Dangers of Raw Diets for Dogs

Balanced Nutrition

Of course, another important criticism of raw diets for dogs is the lack of balanced nutrition. For healthy dogs that aren't dealing with health problems that require a specialized diet, the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals recommends feeding a diet with the right balance of protein, water, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. High-quality dog foods are formulated specifically to meet these needs in the correct amounts. What's more, a dog's nutritional needs change as he goes through different life stages. Dog foods are typically specifically suited to each stage of your pet's development.

Proponents of raw food diets claim that their dogs' skin and coats showed improvements after switching to raw meat diets; however, it's possible that any previous skin problems occurred from low-quality pet food, an environmental factor no longer around, or negative reactions to an ingredient in one brand of dog food. Instead, switching their dogs to a high-quality dog food may lead to similar improvements while ensuring that their dogs receive the proper balance of nutrients.

Raw Diet Safety

In spite of the risks and the lack of scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of a raw food diet, many people still insist that a raw diet is the healthiest way to feed their dogs. If you're not convinced that raw diets for dogs should be avoided, here are some safety guidelines recommended by the FDA to help reduce the risk of contamination to you and your dog.

• Avoid touching your face or mouth while handling raw pet food.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw meat.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces, utensils and other objects that came into contact with the raw pet food. The FDA recommends washing the surface with soap and water and then following with a solution of one tablespoon of bleach to one quart of water.
• Freeze raw meat or poultry until you're ready to use them (freezing does not guarantee killing of all the bacteria. Salmonella and E. Coli can often be resistant to cold temperatures). Thaw raw meat in your refrigerator or microwave, not in the sink or on the countertop.
• Carefully handle raw meat or poultry to avoid spreading raw juices to other areas.
• If your pet doesn't finish his food, immediately refrigerate or carefully dispose of the leftovers.
• Avoid kissing your dog on or near his mouth, and don't allow him to lick your face.
• Be sure to wash your face and hands after handling or being licked by your dog.

It's also a good idea to wear disposable gloves while handling your dog's food and to feed him on disposable plates. Because young children and the elderly are especially susceptible to foodborne illnesses, they should never come into contact with this type of dog food.

Your pet's stool is also a potential source of contamination. Be sure to collect and safely dispose of your dog's stool, taking care not to come into contact with it. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water when you're done.

With this evidence in hand, you can confidently answer "No" the next time you hear the question "Should I feed my dog a raw diet?" While the enthusiasm of raw diet proponents can be alluring, the safety of your dog and the people in your household should be your highest priority. If you're still not sure, talk to your veterinarian about the best type of food to feed your dog.