5 Raw Dog Food Myths Debunked

When it comes to taking care of a dog, there’s a lot to consider. From vet visits and grooming to making sure he or she is getting the right amount of exercise. Then, of course, you need to think about their diet.

Feeding your dog a balanced diet is essential for helping them look and feel their best. But not all dog food is created equal. You may be wondering, “Are dogs supposed to eat raw meat?”

Today, we're going to be breaking down common raw dog food myths to better understand the benefits of dogs eating a natural raw diet.

1. Raw Food Will Make My Dog Sick

When you first hear about the raw pet food diet, you likely wonder, “Can dogs eat raw meat?” As humans, we often associate raw food with risks like salmonella and listeria. However, these risks can be avoided with proper handling and preparation of a raw food diet.

At We Feed Raw, we only use USDA-certified, human-grade meat. All of our recipes are produced in a USDA-certified facility with strict compliance requirements of BRC safe quality food manufacturing.

Also, keep in mind that your dog is built to eat raw meat. Everything from their teeth to their stomach was designed to consume and break down raw meat.

As an extra safety step, we use a cold-pressure process to neutralize harmful pathogens in raw meat. This is an all-natural process that uses pressure and cold, pure water--not heat, chemicals, or additives. This pathogen-reduction step has been approved by the USDA and helps to ensure safe raw feeding in the home.

2. Raw Dog Food Isn’t Balanced

This is a common raw dog food myth that has been disproven time and time again. A raw meat diet, when formulated correctly, can be the best way for your pet to get all the nutrients they need.

Our raw dog food is made up of muscle meat (with associated connective tissue and fat); organ meat; and fresh, finely ground bone. There are never any fillers, preservatives, or artificial colors or flavors used. We also include a high-quality vitamin and mineral premix for an added boost of nutrition. All of our meals have been formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist.

The experts at Chewy explain that the combination of meat and bone is what makes a raw diet balanced. Feeding only chicken breast or ground beef does not constitute a complete diet and will not provide your dog with all the essential nutrients they need.

3. Raw Diets Are Expensive

Most people think that raw feeding dogs is expensive, but this is all about perspective. Dog food, no matter which form it’s in, can cost a lot depending on the brand and ingredients. In most cases, you’re paying more for high-quality dog food regardless of if it’s kibble or raw.

In general, a pre-made raw dog food diet will be more expensive than your average kibble. But remember that you’re paying for a completely balanced and convenient meal that will help your dog feel his or her best. Something else to consider: Spending a bit more on high-quality nutrition now means spending less on expensive vet bills later.

There are also ways to better fit a raw food diet into your budget and schedule. It’s possible to feed raw and kibble if you want to stretch your budget. Of course, your pet will experience the most benefits from a consistent raw diet, but adding as little as 25% raw to their eating regimen can be hugely beneficial.

4. Raw Dog Food Will Change My Dog’s Behavior

Another common dog food myth is that feeding dogs raw meat will make them “bloodthirsty.” This is most definitely not the case.

In the grand scheme of things, dogs are supposed to eat raw meat. There is no relationship between eating raw meat and an increased predator drive. In fact, some behavioral experts say that dogs are more likely to be aggressive and uncomfortable due to an imbalanced diet. Kibble, in particular, can lack protein and be full of carbohydrates, which can lead to behavioral problems.

Because a raw diet is balanced, it might change your dog’s behavior for the better. After consistently feeding your dog raw food, you might notice he or she is more energetic, sociable, and all-around happier.

5. Cooked Diets Are Better

While this might be true for humans, it’s not the case for our furry friends. Cooking food, including meat, alters its enzymes. By eating a raw diet, your dog is benefitting from more nutrients that are also easier for them to digest.

Remember that dogs have short, simple digestive tracts and high levels of hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. This makes it easy for them to derive nutrients from raw animal products without getting sick.

We hope you found these raw feeding dog facts helpful for your pet. Want to learn more about raw dog food? Continue reading here.