Why We Don’t Recommend Raw Diets for Dogs and Cats
At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we know pet owners want the very best for their animals—and that includes what goes in their food bowls. One trend that continues to gain popularity is raw feeding, often with the belief that it's more “natural” or closer to what wild animals eat. But the truth is, raw diets—whether fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried—carry risks that can impact both your pet’s health and your family’s safety.
Many people turn to raw food thinking it mirrors what wolves eat in the wild. But dogs and cats today are not wolves. They’ve evolved significantly over thousands of years, and their nutritional needs, digestive systems, and lifespans reflect that. In fact, the average life expectancy of a domesticated dog is much higher than a wolf’s—thanks in large part to routine veterinary care, clean living conditions, and access to balanced, safe nutrition.
The Risk of Raw
Raw meat, whether it’s fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried, can contain dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. These pathogens can make your pet sick—but they can also be transmitted to humans through handling the food, cleaning up after your pet, or even just petting them. This is especially concerning for households with young children, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
While freeze-dried raw food might sound safer because it’s processed differently, studies have shown that these products can still test positive for harmful bacteria. Freeze-drying reduces water content, but it doesn’t eliminate all pathogens. So although it may be marketed as a convenient and safe alternative, the same concerns about bacterial contamination remain.
Nutrition Gaps and Imbalances
On top of the food safety concerns, many raw diets—especially those that are home-prepared—are not nutritionally complete. Pets require specific ratios of protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and other vitamins and minerals. Without proper formulation by a veterinary nutritionist, even the most well-meaning raw feeders may unintentionally provide an unbalanced diet, leading to long-term health problems like bone deformities, poor immune function, or organ damage.
Our Recommendation
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the CDC, and board-certified veterinary nutritionists all caution against raw feeding for pets. At TRVH, we agree. We want to help you provide your pets with safe, balanced nutrition that supports their health without added risk to them—or to you.
If you have questions about what diet is best for your pet, we’re always happy to chat and help you find options that fit your pet’s needs and your lifestyle. We’re here to support you every step of the way in keeping your companions healthy and thriving.
