There are those who feel that dogs should be given a raw food diet. After all, dogs grew up in the wild before they became domesticated. They ate animal meat and plants and seemed to do fine with it. Those who promote the use of raw food say it has many benefits such as shinier coats, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, higher energy levels and better digestion. They feel that commercial dog foods contain additives that may be harmful to your dog or create allergies.

However, many veterinarians and even the FDA disagree with the raw food diet. They say there are inherent risks in giving raw meat to animals. There is the possibility of contaminants in raw meat, such as e-coli or salmonella. In addition, the potential for choking, breaking teeth or internal puncturing with the eating of bones is a big concern. It is felt that formulating a balanced diet is quite difficult and may lead to nutritional deficiencies if not done properly. Not all dogs are cut out for a raw diet. Puppies, who have yet to build up a strong immune system may not be able to handle the kinds of bacteria that may be present in raw meat. Immuno-compromised dogs should also not be given a raw diet.

There are many raw meat diet companies on the internet. However, it is best to consult your vet before embarking on a raw diet for your pet.