Can dogs eat raw meat?

Can dogs eat raw meat?

The short answer is, yes, dogs can eat a variety of raw meats. There are a lot of myths about raw feeding and whether dogs can eat raw meat. However, as Facultative Carnivores, raw meat can play an essential role in a healthy diet for dogs providing a variety of essential nutrients. Did you know that the nutrients found in fresh, real food are highly bioavailable (1) (that is, more easily recognised and used by your dog’s body) meaning that your dog benefits from every bite. 

In this guide, we’ll outline some of the types of raw meat that dogs can eat, as well as key information and serving ideas.

What are the benefits of dogs eating raw meat? 

Raw meat is an excellent source of the nutrients and minerals that a dog requires as part of a healthy diet. Nutrient-dense and delicious, it is a fantastic way to provide high quality and easily digestible protein, forming the building blocks of good health. Raw meat contains all of the essential amino acids that your dog needs in order to thrive.

The main benefit of raw meat over cooked meat is that it is bioavailable, preventing the unnecessary denaturing of vitamins and minerals in the cooking process and allowing dogs to absorb a range of micronutrients, vitamins, minerals and essential fats without losing their goodness. 

Raw meat also contains enzymes which aid in digestion, and which are destroyed by cooking and processing (2).

Are there any risks to dogs eating raw meat? 

Quality plays a key role in making sure that meat is safe and beneficial for dogs to eat. Safe preparation minimises the risks associated with bacteria such as E. Coli or salmonella, and parasites. 

Keep in mind that raw meat you buy from the supermarket or butcher will have been sold with the assumption that it’s going to be cooked before eating and it won’t have undergone the bacterial testing that a raw food, such as Bella+Duke meals undergoes.  Freezing the meat before use will minimise bacterial growth, and will also kill off any parasites that may be present (3). It’s particularly important that you freeze wild caught game for at least 3 days before use, as this is more likely to contain parasites. 

It’s essential that any of the meat you serve your dog is unseasoned, as many additives such as onions can be toxic to dogs. 

Any new foods, including meat, should be introduced gradually and fed in moderation to see how dogs cope with it in their diet. It is possible for dogs to have allergies to some meats, so you should always seek veterinary advice if you are in any doubt about the suitability of a food for your dog. Find out more about your dogs health here.

Which types of raw meat can dogs eat? 

Dogs can eat a wide variety of raw meat – we’ll explore some of the most popular meats here. 

Can dogs eat raw chicken?

Yes. It is safe for dogs to eat raw chicken, providing it is prepared safely.

Raw chicken is rich in protein, helping dogs to repair and build strong bones, joints and muscles while supporting active lifestyles. As well as being nutrient-dense, chicken is a lean type of meat, meaning it is relatively low in calories.

The omega-6 in chicken helps to maintain healthy skin and shiny coats in dogs, while essential amino acids and glucosamine promote healthy bones.

Can dogs eat raw beef? 

Yes. Dogs can eat beef and it is a great source of protein, as well as important minerals and vitamins. The protein in raw beef helps dogs to build and repair muscle, while vitamins and minerals promote a healthy coat and skin.

The zinc in beef improves skin and fur quality, as well as assisting thyroid function and a healthy immune system. Iron works to help dogs’ circulatory systems, with selenium supporting metabolism function.

Beef is also a great source of vitamin B12, which is essential for a healthy nervous system, brain function and the formation and growth of blood cells, also playing a part in intestinal health.

The B3, also known as Niacin, enables dogs to maintain healthy nerves and skin, as well as B6 being needed by dogs’ bodies for the metabolism of amino acids.

It is important to remember that beef should not have any seasoning or added sauces, as these can contain harmful ingredients.

Can dogs eat raw steak?

Yes. Dogs can eat raw steak as part of a healthy, balanced diet as it is rich in iron, protein, omega-6 fatty acids, alongside many other beneficial minerals and nutrients.

In beef steak, the proteins help to maintain and repair muscle and tissue, while fatty omega-6 acids work to assist joint health and cognitive function. The iron found in raw steak helps to support dogs’ circulatory systems.

Can dogs eat raw pork?

Yes, dogs can eat pork, providing it is fed in a safe way. It is high in protein and can be a tasty and nutritious addition to a dog’s diet, supporting and maintaining muscle repair and growth, while supplying amino acids to look after dogs’ skin, coats and hormone production.

The preparation must be taken care of in a way that makes sure the parasite trichinella spiralis larvae is not present. Make sure you buy from a reputable source and freeze for at least 3 days. It should also be fed without seasoning, feeding the lean part in moderation, while avoiding pork fat.

Can dogs eat raw mince? 

Yes. Beef mince is safe for dogs to eat and it has the same nutritional benefits as raw beef. This means it is rich in protein, zinc and vitamins B12, B3 and B6. The result of this nutrient-dense meat is a diet that helps dogs to grow and repair muscle, while keeping their coat, skin, circulatory system, metabolism, brain function and nervous system healthy.

It should be unseasoned and low fat. Many people choose to feed beef mince as a tasty source of protein and other essential nutrients.

Dogs can also eat other types of mince, such as turkey or lamb. 

Can dogs eat raw lamb? 

Yes. Dogs can eat raw lamb and it can be a fantastic addition to a canine diet.

Lamb is rich in protein, which supports the immune system and production of antibodies and hormones, as well as helping to build, repair and maintain muscle tissue. It is also rich in iron, helping the body to carry oxygen in the haemoglobin of red blood cells throughout the body for energy.

As a great source of omegas, lamb helps to keep a dog’s coat shiny and skin healthy. These fats can transport fat-soluble vitamins to be digested and used by the body, as well as supporting dogs’ growth and overall health.

Lamb can be broken down into small pieces as delicious treats, or incorporated into a dog’s diet. As with all meats, it must be prepared safely to avoid bacterial contamination such as E. coli and salmonella.

Can dogs eat raw turkey? 

Yes. Dogs can safely eat turkey and it brings many nutritional benefits. Turkey is rich in protein, helping to promote the formation and maintenance of strong muscle, bones and joints.

It also includes riboflavin, or vitamin B2, which enables dogs to break down protein, carbohydrates and fat and turn them into energy. The phosphorus that is present is an essential mineral that dogs require for healthy teeth, bones and metabolism function.

The lean meat of turkey should be fed, avoiding the skin as this is higher in fat. It’s also important to make sure the turkey has not been seasoned, processed or fried, as this is not healthy for dogs, particularly if they are regularly fed it.

Can dogs eat raw duck?

Yes. Duck is high in protein and rich in iron, making it a lean, easily digestible source of beneficial nutrients. Its amino acids support muscle development, growth and repair.

Duck also contains antioxidants such as selenium and zinc that boost the immune system and assist healthy thyroid function. It has vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, which helps cardiovascular health and supports dogs’ metabolism and energy. Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, helps dogs to maintain optimum glucose levels by converting the protein, fats and carbohydrates from duck into usable energy.

Which types of raw meat should dogs not eat?

While dogs can eat many types of raw meat, there are some that it’s best to avoid giving them. 

Can dogs eat bacon?

No. Dogs should not eat bacon as it is typically high in salt and fat. This means it can cause vomiting, indigestion and diarrhoea.

Dogs can be sensitive to fatty foods and too many fatty treats can lead to pancreatitis. While bacon is not necessarily toxic to dogs, the ingredients can cause harm, particularly if fed regularly or in large quantities.

Can dogs eat sausage?

No. Dogs should not be fed raw sausage, as sausages are typically high in salt, fat and have other ingredients such as seasoning that can be hazardous to dogs.

Sulphite preservatives can also be found in processed sausages, which can cause thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, a condition which can be fatal in dogs.

There are other foods that you should avoid giving to your dog. Learn about food that is toxic to dogs here.

How to prepare raw meat for your dog

Raw meat can be added to your dog’s meals, as a ‘topper’ or can be given as a treat. It doesn’t require much preparation but there are a few things to keep in mind when including it. 

Raw meat from a supermarket, or butcher is sold with the assumption that you’re going to cook it before it’s eaten. This means that it hasn’t been tested for harmful bacteria in the same way that raw dog food from a raw food manufacturer, such as Bella+Duke, will have been. It’s therefore essential that you maintain good hygiene practices. 

Raw meat may also contain parasites, which can be harmful to your dog. Farmed meat from a reputable UK source is considered to have a relatively low (but not zero!) parasite risk, while wild caught game carries a higher risk.

Freezing the meat you buy for your dog will minimise any bacterial growth which may occur before you feed it – and it will also kill off the parasites commonly found in meat in the UK. You should freeze the meat for at least three days before defrosting it and serving it to your dog. 

Remember that raw meat alone will not provide your dog with all of the nutrients that they need to remain healthy.

Why you should feed your dog a raw diet 

A complete raw diet provides your dog with all of the nutrients that they need in an easily digested and highly bioavailable form, that dogs love.

There are many benefits to feeding a raw diet, from a shiny coat and bright eyes, great energy levels and smaller, and firmer poos. A raw diet can also help with improving dental health, as well as providing the building blocks needed to keep joints healthy, and maintain muscle mass. 

Learn more about the benefits of raw food for dogs.

What raw meat can be found in Bella + Duke’s raw dog food? 

At Bella+Duke, we prepare human-grade, high-quality meat, making sure dogs can enjoy a safe, raw diet that is easy to digest and packed with nutrients.

Raw meat can bring many health benefits as part of a healthy, balanced diet for dogs. This is why you can find raw meat, including chicken, beef, turkey, lamb and duck in our raw dog food. We use grass fed meat and high welfare poultry in our recipes.

References

1. Raw Feeding in Dogs and Cats https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/coan.2018.0068
2. Dynamic alterations in protein, sensory, chemical and oxidative properties occurring in meat during thermal and non-thermal processing techniques. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1057457/full
3. Emerging food-borne parasites https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401709003161