Introduction
A carnivore diet for dogs consists entirely of raw meat, bones, and organs. There is some controversy around feeding dogs a purely carnivore diet. While conventional dry dog food contains some meat, it also contains grains and vegetables. The idea behind a raw carnivore diet is to mimic what dogs would eat in the wild.
In recent years, the raw food diet has gained popularity with some dog owners who want to feed foods they consider more natural. However, many vets advise caution, as raw meat carries risks of harmful bacteria like salmonella and E.coli. Supporters of the raw diet argue it provides better nutrition and health benefits compared to highly processed kibble. But more research is still needed on the pros and cons of a raw carnivore diet for dogs.
History of Dog Diets
Dogs evolved as carnivores, with their ancestral wolf diet consisting primarily of raw meat and bones. Their sharp teeth, short digestive tracts, and other physiological adaptations all point to a carnivorous ancestry. However, the domestication of dogs starting over 15,000 years ago began changing their natural diet.
As dogs were domesticated by humans for purposes like hunting, herding and protection, they started being fed scraps and leftovers from human food. This introduced more plant-based foods into dogs’ diets like grains and vegetables. While dogs remained primarily carnivorous, their domestication opened them up to more varied omnivorous diets.
Commercial production of dog food began in the mid-1800s. James Spratt introduced the first mass-produced dog biscuit in England in 1860, made of wheat, vegetables, beetroot and beef blood. This paved the way for commercial dog food to take off in the United States after 1890. Brands like Ken-L Ration gained popularity after World War I by producing canned horse meat dog food.
Over the decades, commercial dog food continued evolving with more dry kibbles, processed meats, grain fillers and synthetic preservatives. This took dog diets even further away from the ancestral raw, meat-based diets of their evolutionary past.
Nutritional Needs
Dogs have specific nutritional requirements that need to be met through their diet. According to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report “Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs”, some key requirements include:
Protein – Dogs require protein for growth, reproduction, and maintenance. Adult dogs need a minimum of 18% crude protein in their diet on a dry matter basis. Puppies require higher amounts, starting at 22% crude protein. High quality animal sources like meat, poultry, fish and eggs provide complete proteins with all the essential amino acids.
Fat – Dietary fat provides energy, supports metabolic function, insulation, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The minimum fat content for adult dogs is 5% dry matter. However, most commercial and raw diets contain 10-15% fat which helps make the food palatable and provides essential fatty acids.
Vitamins & Minerals – Dogs require at least 6 vitamins (A, D, E, K, B12, thiamine) and 7 minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfur). Calcium and phosphorus are especially important for bone health. Many raw ingredients are naturally rich sources of vitamins and minerals, though supplements may be needed to meet all requirements.
Benefits of Raw Meat Diets
There are several potential benefits associated with raw meat diets for dogs compared to commercial kibble according to advocates. The primary benefits relate to mimicking a dog’s ancestral, carnivorous diet as well as supporting dental and gastrointestinal health.
One of the main reasons owners switch to raw is that it more closely resembles the natural ancestral diet of dogs before domestication. Dogs evolved as carnivores, with digestive systems optimized for consuming raw, meat-based proteins (Source). Feeding raw meat, bones, and organs provides nutrients in their natural, recognizable form.
Raw meaty bones help clean teeth and exercise jaws, promoting better dental health. The bones scrape away plaque and tartar as the dog chews, helping reduce chances of infection (Source). Owners of dogs on raw diets report noticeably cleaner, whiter teeth.
The natural enzymes and micronutrients found in raw food may also help improve digestive health and nutrient absorption. Digestive upset and stool volume tend to decrease in raw fed dogs. The high moisture content and natural probiotics support healthy intestinal flora and gut motility (Source).
Risks of Raw Meat Diets
There are some notable risks associated with feeding a raw meat diet to dogs. The main risks include bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalances, and parasites.
Raw meat and raw meat diets can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, Campylobacter, and others. These bacteria can cause illness in both dogs and humans who handle the raw food or come into contact with surfaces exposed to the raw food (FDA, 2018). Proper food handling and storage can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of bacterial contamination.
Feeding a raw meat diet also poses a risk of nutritional imbalances if the diet is not properly formulated. Raw diets typically require the addition of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to create a complete and balanced diet. Inadequate amounts of these can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time (Davies, 2019).
In addition, raw meat may contain parasites such as tapeworms and toxoplasmosis. These parasites can be transmitted to the dog through the consumption of raw meat. Parasites can cause gastrointestinal issues and be a health concern, especially for puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems.
Sourcing Raw Ingredients
Most raw dog food recipes call for raw meat, organs, and bones as the primary ingredients. It’s important to source high-quality and fresh ingredients when making raw dog food at home1. Some options for sourcing raw ingredients include:
Raw meats: Lean beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb are commonly used. Look for grass-fed and organic when possible and ensure the meat is fresh. Raw meats can often be found in bulk from butchers or specialty raw pet food suppliers2.
Organs: Liver, kidney, and other organs like heart provide important nutrients. Organs should make up 5-10% of the overall raw diet. Find them fresh or frozen from butchers or ethnic grocery stores.
Bones: Raw meaty bones like chicken necks/wings or lamb necks are a good addition. They help with dental health. Make sure to choose bones appropriate for your dog’s size.
Supplements: A raw dog food diet may need added vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, etc. Look for dog food supplements specifically formulated for raw diets.
Food Safety
When handling raw meat and preparing homemade raw dog food, proper food safety practices are essential to avoid illness. Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria that can contaminate surfaces, utensils, and finished products.
Raw meat should be stored sealed and refrigerated at 40°F or less. Freeze at 0°F or less for long-term storage. Thaw frozen raw meat in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to minimize bacterial growth. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
After working with raw meat, clean and sanitize prep surfaces, utensils, dishes, countertops, and hands thoroughly. Use hot soapy water then disinfect with a diluted bleach solution or other commercial disinfectant. Bleach solutions should be made fresh daily with 1 tablespoon unscented bleach per gallon of warm water [1].
Proper handling of raw meat is especially important for human health. Raw diets increase the risk of bacterial contamination in the home. Young children, elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk. In some cases, feeding a raw diet has resulted in human illnesses like Salmonella that can be life-threatening [2].
Making Raw Food at Home
Making raw dog food at home can be a cost-effective way to ensure your dog gets high-quality nutrition. However, it’s important to follow proper food safety practices and formulate balanced recipes.
To make raw dog food at home, you’ll need some basic equipment like a meat grinder, food scale, large mixing bowls, and storage containers. It’s also helpful to have kitchen tools like knives, cutting boards, funnels, and blender for mixing and processing ingredients.
When formulating homemade raw dog food recipes, it’s essential to include muscle meat, edible bone, organs like liver, and vegetables/fruits. You’ll also need to balance the calcium phosphorus ratio by including edible bone, supplement accordingly, and meet all vitamin/mineral needs.
One tip is to follow the 80-10-10 guideline – 80% muscle meat, 10% edible bone, 10% organ meat like liver or kidney. Mixing at least 3 protein sources helps create a complete amino acid profile. Most experts recommend rotating through novel protein sources to prevent food sensitivities.
Always practice safe handling procedures and proper storage when making raw dog food. Keep raw meats separated from other foods, refrigerate promptly, and don’t leave thawed meats unrefrigerated for long. Clean surfaces thoroughly after working with raw ingredients. Following food safety guidelines protects both your dog and family’s health.
With the right nutrition knowledge, equipment, and ingredients, you can successfully make balanced, safe raw food for dogs at home. Consult your vet and research formulation techniques to ensure you’re meeting all your dog’s dietary needs.
Commercial Raw Dog Food
When it comes to convenience and ensuring your dog gets a balanced raw diet, commercial raw dog foods can be a great option. These come in a variety of forms including freeze-dried, frozen, and refrigerated.
Some of the most popular and highest quality commercial raw dog food brands include Aunt Jeni’s, BJ’s Raw, Stella & Chewy’s, and Primal. Freeze-dried options like Stella & Chewy’s are lightweight and can be rehydrated before serving. Frozen raw foods from companies like Primal provide balanced nutrition in convenient patties or chubs that can be thawed before mealtime. Refrigerated raw diets like Aunt Jeni’s require keeping the food chilled until ready to serve.
Costs can range widely for commercial raw dog foods. Frozen and freeze-dried varieties typically range from $2-$8 per pound. Refrigerated and fresh-prepared raw diets tend to be the most expensive, ranging from $8-$15 per pound. Purchasing larger quantities at once can help lower the costs per pound.
Ultimately, commercial raw diets offer convenience for owners wanting to feed a nutritionally balanced raw diet without having to prepare everything themselves. The variety of formats allow owners to choose what works best for their needs.
Conclusion
In summary, there are potential benefits and risks to feeding a raw diet to dogs. The benefits include providing nutrients in their natural state, which may be easier for some dogs to digest. However, raw diets do come with risks such as nutritional imbalances, pathogens, and possible injury or illness if not handled properly.
It’s recommended that dog owners consult with their veterinarian before switching to a raw food diet, to ensure it will meet their dog’s unique nutritional needs. The vet can also advise on safe handling, preparation, and sourcing of raw ingredients.
If choosing to feed a raw diet, introduce new foods gradually while monitoring the dog’s health and energy levels. Be diligent about food safety and proper storage. Work closely with your vet and canine nutritionist to formulate balanced homemade raw meals or choose a high-quality commercial raw formulation.
With careful planning and monitoring, many dogs can thrive on a raw diet. But it’s not necessarily the best choice for every dog. Consider your dog’s health status, age, activity level, and your own ability to follow safety protocols. Your vet can help determine if raw feeding makes sense for your canine companion.