Is Raw Food Good for Dogs? Separating Fact From Fiction With Science

The debate around canine nutrition can be complex. Pet parents often ask, "Is raw food good for dogs?" while facing conflicting information from various sources. While anecdotal evidence from dog owners is powerful, a deeper understanding of the science is essential to make a truly informed decision. This guide aims to provide a clear, science-backed look at raw diets.

This blog post will objectively answer the question of whether a raw diet is better for dogs by examining the latest research. We will explore the science behind the benefits, address common concerns with data, and show how a premium raw food brand like We Feed Raw provides the advantages of a raw diet while mitigating its potential risks, so dogs can eat raw meat safely and thrive.

Is a Raw Diet Good for Dogs? What the Science Says

The claim that a raw diet is good for dogs is more than a theory; it is backed by a growing body of scientific evidence. Research into the effects of raw feeding on canine health is revealing significant benefits, particularly when compared to highly processed diets.

Supporting Gut Health and Reducing Chronic Disease

A healthy gut microbiome is the cornerstone of a dog's immune system and overall health. Recent studies suggest a link between a raw diet and a reduction in chronic gastrointestinal issues:

• •A study published in Nature found that puppies fed a raw diet were less likely to develop chronic enteropathy (a group of chronic GI diseases) as adult dogs.

• •Similarly, research in Frontiers in Veterinary Science showed that raw-fed puppies were less likely to develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as adult dogs.

These findings suggest that a raw diet’s unique composition may have a protective effect on the developing gut, contributing to long-term digestive health.

Reducing the Risk of Skin Allergies and Ear Infections

The link between diet and allergies in dogs is a major focus of pet owner concern. Scientific research has begun to shed light on this connection:

• •A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that raw-fed puppies are less likely to suffer from skin allergies as adult dogs.

• •Another study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science shows a strong link between a raw diet and a decreased risk of ear infections, a common symptom of allergies and inflammation.

These studies suggest that a diet composed of fresh, minimally processed ingredients may support a dog’s immune system, helping to prevent the overreactions that lead to allergic symptoms.

The Science Behind Nutrient Bioavailability and Digestibility

Raw food's high digestibility is one of its most cited benefits. Unlike kibble, which undergoes high-heat extrusion that can denature proteins and damage nutrients, raw food maintains its natural cellular structure.

This results in a more bioavailable nutrient profile, meaning a dog's body can more easily and efficiently absorb vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Raw diets also naturally have a high protein, low carbohydrate content, which aligns with a dog's biology and provides a more efficient energy source.

Addressing the Scientific Concerns and Potential Risks

Despite the benefits, reputable scientific organizations like the AVMA have expressed concerns about raw feeding, primarily related to pathogen contamination and nutritional imbalances. A science-based approach means addressing these concerns directly and showing how they are mitigated.

The Challenge of Pathogen Contamination

The primary concern cited by the veterinary community is the risk of pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, in raw meat.

We Feed Raw addresses this risk head-on with a scientifically validated safety protocol. We use high-pressure processing (HPP) on all our raw recipes. HPP is a cold-water process that effectively inactivates these pathogens without using heat, ensuring a safe product.

This is a critical distinction from other raw products that may not use a validated inactivation step, and it is why we confidently provide your dog with a safe diet.

Avoiding Nutritional Imbalances in Raw Diets

A major risk associated with raw feeding is the potential for nutritional deficiencies if the diet is not properly formulated. This is a legitimate concern for home-prepared raw diets, which often lack the correct balance of calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients. The best raw food diet for dogs is not just raw meat; it is a meticulously balanced meal.

We Feed Raw's recipes are formulated by a PhD nutritionist and are AAFCO-approved, guaranteeing a complete and balanced diet that eliminates the risk of nutrient imbalances.

Is a Raw Diet a Risk to Humans?

The risk of pathogen transmission to humans from handling raw pet food is a real, but extremely low, concern. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that the odds of humans getting sick from feeding their pets a raw diet are less than 1%.

The key to mitigating this risk, as with handling any raw meat for human consumption, is practicing basic hygiene. By combining these safe handling practices with our high-pressure processing (HPP), we provide a level of safety that gives you complete peace of mind.

Is Raw Food Better for Dogs? A Comparison to Other Diets

To fully answer whether raw food is better for dogs, we must compare it to the most common alternatives. The differences in processing and ingredients have a profound impact on a diet's overall quality.

Raw vs. Kibble: The Processing Gap

Kibble is created through high-heat extrusion, a process that fundamentally changes the nutritional structure of the ingredients. This extreme heat can destroy natural enzymes and vitamins, and it reduces the bioavailability of nutrients. A high carbohydrate content is also necessary to hold kibble together.

Raw food, by contrast, undergoes minimal processing, preserving nutrients in their natural state and providing a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Raw vs. Home-Cooked: Preserving Natural Enzymes and Nutrients

Some pet parents choose to home-cook their dog's food. While this is a step up from highly processed kibble, it still falls short of a raw diet. Cooking destroys vital enzymes and alters the nutrient profile of ingredients.

A raw diet, with its uncooked components, preserves these natural enzymes and provides a closer-to-nature diet that supports optimal digestion and overall health.

Raw vs. Gently Cooked: Safety and Nutritional Integrity

Gently cooked diets have become a popular option, but they are not raw. While these diets are often made with high-quality ingredients, the cooking process fundamentally changes them.

We Feed Raw's approach allows us to maintain the nutritional integrity of a raw diet while ensuring it is safe from pathogens. This provides a clear advantage over fresh-cooked diets that have lost their raw properties.

The Verdict: We Feed Raw Is the Best, Science-Backed Solution

For the question, "Is raw food better for dogs?" the science points to a clear answer: a properly formulated raw diet offers significant benefits for your dog's health, from improved gut function to a reduced risk of allergies. However, the key lies in choosing a product that provides these benefits while addressing the risks.

We Feed Raw’s approach to raw feeding solves this dilemma. Our commitment to using high-pressure processing (HPP), our PhD nutritionist-formulated, AAFCO-approved recipes, and our transparent sourcing practices directly address all the scientific concerns. This allows you to provide your dog with a powerful, science-backed diet with the peace of mind that it is completely safe.

Ready to provide your dog with the best possible nutrition? Take our quiz now to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a raw diet good for dogs with allergies and chronic health issues?

Yes, a raw diet is good for dogs with chronic health issues or allergies. Studies show a link between raw diets and a reduced risk of chronic health issues.

For example, a diet fed to puppies that is high in fresh, raw food may reduce their risk of developing skin allergies, chronic enteropathy, and IBD as adults, potentially because it promotes a healthier gut microbiome and reduces systemic inflammation.

Is raw food better for dogs than highly processed kibble?

Yes, raw food is better for dogs than highly processed kibble. Kibble undergoes high-heat extrusion that can damage natural vitamins and enzymes, and it often contains high levels of carbohydrates that dogs do not need.

Raw food, particularly that which undergoes high-pressure processing (HPP) like ours, retains the natural nutritional integrity of its ingredients and provides a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, aligning better with a dog's natural biology.

What are the biggest risks of raw feeding, and how is We Feed Raw's approach safer?

The biggest risks of raw feeding, according to scientific and veterinary organizations, are pathogen contamination and nutritional imbalances in home-prepared diets. We Feed Raw solves these problems with a two-part solution.

We use high-pressure processing on all our recipes to inactivate pathogens. We also use a PhD nutritionist to formulate our recipes, so they are complete and balanced, eliminating the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Is raw food better for dogs with a sensitive stomach?

Yes, raw food is often better for dogs with a sensitive stomach. A raw diet is often more digestible than processed foods, as it is free from the fillers and additives that can cause digestive upset.

We have seen research showing that raw diets improve the microbial health of a dog's intestines. A healthier gut environment can lead to a reduction in chronic inflammatory GI diseases and symptoms like loose stool and gas.

Is a raw diet better for dogs because of their ancestral heritage?

While the ancestral diet argument is often used to promote raw food, the science shows that dogs have evolved over thousands of years to digest some carbohydrates.

A stronger argument for why a raw diet is better for dogs is that it is free of the extreme processing, low-quality ingredients, and excessive carbs found in many commercial kibbles.

A raw diet provides a more natural and bioavailable nutrient profile that a dog's body can use efficiently, regardless of its domestication history.