The Truth About Raw Dog Food: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Switching your dog to a raw pet food diet isn’t rebellion — it’s curiosity. It’s you standing in the pet food aisle, wondering if that shiny bag of brown pellets really beats what nature built into the species over thousands of years.
For many, raw feeding isn’t a fad. It’s a quiet statement: I want to know what’s in my dog’s bowl.

But with every movement comes myth. Let’s unpack the truth about raw dog food, what works, what doesn’t, and how to feed your dog safely.

Why Raw Feeding Is Growing Among Pet Owners

You’re not imagining it — raw feeding for dogs has exploded. The global raw-food market now makes up about 4 % of total pet-food sales and is growing fast, roughly 12–16 % yearly. Dog owners post freezer-drawer photos like meal-prep influencers.

In one large study of 2,500 dog owners, a third said they’d fed raw dog food for over a year — most claiming glossier coats, better energy, and smaller stools. Ninety-four per cent believed the diet was “absolutely safe.”
Science, though, is slower to agree. A 2025 review in Animals (MDPI) found most of those benefits come from observation, not proof, and warned of bacterial risks.

So while owners may swear their dogs glow on raw, researchers are still catching up to the hype.

What a Balanced Raw Diet for Dogs Really Looks Like

Raw feeding done right is more chemistry than chaos. It’s not tossing mince in a bowl; it’s about balance.
The classic 80/10/10 raw feeding ratio — 80 % meat, 10 % bone, 10 % organ — gives a nutritional base, but variety keeps it healthy. Rotate proteins (beef, chicken, lamb, fish) and remember fats and trace minerals like zinc and selenium.

Storage matters too. Freezing or high-pressure pasteurisation (HPP) helps control bacteria before it hits your fridge.
A 2018 study found both raw and lightly cooked diets were “highly digestible and produced excellent stool quality.” Translation: when it’s balanced, the gut thanks you.

Raw Diet Benefits: What Owners See (and What Science Says)

The glow-ups are real. Many raw-fed dogs show:

• Shinier coats and healthier skin
• Better digestion and smaller stools
• Cleaner teeth and fresher breath
• Stable energy throughout the day
  

Most of this evidence, though, comes from owners — not labs. But there’s one thing experts agree on: paying attention to what your dog eats, whether raw or cooked, tends to improve health outcomes simply because you care more.

Sometimes, mindfulness itself is the secret ingredient.

Raw Feeding Risks: The Hidden Challenges

Here’s the part Instagram doesn’t post.
Raw meat can carry Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter — all of which can make dogs (and humans) sick. Even freeze-dried or dehydrated raw food can contain bacteria if handled poorly.

Nutritional imbalances are another issue. Only around 8 % of raw feeders consult a vet or canine nutritionist, and calcium-to-phosphorus ratios are commonly off. Bones can fracture teeth or cause blockages. And let’s be honest: sourcing, storing, thawing, and sanitising daily isn’t for everyone.

Raw dog food isn’t dangerous — it’s just demanding. When done right, it’s beautiful. When done wrong, it’s chaos.

How to Start Raw Feeding Safely (and Sanely)

If you’re curious, start slow.

• Begin with 25 % raw and 75 % of your current food.
• Gradually increase over two to three weeks.
• Keep meat frozen until 24 hours before feeding and thaw in the fridge.
• Clean bowls and prep areas after every meal.
  Rotate proteins weekly and monitor stool and energy.
  

Premade raw food brands are a great bridge — balanced by professionals, easy to portion, and safer for beginners.
And if you’re feeding puppies, seniors, or dogs with sensitivities, talk to your vet first. They’ll help tailor ratios and portion sizes for growth and digestion.

FAQs About Raw Dog & Pet Food

Is raw food just a trend?
– No. The BARF (Bones and Raw Food) diet started in the 1990s. What’s new is modern quality control and commercial access to safer, pre-portioned meals.

Can raw feeding help allergies or sensitivities?
– Sometimes. Cutting out fillers can reduce triggers, but true allergies need testing and careful food rotation.

Is it okay to mix raw and kibble?
– Yes, as long as your dog’s stomach tolerates it. Transition gradually and keep the feeding schedule consistent.

Final Thoughts: Real Food, Real Responsibility

Raw feeding isn’t a shortcut to perfect health — it’s a commitment to awareness. It asks you to look, measure, freeze, and clean. But for many owners, that connection to what their dog eats feels right.

So whether you choose raw dog food, lightly cooked, or premium kibble, do it intentionally. Feed with curiosity. Feed with care. That’s the real secret to a healthy, happy dog.