Today, dogs and wolves share approximately 99.96% of the same DNA, but the differences between a poodle and a gray wolf are significant. Wolves are carnivores, for example, but domesticated dogs have evolved to eat carbohydrates, vegetables, and even fruit. When it comes to pet care, you can’t feed your dog the same way that you’d feed a wolf—this means a raw food diet is potentially dangerous. Here’s what you need to know about feeding your furry friend.

Nutritional Balance

Domesticated puppies need calcium and phosphorus to support a strong skeletal system. Raw meat doesn’t contain enough of these minerals to build strong bones, which is why the diet isn’t safe for young dogs.

Raw meat is also high in vitamin A, which can produce symptoms including joint stiffness and immobility, GI disturbance, and decreased liver function. Various breeds can tolerate different levels of vitamin A, which makes it difficult for pet owners to administer a raw diet safely. Presentation can also be slow; symptoms might not develop for several years.

Foodborne Illness

Foodborne bacteria are also common with raw diets. Reports from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 2010 and 2012 show that about 7.65% of commercially purchased “raw” dog food contained salmonella; 16.33% tested positive for listeria. In contrast, all the tests for dry dog food and jerky treats were negative.

If your dog ingests contaminated food, they can become sick or spread illness to others, including humans. It’s safer for everyone if you cook the meat before they eat it.

The Bottom Line

If your pup steals a piece of raw chicken from the countertop, they probably won’t get sick. Most dogs can tolerate exposure to salmonella and listeria better than humans.

However, it’s not healthy to feed your dog a long-term raw meat diet. Gradually, it can cause nutritional deficiencies or infections. Raw, unprocessed meat can also contain bone fragments, which might puncture your dog’s GI tract or fracture their teeth.

Alternatives to Raw Meat

Look for a nutritional guarantee label from the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Talk to a pet care professional about your dog’s specific needs—some dogs have different nutritional requirements, such as a low-sugar diet.

Your dog can have some “human” food in moderation, including sweet potatoes, blueberries, apples, peanut butter, cooked chicken, pork, and turkey. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and avocado because these can be deadly or cause severe illness.

For more guidance on pet care in Sauk County, WI, contact Baraboo Valley Veterinary Clinic. The veterinarians at this practice work tirelessly to empower pet owners with the resources they need to make informed decisions about their four-legged companions. They provide vaccinations, wellness exams, diagnostics, nutritional care, and more. Visit the clinic online to learn more about their comprehensive pet care services, and call (608) 355-2882 to schedule an appointment.