The short answer for this is “Yes.” Dogs can eat raw meat, and it has tons of benefits. Dogs share 99% of DNA with Grey Wolf, and it’s safe to say that Grey Wolfs don’t have a problem with eating raw food. Therefore, your doggo also can eat raw meat. But it’s better to know all the benefits and the disadvantages you can get from giving your dog raw meat.
Table of Contents
Benefits of giving your Dog Raw Meat
Naturally, dogs are created to absorb animal protein in its raw form. Their ancestors have done that, so your dog also can do that. Those ancestors have consumed whole bodies of food with fur and bones as meals, but that probably won’t happen in your house. But it’s good to add a piece of clean raw meat to your dog’s diet because that will be good for your doggo.
Regarding raw meat, raw beef is the ideal choice for your doggo.
Why Raw Beef is good for your Dog?
Raw beef gives nutrients like protein that is essential for your doggo’s muscle growth. It also gives crucial fatty acids like omega 3 (EPA and DHA) and 6. It helps your doggo to have a shiny coat and gives more benefits to the heart and the immunity system.
As mentioned above, dogs share 99.9% of DNA with the grey wolf. If you don’t believe that, just look inside your doggo’s mouth. Large canines and pointed molars are there to rip and tear down meat from the bones.
Not only that, inside their mouth, there’s little to no salivary amylase, which is necessary for breaking down carbs (which means dogs don’t meant to eat lots of carbs).
Also, dogs have high acidity levels in their stomachs. It’s to handle all the bacteria found in fresh raw meat.
This means your doggo’s diet should have at least 70% meat. The rest should be vegetables, fruits, and other seeds.
But keep in mind that you can’t just add a big piece of meat to your doggo’s diet. There are some things you have to consider before doing that.
Choose smart your Dog’s Beef.
Not all beef gives your doggo the same nutrition. Most beef productions are either grain-fed or grass-fed. You should choose the grass-fed variety because it has a more balanced ratio of omega 3 and 6. More omega 3 and 6 are not beneficial for your doggo. In fact, more omega 3 and 6 can be bad for your doggo.
Also, grass-fed animals have more lean muscle mass. That means less stress-caused oxidation, and that’s really good for your dog.
How much can Dogs eat Raw Meat?
It depends on how you use raw meat. You can use raw meat as a treat or a topping or switch to a raw food diet.
It’s all about kilocalories per day. If you are using it as a treat, then about 10% of the daily calorie intake should come from these raw meats.
Keep in mind that no matter how you use raw meat for your doggo, raw meat alone can’t complete your doggo’s diet. If you want to switch to a raw meat diet, then use raw meat as a topper to a balanced diet and then slowly increase the amount of raw meat
Best ways you can give Raw Beef for your Dog
You can cut raw beef into little pieces like cubes or into thin slices like in hamburgers and put them in your dog’s bowl. They will surely enjoy the new addition to their diet.
Risks that are connected with Raw Meat Diets
Keep in mind that raw meat diets are not only about advantages and benefits. There are some concerns regarding raw meat diets for your dog. So, it’s better to understand them when you ask the question, “Can dogs eat raw meat?”
- Raw Meat is an Important Source of Bacterial Pathogens
Raw meat can contain bacterial pathogens like Salmonella that can cause gastrointestinal problems in both dogs and humans. Therefore, some veterinarians warn that raw meat is not suitable dogs that live in households with young children or with people with compromised immune systems.
- Nutrient Imbalance in Raw Meat Diets
Studies show that raw meat diets can be low in calcium and phosphorus and sometimes contains a high level of vitamin D. Some raw meat diets can be low in potassium, zinc, and magnesium. This can have a negative effect on your doggo.
- Raw Meat can cause Antibiotic Resistance in your Dog’s System.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in medicine. If a living being harbors antibiotic-resistant bacteria, then antibiotic treatments may not be effective. Experts believe that raw meat act as a vehicle for transmitting antibiotic resistance.
Conclusion
Overall, raw meat is good for your dog. So, if someone asks you, “Can dogs eat raw meat?” your answer should be yes. Although, it’s better to consult with your vet before switching to a complete raw meat diet because, as mentioned above, raw meat diet may not be ideal for all households.
Pingback: Is Homemade Dog Food Better for your Dog?