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Is Raw Meat Safe for Dogs?

A diet of raw meat opens the way for many parasites to enter your dog's body.

By Jon Geller, DVM

Q. We have a 4-year-old dog. My boyfriend's mom gives the dog raw meat sometimes. I have read a lot of articles that say it's not healthy to feed your dog raw meat. Is it OK for dogs to eat raw meat?

Dr. Jon GellerA. The raw-meat diet is a topic of great controversy in veterinary medicine.

Most veterinarians don't like it because of the toxic bacteria that is present, such as E. coli and Salmonella.

In addition, raw meat is often riddled with parasites that will take up residence in the intestines of a dog that eats the meat. These parasites can migrate about the body, often curling up in a little cocoon-like structure known as a cyst. They can live in the intestines, wreaking havoc with normal digestion and causing diarrhea and vomiting.

Once you have looked at these worms, flukes and tiny parasites under a microscope, you hope that they never make their way into your own body.

So to answer your question, no, I don't recommend giving your dog a raw-meat diet.
 
Jon Geller, DVM

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Reader Comments
I have to agree with "Sara" dogs are carnivors. They are suppose to eat meat. I've fed my dogs raw diets for 8 yrs and they are just fine, and have had less health problems than my previous dog who were on kibble. Many veterinarians agree that raw diet is good, and some disagree. I am a veterinary technician and raw diet is a great way to save money on kibble and have less occurences of food allergy. And for one thing, about the bacteria. The way the animals bodies are made is to with stand the amount of bacteria they ingest. All food is suppose to carry a certain amount of bacteria. The only time you have to worry about bad bacteria is if the meat isn't properly handled.
The type of diet people should be speculating about is Vegetarian. Not having the proper amounts of protein and supplements etc. But thats a whole nothing speculation.
The point is, raw diet is great, from dermal, to digestion, weight, to dental and over all health. Bacteria is present in the food, but if the meat is handled properly and stored proplerly you should have any problems.
Michelle RVT, MIA, FL
Posted: 11/19/2009 6:04:32 AM
Well if humans don't eat raw meat, why would animals?!?
Mary, rochester, NY
Posted: 10/27/2009 5:00:56 PM
Yes, i have read this. My dog does throw up and i did not know why. I have seen sites that say it is OK to give raw meeat to your dog, but i belaieve this is true. Maybe i will study it more in vet school. I would love to become a veternarian.
Mary, rochester, NY
Posted: 10/27/2009 4:58:38 PM
Hi, I am veterinarian in Ecuador - South America, and I can confirm that is a bad idea to give raw meat to dogs or cats, as doctor Geller said.
Many animals outside the cities have parasites because of this diets.
Alex, Miami, FL
Posted: 8/31/2009 7:44:32 AM
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