As mentioned above, raw meat and bones carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill and so are not recommended. However, if you do decide to feed your dog any raw meat or raw bones, it is recommended that you choose only human-grade raw meat and bones.
Don't give raw chicken, salmonella may be present , it's safer to cook it first... The best raw meat is beef, also meaty beef bones, ensuring the bones are an appropriate size for your dog. Raw offal, like liver and lambs fry is good . A lot of dogs love chewing on raw carrots, apples and pears (minus the pips).
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.
Yes, dogs can eat raw meat, but giving dogs raw meat only is not advisable. Raw food diets have grown in popularity in recent years. The surge in people embracing raw diets for dogs may stem from pet owners hoping to feed their dogs foods that more closely resemble how the dogs would have eaten in the wild.
However, the AVMA discourages feeding any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein (e.g., meat, poultry, fish, egg, milk*) to dogs and cats because of their risk to human and animal health.
Raw food, especially meat, contains bacteria, parasites and other pathogens that would normally be killed during the cooking process. So feeding raw food brings extra risks, not just to your pet's health but also to other people in your household.
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.
Here's a general way to prepare a raw meal for your dog:
Most veterinarians recommend against feeding any pet raw meat. Dogs can eat raw meat, but it's not the best idea.
Gently cooked fresh food is just as nutritionally sound for your dog, and cuts down pathogen risks dramatically. If you do go with a raw meat dog food, be sure to serve raw meat fresh but well thawed. Dogs don't want to find their dinner frozen in the middle any more than you would!
Feeding your dog fatty foods, like hot dogs, bacon, ribs, or fried chicken, can upset your dog's stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can also lead to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas.
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.
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer (neoplasia), affecting about 1 in 4 dogs, similar to humans, with specific breeds at higher risk. Other significant causes include old age, heart disease, digestive disorders (like bloat), infectious diseases (like Parvo), and trauma, with sterilization influencing risks for cancer and infections.
Choose Affordable Proteins
You can find raw dog food recipes made from lamb, venison, and duck, but chicken and beef are often the most affordable recipes (and just as delicious).
Freezing the meat you buy for your dog will minimise any bacterial growth which may occur before you feed it – and it will also kill off the parasites commonly found in meat in the UK. You should freeze the meat for at least three days before defrosting it and serving it to your dog.
After meat and offal, other ingredients help provide a wide range of nutrients. Adding healthy sources of vegetables such as carrots, swede, peas and spinach can provide your dog with a great source of dietary fibre, which can help to maintain gut health. Dog-friendly fruits can also provide taste, texture and smell.
The list of raw meat suitable for dogs is long. Your dog can eat raw chicken, lamb, beef, fish, turkey and duck. They can also eat unusual meats like venison and rabbit. The main thing is that the meat is high-quality and the recipe is free from sugars, salts and preservatives.
Safety for the owners
Meat (especially ground meat) and eggs for animal or human consumption carry microorganisms (2,15). Raw pet food poses similar risks for pathogenic bacteria as do raw meat and eggs for humans (2,15).
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.
What Should Top 3 Ingredients Be in Dog Food?
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.
If you can, you should feed your dog raw meat daily. You can feed your dog as many or as few times per day as you like, as long as you stick to a regular schedule so your dog knows when to expect their meals.
Yes, dogs can eat cooked eggs in moderation. Boiled, scrambled, and poached are all great options—as long as they're plain and not cooked in butter or oil. Raw eggs should be avoided due to potential health risks such as salmonella and reduced nutrient absorption.
Top Raw Meats Dogs Can Eat — and Why They Matter
On top of this, fish is an excellent source of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iodine, and Selenium - all key nutrients for long-term health. And because fish is generally easier to digest than chicken or beef, it's often the preferred option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.