Wolves and dogs are unrelated, and wolves thrive on animal prey. In this situation, there are two quick answers to the question of whether dogs can consume raw meat and survive. A raw meat diet for dogs is still a contentious topic of discussion among experts. Some dogs on a raw meat diet haven’t had any issues, but others get severe food-borne illnesses that can even be dangerous to humans’ health. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages can assist pet owners in making educated decisions regarding the health and welfare of their animals. Keep reading to learn more!.
What raw meat can dogs eat?
Common proteins in a raw meat diet include eggs, bones milk and these meats:
One type of meat dog owners should be aware of is denatured meat, sometimes called 3D or 4D meat. This meat typically comes from dying, dead or diseased animals, Rogue Pet Science writes. While being processed, this meat is often deemed unfit for human consumption and ends up in pet food. Its a legal but dangerous fact because of the bacteria and chemicals used in manufacturing.
Possible benefits of raw meat for dogs
As pet parents, we want to guarantee that our canine friends eat a nutritious, balanced diet. Although there are countless varieties of kibble and canned dog food, many owners have begun investigating diets centered on raw meat for dogs.
One of the most popular raw food diets for dogs is BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or the Bones and Raw Food diet. Invented in 1993 by the Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst, this diet requires dogs to eat a combination of uncooked meat, offal, vegetables, fruits, and eggs.
Raw Meat & Your Dog’s Biological Needs
Many proponents of raw feeding point out that because dogs are omnivorous, a raw diet is more in line with their physiological needs than a bag of kibble. Prior to being domesticated, dogs consumed almost exclusively raw meat. Wolves still eat this way, but it’s important to note that they are currently very distantly related to the pets that we have today.
Another defense of this claim is that dogs’ powerful stomach acids and effective digestive system enable them to safely digest foods like raw meat that humans should avoid eating.
According to research by the University of California Davis, a raw meat diet is easier for dogs to digest, and it encourages a shinier, softer coat than dry food. Likely, the skin and coat health benefits come from the fact that raw foods contain very little filler and a plethora of fresh fat, protein, vitamin E, and zinc. Many dog kibble brands add those vitamins and nutrients into their formulas to achieve similar results.
A study performed by Brown and Park showed that dogs’ dental problems were typically a result of feeding them “soft diets with insufficient dental activity.” During the experiment, they replaced canned dog food with beef oxtail and studied 30 dogs with dental calculus and tooth loss. Within 24 hours, more than 30% of the calculus was gone, and 95% removed at the end of two weeks.
The difference is that they contrasted canned food with raw meat with bone fragments. Many raw diets lack bones, so they are less efficient than brushing a dog’s teeth.
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Although more research is required, many people assert that feeding your dog a raw diet can help manage conditions like diabetes. Although it is unknown whether or not feeding raw meat to dogs with specific health issues is beneficial, more research is being done as more pet owners show interest in doing so. If your pet has any health issues, it’s always important to discuss their diet with your veterinarian.
Many people who feed their pets raw meat make the claim that this improves digestion in general and increases nutrient absorption. A dog’s stomach can hold onto kibble for up to nine hours, but raw meat can be digested in as little as two hours. This leads to less frequent (and stinkier!) stools.
Additionally, a raw diet may support weight management by balancing a dog’s digestive system generally.
FAQ
Do vets recommend raw meat for dogs?
The American Kennel Club (AKC), American Veterinary Medical Association, and other organizations advise against giving dogs uncooked or raw meat, eggs, or milk. Raw meat and dairy can carry pathogens, like E. Salmonella, E. coli, and listeria are bacteria that can kill people and pets.
What meat can dogs not eat raw?
- Bacteria.
- Dogs Have Different Nutritional Needs Than Previously.
- Raw Dog Food Isn’t Well-Regulated.