What raw meats can dogs eat?

Quick takeaways about raw meat and dogs

• A variety of raw meats are safe for dogs – from chicken to beef.
• Always avoid processed raw meats like sausages or bacon.
• Pre-made raw dog food can be safer and easier than buying raw supermarket meat.

 

More dog owners are mindful of their dogs' nutrition, so it’s no surprise that raw diets are on the rise. But knowing where to start can be tough.

The benefits of feeding your dog a raw diet are wide-ranging — from a shiny coat to digestive wellbeing and better long-term gut health.

Meat should be the key ingredient in any dog’s diet, and there are a few raw meat options.

Dogs can eat various meats, including chicken, beef and lamb. You can also create your own homemade raw or look at pre-made options that are perfectly balanced, so you don’t need to stress.

Read on to find out which meats your dog can eat raw and important points to consider.

 

Is raw meat good for dogs?

We certainly think so! Raw meat is excellent for dogs as part of a balanced and complete diet. By this we mean, all the nutrients your dog needs in the right balance, and these include:

• Proteins
• Fats
• Carbohydrates (which aren’t necessary but can be good for some dogs)
• Vitamins
• Minerals

Raw meat is an excellent protein source with many essential vitamins and minerals.

Unlike cooked meat, raw meat retains its nutritional value and has more enzymes, potentially making it easier on the digestive system for many of our canine companions. It’s often prepared with raw fruit and vegetables, which can also offer a bounty of additional healthy benefits.

On top of this, a raw diet can firm up your dog’s poo (very helpful if they have anal gland issues), make their coat shiny, too. It can also help manage their weight.

 

What types of raw meat can dogs eat?

The list of raw meat suitable for dogs is long. Your dog can eat raw chicken, lamb, beef, fish, turkey and duck.

They can also eat unusual meats like venison and rabbit. The main thing is that the meat is high-quality and the recipe is free from sugars, salts and preservatives.

Dogs can also eat some raw bones, but read our guide before feeding your dog.

 

What about mince?

You can feed beef or lamb mince as part of a raw diet. Consider a commercial raw dog food company rather than buying from the supermarket.

Reputable dog food brands have top safety and hygiene protocols, which can benefit you and your dog.

 

What about sausages or other processed meats?

Avoid cooked or raw sausages, as well as other processed meats like meatballs, ham, or bacon.

These types of meats are often high in salt and seasoning and might contain additives which could upset your dog’s stomach.

 

Is it safe to feed dogs raw meat?

Absolutely. If handled and prepared correctly, raw meat is perfectly safe for dogs.

A Helsinki University study on cross-contamination in raw dog food found that over 7 years, there were only two potential cases of pathogen transmission across 13,000 households.

It’s easy to store and handle, as long as you follow simple hygiene steps – just like when handling raw meat for your own meals.

At Natures Menu, we have stringent routine safety checks to ensure our food is prepared to high standards. Our raw meals are made from high-quality ingredients, ready and delivered in carefully temperature-controlled conditions.

 

Can dogs eat raw meat from the supermarket?

Supermarket meat is usually cooked by us eventually, so it might contain higher levels of bacteria – which would usually be killed off during cooking.

We believe using meat from a trusted raw pet food brand like ours is always best. Whether it’s ready-to-mix mince for homemade food or our balanced 80/20 nuggets, you’ll know your dog is enjoying meat prepared for raw eating.

 

Homemade raw vs pre-made raw

Many dog owners make their pet’s food themselves, including for pooches on raw diets.

While it can be rewarding and satisfying, don’t forget about the following considerations.

 

What is homemade raw dog food?

Simply, homemade raw dog food is made at home using raw animal protein. It’s not just raw meat but a whole meal using a mix of raw animal protein, vegetables, fruits, and, if you like, a small proportion of healthy grains.

 

What does homemade raw food involve?

Homemade raw food involves a fair bit of research to ensure it will meet your dog’s nutritional needs. You’ll also need to figure out how many calories your dog needs for their age, breed, and activity levels and what size portion they’ll need to meet this.

If you’re considering making homemade raw food, read our DIY raw food guide for a good steer on ingredients, processes and things to be mindful of, like cross-contamination.

 

Why is pre-made raw dog food better?

While homemade raw food gives you complete control over what your dog eats and can be a great healthy option, pre-made raw food offers many of the same benefits but with added convenience.

Pre-made raw food saves you time. There’s no shopping, food preparation or figuring out if your meal meets your dog’s needs.

At Natures Menu, we’ve done this research for you. Our Complete and Balanced raw meals include high-quality raw meat and fresh fruits and vegetables – all the nutrients your dog needs in the right ratios and quantities.

It’s also important to note that some raw meats, like chicken or fish, have a greater risk of bacterial contamination, like salmonella, if not stored or handled correctly. As pre-made dog food is prepared in commercial facilities, the likelihood of cross-contamination is minimal.

 

The bottom line

Whether you use raw meat in recipes you make at home or buy it as pre-made food, it’s a great option for dogs. Just make sure you’re feeding complete and balanced meals to ensure your dog is getting everything they need to live happy and healthy.

 

Raw meat — FAQs

How much raw meat should I feed my dog?

Another reason commercial raw food can be better than homemade is that it removes any guesswork and won’t lead to nutritional deficiencies – you’ll know your dog is getting all the minerals and vitamins they need in the correct quantities.

Our dog food calculator is a handy tool to figure out how much to feed your dog.

We’ve based our suggestions on European Pet Food Guidelines, which factor in your dog’s weight and the energy density of their food.

 

Can dogs eat raw chicken?

A lean protein source, raw chicken is relatively low in calories and makes a good option for dogs.

However, if not handled carefully, raw chicken is more likely to be contaminated with bacteria like salmonella. Our raw chicken guide has some great tips if you’re considering using it in homemade food.

 

Can dogs eat steak?

Steak is a good source of zinc and iron, which support the thyroid and a healthy immune system and metabolism. It’s also high in B12, which is essential for the brain and nervous system.

Cooked steak leftovers – that aren’t too fatty and don’t contain any bone – are a good occasional treat for your dog. Make sure your scraps are also free from any sauces or seasoning.

Never give your dog cooked steak bones, as they can splinter, causing blockages and intestinal problems.

 

Can dogs eat raw mince?

Yes! We have a variety of single-protein and mixed minces that are ideal for use in your own raw recipes.

 

Can dogs eat fish?

Fish is a great protein for dogs. It’s low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and good for skin and coats.

While most fish are fine for dogs, avoid swordfish, king mackerel and tuna, as these fish are more likely to contain parasites and unhealthy levels of mercury.

If you want to feed your dog raw fish, we recommend using pre-made raw dog food.

 

Try our personalised raw meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.