Is Giving Raw Food To Dogs Safe?

There has been a lot of talk and disagreement when it comes to giving dogs raw food. Many veterinarians and dog owners alike cringe at the thought of giving their pets or patients uncooked food. The main reason for this is that they believe that it is an unhealthy practice. Yet many others continue to raise their dogs on a raw food diet and believe that this is the best thing that they can do for their dog.

A raw food diet consists of many different types of food given raw. Fruits and vegetables pose no harm if given raw since they do not carry any type of bacteria or parasites in them. As a matter of fact even humans eat fruits and vegetables without cooking them beforehand. What most vets and pet owners do not agree about is giving the protein source raw. For dogs being fed a raw food diet much of the diet is based on proteins such as beef, chicken, pork, fish and game. This is what causes them to worry, since meat can be a carrier of bacteria such as e.coli and salmonella as well as parasites like trichonella worm and tapeworm. Even raw eggs which are given to animals on this type of diet can be a cause of salmonella poisoning.

However, just because such things are possible does not necessarily mean that it will happen. For one thing, dogs originally lived in the wild, which means that the food they had access to were actually raw. Being exposed to raw food early on their bodies have become accustomed to eating raw meat and it has already strengthened its immune system; meaning to say that dogs can fight off this type of bacteria and parasites better than humans.

Another point to remember is that commercial grade or human grade meat should always be used when giving raw food to dogs. A higher grade of meat will mean that the animals were raised in better conditions and cared for better lowering the risk of them being carriers of bacteria or parasites. Also, do keep in mind that proper handling and preparation of the meat will allow you to ensure that you do not contaminate it and make it conducive for housing any bacteria or parasites which can be passed on to your dog.

The final verdict on giving raw food to dogs? It would most definitely be a yes. It is safe to give raw food to dogs if you make it a point to take caution when preparing your dog’s meals.