Is Feeding Your Dog A Raw Diet Better For Their Health?

Is feeding dogs a raw diet a healthier option? The American Veterinary Medical Association takes a strong stance against unregulated raw food diets for pets. They discourage the practice of feeding cats and dogs any animal-source protein that hasn’t undergone a process to eliminate pathogens. This cautionary approach is rooted in concerns about the potential risks of illness not only to pets but also to humans. Their stance, as of November 24, 2020, emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety of pet food to safeguard the health of both animals and their owners.

What are the drawbacks of feeding your dog a raw food diet? One significant concern is the presence of potentially harmful bacteria in raw dog food. These bacteria have the potential to lead to a range of health issues in dogs, from mild stomach sensitivity to severe illnesses, and in extremely rare cases, even fatalities. Additionally, it’s important to consider the risk of contamination to humans, especially those who are immunocompromised, elderly, or young, as they are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of these bacteria when handling raw dog food. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential disadvantages when deciding whether a raw dog food diet is the right choice for your pet. [Published on May 29, 2020]