Vet warns against feeding certain dogs raw food for important health reason

Daily Record

02-05-2025

A vet has shared some important advice for dog owners who feed their pets a raw food diet
A vet has issued essential guidance to dog owners who favour a raw food diet for their beloved pets, underlining important considerations to take into account. Dr Nicole Rous has raised awareness about the potential hazards and factors that need attention when dogs are given raw food diets.
She accepts that raw diets can be fed to all breeds, but warns that not every type of protein is fit for every breed of dog, reports the Express.
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Dr Rous said: "Some breeds are more sensitive to certain proteins than others. For example, commonly Cavoodles I see reactions to chicken and beef, so they might not be the first proteins that I'd choose, or I might not want to choose to be a big part of their diet.
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"And then the other thing is just remembering every breed or every dog has a different energy requirement, so some are sedentary and others are really active and sporting dogs, so they might need more or they might need leaner proteins or fattier proteins, but absolutely every dog can be fed raw."
Since Dr Rous released her video on the topic, a whole host of pet owners have eagerly posted their personal accounts on social media.
One pet owner said: "Definitely not breed specific. Balanced correctly, raw is fantastic for optimal health and longevity."
Another person highlighted specific issues relating to German Shepherds, saying: "Seems to be a common occurrence that chicken sets German Shepherds' allergies off too."
Conversely, a Shar Pei owner reported an unfortunate reaction to the diet, saying: "My Shar Pei vomits after having any raw meat."
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The question of whether raw meat is an appropriate diet for dogs remains a hot topic.
While dogs are capable of consuming raw meat, it's not recommended to feed them a diet solely composed of it.
The recent surge in popularity of raw-food diets for pets may be attributed to owners' desire to replicate a dog's natural diet in the wild. However, a diet heavily dependent on raw meat may not provide a comprehensive and balanced nutritional profile, particularly for growing puppies with intricate dietary requirements.
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Older dogs could also face difficulties due to their potentially weaker immune systems as they age and more sensitive digestive systems. Properly cooked meat can facilitate digestion and is generally deemed safer.
Some experts strongly discourage feeding dogs raw meat. PetMD warns: "Dogs are natural carnivores that can digest raw meat, but that doesn't necessarily mean raw meat is good for them.
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"Uncooked meat can harbor harmful bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, which cause foodborne illnesses that can make your dog very sick.
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and animal nutrition experts do not recommend feeding a raw food diet for dogs. Instead, choose a regular balanced dog food diet that contains all the nutrients needed to keep your pet healthy.
"That said, if your dog eats a small amount of raw meat that falls on the floor while you're cooking, they'll likely be fine. But even a small amount of E. coli or Salmonella can be harmful, so monitor your pup for signs of illness and call the vet if you have concerns."
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If your dog accidentally munches on a small piece of raw meat that's been dropped on the floor while you're cooking, the chances are they'll be alright. However, it's crucial to keep an eye on them, as even a tiny bit of E.coli or Salmonella could still be detrimental. If you've got concerns, don't hesitate to ring your vet.
Before making any changes to your dog's diet, it's always advisable to contact your vet - particularly when human food comes into play. Dogs can have vastly different reactions based on various factors.
Age, medical history, current health status, and their standard diet are just a few of the many factors. And if your dog is currently on a prescription diet, under no circumstances should you give them any food or treats not explicitly part of their customised diet plan.