Do dogs prefer cooked or raw meat

Raw Or Cooked Meat For Dogs (Which Is Better?)

If your dog is an animal, shouldnt they eat like one?

Lets uncover the truth behind whether raw or cooked meat for dogs is best.

As dog owners, you have a lot of options when it comes to pet food. And as the industry keeps growing, so do your choices.

One of the latest trends is raw dog food. But is uncooked meat really the best thing for your furry friend?

At Ricks Dog Deli, were familiar with just about every dog feeding trend out there, and we do our best to separate fact from fiction. In this article, were discussing whether raw or cooked meat for dogs is the best option for a complete and balanced meal.

Raw Diet For Dogs: Is It Good For Them?

Supporters of raw dog food believe that a healthy dogs diet should be as close as possible to what their ancestors ate.

While its true that dogs originally ate a raw diet, dogs are not wild anymore. Humans have selectively bred dogs to be the perfect domestic companions. And much of this process involved feeding dogs the food that we eatnot only meat (cooked and raw), but bones, organ meats, vegetables, andprepared grains.

Think about how different dietary needs are within dog breeds. One breed needs more protein, another needs more fat. If a Chihuahua and a Husky dont require the same diet, wouldnt dogs and wild wolves have different dietary needs, too?

The Risks Behind Raw Dog Food Recipes

If we lived on this planet a few hundred years ago, a raw diet for dogs would probably do them no harm. Unfortunately, the way food is processed today, cooked food is necessary in order toeffectively remove toxins.

For example, chicken is commonly washed with a chlorine solution during processing (yes, even among organic chicken producers). Since chlorine evaporates when heated, chicken is perfectly safe to eat as long as it is cooked to the proper temperature. But if you feed the raw meat to your dog, s/he is being exposed to unsafe levels of chlorine.

Also, there is a chance that contaminated raw food can cross-contaminate your home, exposing everyone to harmful bacteria. This is especially a problem when someone or another pet in the home has a compromised immune system.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Beef?

Okay, so the chicken is out. But what about raw beef, lamb, and other forms of protein? Can those be eaten raw?

Yes, some dogs do fine after eating raw ground beef, liver, or a steak. Many of them heartily enjoy it! But just because they can handle raw food doesnt mean they should.

Dogs run the same risks as humans do whenever they eat steak tartare: namely, salmonella, e. coli, listeria, and other harmful bacteria. If you take the time to make sure your food is cooked to the proper temperature, shouldnt you do the same for your dog?

Food Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs

If your dog has consumed raw meat, youll want to watch out for symptoms of food poisoning.

Many of the symptoms offood poisoning in dogs are the same as the ones humans experience, such as:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy/Weakness
• Dehydration
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Loss of coordination

If your dog is experiencing any of the above symptoms, call your vet.

Raw Food Dogs Can Eat

Are there any raw foods that a dog can safely eat? Yes!

Raw fruits and vegetables are an excellent addition to your dogs diet and many people find that their canine companions wholeheartedly adore them!

Some great options for your dog to eat raw:

• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Green Beans
• Melon

Raw or Cooked Meat For Dogs?

We have run side-by-side nutritional studies comparing raw and cooked proteins and have found that there is little to no nutritional loss when you lightly cook food in a proper manner. So why are we still debating over raw or cooked meat for dogs?

Many dogs seem to come to life after switching from kibble to a raw meat diet. But this is probably because they stopped eating kibblenot because they started eating raw meat. If you compare raw dog food vs. dry, processed kibble, of course raw food is going to look like the hero.

The quality of the ingredients is far more important than their temperature. If you want to give your dog the best possible diet, opt for a diet made with wholesome, USDA-inspected ingredients that have been formulated with your dogs nutritional needs in mind.

The Best of Both Worlds

At Ricks Dog Deli, it is our job to navigate the food chain for you and your pet. We work with our suppliers to get the best possible ingredients at the best possible price.

We take a balanced approach to species-appropriate feeding and believe thatas omnivoresdogs need to eat from the entire food pyramid.

With raw dog food, your dog will probably get an unbalanced diet, as it will be very meat-heavy and lacking in certain nutrients.But with Ricks Dog Deli, your dog will get the proper ratio of meat, vegetables, and grains across all our prepared meals.

We prepare all food with USDA-inspected ingredients in our open-concept kitchen, using commercial equipment which is sanitized following the equipment manufacturer and HACCP standards. Proteins are kept separate to avoid any cross-contamination for our allergy-sensitive dogs.

After foods are prepared, they are frozen to lock in all thevitamins and nutrients. Simply thaw and serve. We guarantee itll become your dogs new favorite food!

As always, if you need any advice or help switching from raw to cooked dog food, give us a call. We are happy to help.

Can dogs eat raw meat?

If you have consulted your veterinarian, understand the risks, and still want to give your dog raw meat, take a few extra precautions to minimize their chances of becoming sick or malnourished. Ensure that you:

Only feed your dog quality meat Only buy meats for your dog that look and smell fresh. If a piece of raw meat has been left unrefrigerated for a while or is old, avoid feeding it to your dog.

Avoid feeding meat with bones This will minimize the possibility of an obstructionTrusted SourceVCA HospitalsCommunity of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information.Go to source.

Freeze raw meat Keep raw meat in the freezer until its ready for use, and thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave (not in the sink or on the counter).

Practice good hygiene Wash your hands frequently when handling raw meat to avoid spreading harmful bacteria, and dont let your dog lick your face. Once they eat, clean any surfaces and food bowls with dish soap and hot water.

Stay on top of your dogs nutrition If youre going to feed your dog raw meat, ensure their complete nutritional needs are being met. You can do this using raw fruits and veggies, though experts tend to recommend commercially prepared products like supplements to limit the guesswork.

Add organ meats to your rotation Organ meats have essential nutrients like vitamins A and B, selenium, and coenzyme Q10.

How much raw food to feed your dog

Make sure your dog is getting a complete nutritional profile when feeding a raw food diet to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Avoid certain raw foods like grapes, raisins, avocados, and other harmful foods. Youll also want to feed your dog based on their age, weight, health, and activity level.

Aim for around 2-3% of their body weight each day. Some younger dogs who get more exercise or need to gain weight may need more than 3% of their weight. Other dogs that are less active, more senior, or overweight may need around 1.5% of their weight.

Make sure to consult your vet and ask them about feeding your dog other things like fruits and veggies for a complete nutritional diet.

Cooked Versus Raw Foods for Dogs

Cooked Versus Raw Foods for Dogs

Raw diets are becoming popular for dogs. Not only have people started preparing raw meals for their dogs at home, there are now a number of commercial options available to save on preparation work. So how do they compare?

Why feed a raw diet?

The benefits of feeding a raw diet have not yet been well-documented and many veterinarians will advise against this practice. Raw meat can carry bacteria which can cause illness in your dog, just like in people. Whats more, even if your dog doesnt become sick he can still become a long-term carrier of dangerous pathogens which can be passed on to people. It is best to, at least, gently cook any meats that are included in your dogs diet. Bringing any raw meat to an internal temperature of 80C for just 6 seconds should be sufficient to destroy most harmful bacteria.

Wont my dog naturally prefer to eat raw meat?

Your dog will most likely have a preference for the food that they are familiar with. There is evidence that puppy food preferences are maintained in adulthood. The strong aromas and moist texture of raw meats can be enticing to many dogs, but this isnt necessarily an innate preference. It is entirely possible for a dog to turn up their nose at a raw meal if it isnt what they are used to eating!

Isnt it more natural for dogs to eat raw meat, similar to how their wild ancestors would have eaten?

Dogs have a long history of domestication and they are now very different from their wild ancestors. Our canine companions have even developed an ability to digest grains because of their close association with people as they evolved.

Benefits of cooking

Cooking raw meat eliminates the risk of bacterial contamination. Many commercial foods are cooked and manufactured in a way which they can stay fresh with no need for refrigeration. Kibbles have a very low moisture content, typically below 13%, which means they can be stored in a sealed container on the shelf, even after opening. Sealed tins have to be refrigerated after opening but have a long shelf life, even with a high moisture content.

What should I look out for if I choose to feed a raw diet?

If you are determined to feed raw there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of your pet and family members from getting sick.

Raw meals that are home-prepared should follow a recipe formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. This will ensure that the diet is truly tailored to the needs of your pet and that all the essential nutrients will be present in the correct amounts.

During meal prep, be mindful about any surfaces that come in contact with raw meat. These will need to be disinfected with hot soapy water. The bowl that your pet uses for the meal will also need to be thoroughly cleaned after use.

Another option to ensure that your pet is eating a balanced raw meal is to choose a pre-made commercial diet. Choose a food that states that it is complete on the label. This means that it has been formulated to meet established nutrient requirements.

Whether your commercial raw food arrives as fresh, frozen, or freeze dried, closely follow the directions on the package for meal preparation and clean-up.

Summary

There are currently no well-documented health benefits associated with feeding a raw diet versus a cooked diet. They have the potential to spread harmful pathogens which is why their use is often discouraged by veterinary professionals. In the end, many dogs will be just as satisfied eating a fresh-cooked or commercially-cooked food as they would a raw diet.

You might also be interested in:

Do Dogs Prefer Raw or Cooked Meat The Best Choice!

Sources

Thomas

Hey there, Im Thomas and Im the proud owner of two dogs. Ive always been a dog lover and have a passion for training and caring for them.Now, Im excited to share my knowledge and experience with you through my blog on dog training and dog care. Whether youre a new dog owner or have had dogs your whole life, theres always something new to learn about these amazing creatures.

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