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Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?

Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?

Updated on July 18, 2024
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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Why is raw meat bad for dogs? | What happens if your dog eats raw meat? | How can you prevent your dog from eating raw meat?

raw meat

No, dogs should never eat raw meat intended for cooking/human consumption. Always consult your veterinarian before adding new foods into your pet’s diet, and never feed your dog raw meat from a grocery store. If you are interested in feeding raw, be sure to find a commercially available raw dog food that meets AAFCO guidelines as these foods are nutritionally balanced and prepared in a way that removes pathogenic bacteria. Many reputable dog food brands like Instinct, Sojos and ORIJEN offer high-quality options. In the event you are looking to grab fresh meat from your refrigerator or the grocery store, there can be some potential benefits of providing your dog plain, cooked, high-quality beef or other proteins, but feeding your dog raw meat is not safe.

Dogs who eat raw meat risk exposure to harmful bacteria and diseases. And while many dogs have hardy stomachs and will happily gobble up any scrap of food they can, raw meat is never safe for them to eat. If you suspect your pup has eaten raw meat, immediately call your vet, the nearest animal-emergency clinic or the National Animal Poison Control Center at (888)426-4435.

You may have heard about trends that support giving dogs raw foods, but raw meat is unsafe for dogs. Additionally, raw meat is not nutritionally superior to other options for dogs, and it can make your pet sick.

However, that’s not to say feeding raw dog food is not an option. Many pet parents choose to have their dogs on a raw diet, which usually means the raw meat in the ingredients is freeze-dried, cold-frozen or uses proprietary processes to remove bacteria from the meat—sometimes being frozen to kill parasites before being thawed and served. And a raw-infused or raw-inspired diet for your dog has been linked to several potential health benefits, including more energy, a shinier coat and cleaner teeth. But the distinction between putting your dog on a commercially available raw diet that meets AAFCO guidelines, a raw-inspired or infused diet and feeding your dog raw meat is a very important one for your dog’s health and safety.

Why is raw meat bad for dogs?

There are multiple reasons why raw meat is bad for dogs. Many studies show raw meat often contains potentially dangerous pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, listeria, sarcocystis and toxoplasma. This can be true for home-prepared raw meat and even some commercially available raw diets. These bacteria and parasites can make dogs sick, but they can also spread to people through the ingredients, contaminated surfaces or even through your dog’s feces. Pets and people who are immunocompromised, very young or elderly are at the highest risk for food-borne illness and should be especially cautious to avoid raw meat and even raw commercially available diets.

If your curiosity about whether dogs can eat raw meat is to provide your dog with the best nutrition possible, know that appropriately cooking meats can actually increase the digestibility of many nutrients for your pup. No study has ever shown that feeding dogs raw meat diets confers any benefits. And there are nearly unlimited safe and healthy alternatives to feeding your dog raw meat.

Alternatives to feeding dogs raw meat include the following:

  • Switch to higher-quality, commercial dog food
  • Choose a high-quality canned food, as many are lower in carbohydrates and don’t require the preservatives kibble contains
  • Check out a list of Healthy Human-Food Snacks for Dogs as an extra-special treat

What happens if your dog eats raw meat?

Not only does feeding your dog raw meat pose significant health risks for your pup, it’s also not a complete and balanced diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies. While there’s a small chance nothing will happen and your dog will be okay after eating a tiny amount of raw meat, the likelihood of exposure to potentially dangerous pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, listeria, sarcocystis and toxoplasma is the biggest concern. All these pathogens can inflict severe vomiting and diarrhea, causing canines to become extremely dehydrated, possibly requiring the administration of IV fluids. Diarrhea and vomiting can be especially worse in puppies, senior dogs or immunocompromised dogs.

After eating raw meat, your dog can get food poisoning. Here are the most common signs of food poisoning in dogs:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry heaving
  • Extreme salivation
  • Coughing up or vomiting blood
  • Weakness
  • Internal bleeding

Other negative health effects raw meat can have on dogs include gastrointestinal disease, gastrointestinal injury or fractured teeth from bones, constipation, blood infections, hyperthyroidism and even death. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog is experiencing food poisoning or notice any concerning signs or symptoms.

How can you prevent your dog from eating raw meat?

Food hygiene is vital whenever you handle raw ingredients. Wash your hands, decontaminate surfaces and utensils used in food preparation, wash produce thoroughly and keep your dog away from the kitchen during this time.

Always cook raw meat to recommended internal temperatures—whether for pets or people. Do not feed raw or rare meat if anyone in your household is very young, very old or immunocompromised.

It’s important to be aware that recipes for home-prepared dog foods—whether cooked or raw—that you can find online or in publications are rarely nutritionally complete and balanced so a commercially available dog food that meets AAFCO standards is generally the best option for your pet. Remember that snacks and treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet, and always consult your veterinarian with all diet- or health-related questions; never make a change to your pet’s diet without having that discussion first.

Whenever considering whether dogs can eat raw meat, remember there are better options to raw food diets for dogs, and raw meat is never safe for your pet to eat. If you want to supplement your dog’s regular diet with some raw foods, consider feeding a commercially available raw diet that meets AAFCO guidelines or some well-washed, sliced carrots or apples as a treat.

Featured Dog Food and Treats Featuring Raw Meat

FAQs About Raw Meat for Dogs

What happens if my dog eats raw meat?

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While your dog may be okay after eating a tiny amount of raw meat, there’s a serious risk that your pup will get sick from dangerous pathogens such as Salmonella, E. Coli, Listeria, Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma. These pathogens can cause food poisoning, often resulting in vomiting and diarrhea that can cause dogs to become so dehydrated that they require IV fluids. If you suspect your dog has eaten raw meat, call animal poison control or your veterinarian immediately. 

What kind of raw meat can dogs eat?

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There is no raw meat that is safe and appropriate for dogs to eat. If you want to put your dog on a raw-inspired diet, consult your veterinarian first and consider these raw dog food options. Commercially available raw-infused diets usually consist of freeze-dried or frozen raw food that use processes to kill the bacteria before thawing and serving to pets. 

Can dogs eat raw meat bones?

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Yes, raw meat bones are okay for most dogs to chew on. However, only let your dog chew on the bone for about 10 minutes at a time, refrigerate between chew sessions and throw the bone out after 3 to 4 days. Raw meat bones are usually okay for dogs and may help keep their teeth and gums free from plaque and tartar buildup. They can also provide some nutritional benefits that can be good for your dog’s digestion. However, never feed your pup cooked meat bones. Bones become brittle when cooked and risk splintering, which could cause damage to your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. 

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