Generally speaking, most raw or lightly cooked meats are safe for dogs, with the exception of some fish and pork. Dogs have very acidic stomachs and natural digestive enzymes and bile that help them process bacteria without getting sick. Your dog’s digestive system can handle eating raw meat.
Just like the meals you prepare for yourself; your dog’s meals should be balanced and complete. Lissa Cannady, RVT, hospital director for VCA, says this is best determined by a veterinary nutritionist, who can ensure the meal has all the nutrients your pet needs to thrive. The amount of meat to give your dog will depend on his caloric needs. Work with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist before adding raw meat to your dog’s diet.
Can dogs eat raw chicken or beef?
Yes, raw chicken and raw beef are safe for dogs. Dogs can eat a wide variety of raw or lightly cooked meat.
Raw meat safe for dogs includes:
- chicken
- beef
- bison
- Türkiye
- rabbit
- buffalo
Rare raw meats that are safe for dogs include: alpaca, llama, elk, deer, moose, reindeer, goat, mutton, and venison. Raw duck, goose, quail, ostrich and emu are also safe for dogs.
Limit These Raw Fish for Dogs
Raw mackerel, sardines, trout and salmon can be safely given to your dog occasionally as a treat. These fish can contain high levels of pollutants so limit them. We recommend cooking the fish to negate the effects of thiaminase, an enzyme that inhibits nutrient absorption.
Do not feed raw pork to dogs
Do not feed raw pork to your dog; always cook it first. This is a safer than sorry rule, because undercooked or raw pork could give your dog trichinosis (essentially a parasitic worm, Trichinella spiralis). However, the CDC says better U.S. pork production laws and public education not to eat raw or undercooked pork have made these infections less common now.
Feeding Dogs Raw Meat Safety Tips
Always follow proper safety precautions when preparing your dog’s raw meat meals:
- Keep it in the fridge if you are not using it right away
- Thaw meat in your refrigerator, not in the sink or on the counter
- Follow all safe handling instructions on the label
- Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat
- Clean and sanitize everything that raw meat touches when preparing it, such as your dog’s food bowl, cutting board, knives, etc.
Consult the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s safe food handling tips.
Feeding Raw Meat for Dogs with Food Sensitivities
Protein is the staple of any dog’s diet, but not all dogs can eat all types of protein. Meat protein will make up the majority of your dog’s meal, but the choice of protein for your dog will be determined by your dog’s health needs. If your dog has food allergies or certain health issues, avoid certain types of meat. Discuss which ones to avoid with a veterinary nutritionist.
Work with your veterinary nutritionist for a “balance over time” plan that alternates meats with fruits, vegetables and grains at each meal to provide all the amino acids, vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy. good health.
Read our article on the three types of raw dog food diets and the rules for raw food diets.
