Before You Start Your Dog on a Raw Diet, Here Is What You Need to Know

By Jillian Blume

Considering the frequent recalls of dog food that is contaminated with dangerous bacteria like salmonella, actual poisons like arsenic, and even a euthanasia drug, it’s no wonder that a raw diet has become more popular.

Home-prepared diets allow pet parents to know exactly what goes into their dog food. Since dog food that you make yourself can either be cooked or raw, the debate is often focused on which diet is healthier.

Raw food is an attempt to replicate what a dog would eat in the wild, but that can be easier said than done. When dogs in the wild kill an animal for food, the meat is fresh, and it includes everything in an animal’s body, from bones to organs. In other words, a balanced raw diet would need to include more than just steak.

“Many dogs do well on raw, but some do better on cooked food,” says Dr. Gary Richter, a holistic vet. “What works best is specific to the individual.”

If you are contemplating going raw with your dog, here are a few things to consider…