dog. It can cause infections and even death in dogs.
Many dogs have issues digesting raw meat, but some don’t. If your dog has never been given the opportunity to eat it, or if you have any concerns about his digestive system, it’s best to avoid feeding it raw.
Here are nine important reasons why you should not feed raw meat to your dog:
Raw meat can contain bacteria that cause illness in dogs.
Raw meat may contain salmonella or E. coli bacteria, which can cause an infection in your dog’s intestines, urinary tract, stomach, or skin. These types of infections are very serious and potentially fatal if left untreated. They can also cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. When your dog eats raw meat, he ingests the bacteria that cause food poisoning and even some types of cancer.
The most common causes of food poisoning in dogs are Salmonella and E. coli, which are both bacteria that are found in raw meats such as beef, chicken, or turkey. These bacteria can lead to bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and even death if left untreated.
Raw meat is a risk factor for canine heartworms.
Heartworm disease is caused by the parasitic roundworm Dirofilaria immitis (Dirofilaria immitis) which lives in the heartworm larvae that circulate in the blood vessels of wild animals such as raccoons, skunks and other mammals. The parasite then develops into adult worms that live in the canine host’s heart and lungs for up to three years before they are released into the environment where they can infect another dog or cat.
Wild animals and parasites feast on raw meat, which means dogs who eat raw meat may be at risk for these same parasites and diseases. For example, raccoons have been known to steal from bins containing food left out for pets; if they find something tasty, they’ll try to make off with it — including raw meats — leaving behind feces that can cause dangerous infections for dogs who ingest them through accidental ingestion or intentional poisoning
Raw meat may also carry parasites and viruses.
Parasites and viruses are common in both wild animals and domestic animals. They may be passed to your pet through their food or water source (e.g., pool). These organisms include parasitic worms like roundworms, tapeworms, heartworm, leptospirosis, etc., and viral infections such as hepatitis E or parvovirus.
Bones in the raw meat can harm your dog.
The risk posed by raw meat is also due to the fact that bones can splinter while chewing. This can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract and lead to choking or even intestinal blockages. Puppies are at the greatest risk because they have smaller teeth than adult dogs and their bodies aren’t as strong as adults either.
Raw meat diet makes your dog more prone to infection.
The risk of getting a bacterial infection is high if the food you feed your pet has been prepared in unhygienic conditions or has been left out in the sun for some time before being used by your pet.
Bacteria enter the body through the mouth and intestines, so feeding raw meat to your dog can cause an infection.
Raw meat can lead to obesity in dogs.
Raw meat is a very high-energy food that contains a lot of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. The problem with this kind of diet is that it’s too high in calories and fat content. This can lead to obesity in dogs.
When a dog eats too much raw meat, it accumulates fat deposits around its organs and causes serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and even organ failure.
Dogs should be fed a diet that consists of 80% of grains, such as rice or corn meal. This helps them lose weight as well as stay healthy. If you want your pet to lose weight fast, then you should also feed them vegetables and fruits like carrots and apples with their meals.
Raw meat is not a good option for dogs because it contains calories but also fat, which can lead to obesity in certain dogs if fed in large quantities over a period of time without any exercise or activity (such as running around with their owner).
Raw meat is not always safe for dogs with allergies.
Some people believe that feeding their dog’s raw meat will help with allergies, but this is not the case. Dogs can develop allergies to bacteria found in raw meats and bones, which can cause anaphylactic shock if they ingest too much of it. The only way you can determine whether your dog has an allergy is by testing his blood.
Raw diets aren’t well regulated.
Raw meat is not balanced by its nutritional content. The USDA recommends balanced diets for dogs and cats fed raw or partially-cooked foods as well as those fed commercially prepared foods.
Raw meat is not regulated by the FDA like human foods. The only controls on raw meat are those imposed by the manufacturer. Even if the manufacturer follows all safety procedures, there’s no guarantee that the meat was handled properly or has been stored properly before reaching your dog’s bowl.
Takeaway
At the end of the day, you’ll have to decide what’s best for your own dog’s nutrition. That said, hopefully, you’ve found the information above helpful, and will consider taking our advice. In sum, there are real and significant risks to feeding your dog raw meat. If you are looking for a diet that is more meat-centered, then be sure to talk with your veterinarian about the best diet for your pet. Your vet can help you make the best decision for your pet, one that provides them with a well-balanced diet and one that will keep them healthy and happy.
