Can My Dog Get Sick From Eating Raw Meat?

There’s no way to forecast if raw meat consumption by your dog will cause sickness.

Each dog and every raw meat sample is unique. Your furry friend may be able to safely consume a raw chicken wing without any issues, or they may become seriously ill and even risk death.

Feeding your dog raw meat is like playing a game of poker with very high stakes, regardless of the result.

Cooked meat, whether it is in the form of commercial kibble or homemade meals, poses less risk compared to raw meat.

Cooking raw meat eliminates numerous germs and pathogens, which is not a topic of controversy.

If you are considering feeding your dog raw meat, be aware that it may not always be safe. Keep reading to understand why it can be harmful, and what steps to take in case your dog has already consumed raw meat.

Raw meat can make your dog very sick. This isn’t the least bit controversial — raw meats are frequently contaminated with pathogens that can make your dog very ill.
Bacterial contamination is the primary reason raw meats are dangerous for dogs . Some dogs manage to consume contaminated food without becoming ill, but others may become very sick after doing so.
It is a very bad idea to deliberately feed your dog raw meat. Dogs can also get sick from scavenging raw meat from the garbage, so you’ll want to be careful when preparing or disposing of uncooked meat.

Help! What If My Dog Already Ate Raw Meat?

Before discussing the drawbacks of intentionally providing dogs with raw meat, it’s important to chat about the appropriate actions to take in the event that your canine has already consumed raw meat.

For instance, your canine may have taken a portion of uncooked meat that you accidentally dropped while cooking, or she may have served herself something from the kitchen counter.

To begin with, there’s no need to panic, especially if your dog consumed only a small quantity of raw meat. Nonetheless, it would be prudent to address the behavior of your dog jumping up on the counter.

Feeding your dog raw meat regularly is vastly dissimilar to them having a small portion of raw beef. Even if the particular piece had microbes, your dog may not fall sick. In the case that the meat was contaminated, the quantity consumed by your dog may protect them from severe illness.

In the event that your dog consumes a significant amount of raw meat, like a whole chicken breast, it may not be necessary to urgently take them to the veterinarian. Simply contact your vet, describe the situation, and follow their instructions.

Avoid triggering vomiting or resorting to extreme actions. Keep a close eye on your pet for any indications of sickness and seek your veterinarian’s guidance if they commence vomiting or suffering from severe diarrhea.

Need Veterinary Help Fast?

If you can’t easily reach a veterinarian, it may be worthwhile to turn to JustAnswer, an online service that grants immediate virtual-chat access to a licensed veterinarian.

If necessary, you can converse with them about the problem and exchange videos or pictures. The virtual veterinarian is able to assist you in deciding what actions to take next.

While talking with your own vet — who understands the ins and outs of your dog’s history — is probably ideal, JustAnswer is a good backup option.

Most Authorities Agree: Raw Meat Is Potentially Dangerous

You don’t need to trust me on this as many veterinarians and researchers reject raw meat diets. The initial statement of the American Veterinary Medical Association regarding raw meat policy indeed confirms this.

To avoid the possibility of illness in both humans and their pets, the AVMA advises against giving cats and dogs any animal-based protein that has not been treated to remove pathogens.

It is advisable to consult your personal veterinarian for their opinion on the raw diet; however, expect a comparable response. In the interim, take into account the information provided by the FDA regarding raw meat (as indicated by the article titled “Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet”).

According to the research findings, raw pet food had a higher likelihood of being infected with bacteria that can cause diseases when compared to other tested pet food varieties.

The FDA collected hundreds of pet food samples, such as kibbles for cats and dogs, dry food for exotic pets, jerky treats, etc., to examine the safety of diets that include raw meat.

The findings were surprising.

Out of a batch of dry cat kibble, there was contamination of either Listeria monocytogenes or bacteria from the genus Salmonella in only one out of every 860 cooked or dried foods.

In contrast, one or both of the two bacteria were present in almost 24% of raw pet food. Out of 196 raw food samples tested, 15 were contaminated with Salmonella, while 32 were found to contain the specific species of Listeria.

Your Dog Is Not a Wild Canine (and That’s a Good Thing)

Giving dogs raw meat is motivated by the aim to offer them a diet that is suitable for their biology.

Nonetheless, this line of thinking has a few issues.

Your dog is a domestic animal who has been artificially selected to live alongside humans . Despite their similarities with wolves and their familial connections to them, dogs and wolves are very different animals . Wolves have spent the last 10,000 years or so eating elk and deer; dogs have spent this time learning how to beg for table scraps. Their diets differ markedly.
Wild canines live short lives . Many family dogs live for 10 years of more (and that’s still not long enough, if you ask me!), but the average lifespan of a wild wolf is about 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of a feral dog is even shorter – most only live 1 or 2 years when forced to live “in the wild.”
Wild wolves are frequently infected with pathogens and parasites . Many of these internal bugs come from the uncooked prey wolves eat, and some of them can be deadly .

Many wild dogs and wolves consume raw meat, causing them to become ill. Although some may easily recover, others may suffer severe consequences. However, due to their environment, wild canines don’t have many options for finding cooked meals.

BONUS: Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Recipe

Due to the constantly changing news about commercial dog foods and recalls, an increasing number of dog owners are choosing to prepare their own dog food at home. Although dogs enjoy home-cooked meals, it is vital to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure your furry friend remains healthy. Unlike preparing meals for oneself or family members, homemade dog food requires following essential regulations.

Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?

The reason for the increase in popularity of homemade diets is that the ingredients can be managed, thereby eliminating concerns about dog food recalls. Moreover, some individuals aspire to feed their pets healthy foods, similar to what they prefer for themselves. Homemade diets are the preferred option for some since they use whole food ingredients that are generally presumed to be healthier than processed dog food.

Before switching your dog to a homemade diet, it’s important to consider certain factors as homemade dog food may not be suitable for everyone.

Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.

Proper Nutrition for Dogs

Dogs, like humans, require proper nutrition to flourish. It’s vital to note that dogs’ nutritional requirements are distinct from our own. Therefore, sharing your meals with your dog isn’t an ideal solution. Failing to provide a complete and balanced diet may result in vitamin and nutrient deficiencies in dogs.

To meet their energy needs, dogs require an adequate amount of calories that vary according to their activity level and life stage. Seeking advice from your veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate daily caloric intake for your dog.

For a healthy homemade dog diet, it’s crucial to include a suitable combination of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat. To guarantee the food is well-rounded and adequate, it’s essential to incorporate necessary vitamins and minerals.

At least 10% protein , such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
Up to 50% carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta , and potatoes (also provides some fiber)
About 2.5-4.5% fiber , which can come from vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots
At least 5.5% fat , usually in the form of vegetable oil
Vitamin and mineral supplements (dog-specific; can be purchased from a reputable company like BalanceIT.com )

Before embarking on cooking for your dog, it is important to consult with your veterinarian as the first step. Your vet can provide you with recipe recommendations or refer you to a veterinary nutritionist or a canine nutrition-focused vet.

How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs

It is crucial to use a complete and balanced recipe when making your dog’s diet at home. Once you and your veterinarian have selected a suitable recipe, it’s time to begin.

Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.

Creating large amounts of food and storing them in pre-measured containers is a popular choice among pet owners to save time and funds. However, it is recommended to start with smaller batches to monitor your dog’s response to the new diet.

Sample Dog Food Recipes

Northwest Holistic Pet Care: Cooked Meal for a 20 lb. Dog

It is crucial to seek advice from your holistic veterinarian prior to modifying your dog’s food intake to ensure it aligns with their existing health. Prior to making dietary adjustments, ensure you take an accurate weight measurement of your dog. Having a starting point helps monitor any weight fluctuation and enables you to fine-tune quantities accordingly. It’s significant to bear in mind that the food quantity a dog needs is influenced by their level of activity, age, and overall health.

Ingredients

8 ounces ground organic turkey thigh (boneless)
2 tbsp ground organic turkey organ meat (liver, gizzards, hearts)
¼ c finely grated organic veggies
1 tsp ground raw sunflower seeds
½ tsp organic coconut oil
½ tsp salmon oil
500 mg Calcium Citrate (*must include this!)

Adapt the ingredient quantities depending on the weight and activity level of your dog. The figures mentioned above are intended for a 20 lb. dog without much exercise. With vigorous physical activity, a dog’s calorific needs can increase drastically. Keep track of your dog’s weight and modify meal sizes accordingly to fulfill their calorific demands.

40 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 2
60 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 3
80 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 4

Directions:

Boil vegetables until tender then keep them aside. Slowly sauté the ground turkey thigh and organ meat over medium-low heat. Take off the heat once most of the meat has changed color to white, but a portion is still pink. Transfer blanched vegetables to a food processor or a sanitized coffee grinder and grind to fine pieces. Combine all ingredients and ensure it has cooled down adequately before serving.

The vitality of food is diminished by heat during cooking. Partial cooking methods that are gentle can preserve more vitality while also making the food easier to digest for certain pets compared to raw food. To make vegetables easier to digest and increase nutrient absorption, blanching and finely grating them is recommended.