Yes, dogs can gain weight on a raw diet, but it's often healthy weight (muscle) or due to overfeeding/lack of exercise, while many dogs actually lose excess fat and become leaner because raw diets are high in protein, low in carbs, and very filling. Weight gain on raw food usually happens if you feed too many calories (especially fats), don't provide enough activity, or if the diet is too calorie-dense for your dog's needs, but it can also be managed by adding bulk veggies or reducing fat/portion sizes.
Feeding a raw dog food or cat food diet is a naturally great diet where animals lose body fat and gain body muscle. However, just because your pet is eating a raw diet doesn't mean your pet won't put weight on, especially if they are over eating or suffering from a lack of exercise.
Vets generally don't recommend raw diets due to significant risks of pathogenic bacterial contamination (like Salmonella, E. coli) that harm pets and humans, the difficulty in ensuring a complete and balanced diet, and the danger of physical injuries from bones (fractures, blockages). The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) highlights these risks, noting bacteria can shed from pets and infect immunocompromised individuals, making proper hygiene crucial but challenging.
The Steady Pace of Growth in Raw Fed Dogs
Lynn advises that dogs fed raw diets grow at a more even pace than those fed kibble since they are not taking in a lot of excess calories that put them on a growth kick over a short period of time. This may also be related to the nutrient profile and digestibility.
Weight loss on a raw food diet
“Many dogs can naturally lose weight when moved over to a raw diet,” explains veterinary nurse and educator for Natures Menu, Melanie Sainsbury. “This is often mostly due to their previous diet.
As Dr. Reimschuessel explained, the study “identified a potential health risk for the pets eating the raw food, and for the owners handling the product.” Owners who feed their pet a raw diet may have a higher risk of getting infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
A: The best way to encourage weight loss in a dog is to switch to a research-backed weight-control dog food that helps to reduce calories without negatively impacting nutrition. Diets formulated for weight loss typically will be high in fiber and low in calories and will be made with lean protein.
Raw food diets can improve a dog's gut health, which is linked to better behavior. Nutrients in raw food may influence a dog's mood and energy levels. Chewing raw bones can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. Switching to raw feeding might increase a dog's trainability and focus.
Three toxic types of meat for dogs include fatty, processed meats (like bacon, sausage, ham) due to salt/fat causing pancreatitis and sodium issues; seasoned meats with onions/garlic (allium) that damage red blood cells; and cooked bones, which splinter and cause internal damage or blockages, potentially requiring surgery. Raw meats can also carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
The time it takes for a dog to reach their ideal weight varies significantly based on individual factors. However, a safe weight loss of 1-2% per week generally leads to significant results in a few months. For instance, if your dog needs to lose 10 pounds, it could take approximately 10 to 20 weeks.
Some raw-fed dogs even manage to surpass their breed's expected lifespan by several years, remaining active and healthy well into their senior years. For us, the conclusion is obvious: the life expectancy of our dogs is directly related to the quality of their food.
The worst dog foods often contain cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy; unspecified "meat meals" or by-products; excessive sugar; and artificial colors/preservatives, with brands like Kibbles 'n Bits, Beneful, Gravy Train, and some Purina/Iams varieties frequently cited for low nutritional quality and questionable ingredients. Focus on avoiding poor-quality protein sources (unspecified meat meals), fillers, artificial additives, and dangerous human foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol.
What to expect when transitioning to raw dog food:
Supplements to add
Incorporating supplements into your pooch's dinner is an effective way to address specific nutritional needs and enhance their overall health. Some of the most popular additions to a raw diet include salmon oil like the Lifestage Salmon Oil for Dogs.
There's no single "number 1" healthiest dog food, as the best choice depends on your dog's age, breed, and health; however, look for foods meeting AAFCO standards (Association of American Feed Control Officials), with real meat as the first ingredient, and vet-recommended brands like Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin are often cited for balanced nutrition. Freshly prepared or raw diets can also be healthy but carry risks, so always consult your vet.
While it's easy to assume your dog's extra pounds are due to overeating, the causes can be more complex. Factors such as age, reduced activity levels, hormonal imbalances, and even certain medications can contribute to weight gain in dogs. Additionally, some breeds are naturally predisposed to gain weight.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
Among the three (chicken, turkey, and beef), the most balanced meat is chicken — as it is high in protein but also low in fat which makes it the healthiest type of meat to serve canines.
Common toxic foods for dogs
Vets generally don't recommend raw diets due to significant risks of pathogenic bacterial contamination (like Salmonella, E. coli) that harm pets and humans, the difficulty in ensuring a complete and balanced diet, and the danger of physical injuries from bones (fractures, blockages). The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) highlights these risks, noting bacteria can shed from pets and infect immunocompromised individuals, making proper hygiene crucial but challenging.
The numbers stand for percentages referring to meat, organ and bony material. The diet is composed of 80% (usually by volume, but can be by weight) muscle meat. 10% organ meat, usually the solid organs like liver and kidney. 10% bone is then added for minerals, teeth cleaning and bulk.
What signs indicate my dog is thriving on a raw food diet? Raw feeding owners report a number of signs including improved coat quality, increased energy levels, better dental health, healthy digestion, effective weight management, reduced allergic reactions, and noticeable behavioural changes.
Causes of Excessive Weight Loss in Dogs
By creating a calorie-deficit (the body burns more calories than is eaten in a day), your pet will lose weight the healthy way. Off-leash running (indoors chasing toys for cats or outside for dogs), swimming, or dog sports like Agility and Flyball for an hour or more everyday are the best activities to lose weight.
Studies in humans, cats and dogs have all substantiated positive weight loss results when adding fiber to calorie restricted programs. Canned green beans provide extra fiber, are generally a hit with dogs, and only contain about 50 calories per can.