Confession Time
I've been writing about dog nutrition for six years. I have two dogs. And I don't feed them the same thing. One gets a high quality kibble with fresh food toppers. The other gets a commercially prepared raw diet. And I'm not conflicted about either choice.
The raw feeding debate online is exhausting. One side acts like kibble is poison. The other side acts like raw feeders are reckless. The truth, as usual, lives in the middle. So here's my honest take on what I actually do, what the research says, and how you can decide for yourself.
Why I Feed One Dog Raw
My older dog, Remi, is a 9 year old Australian Shepherd. Three years ago, she started having persistent digestive issues. Loose stools, gas that could clear a room, and intermittent vomiting. We ran every test. No parasites, no pancreatitis, no food allergies on the blood panel (though those tests aren't always reliable). We tried four different kibbles, two fresh food services, and a hydrolyzed protein diet.
What finally worked was a commercially prepared raw diet. Within two weeks, her stools were perfect. Her coat improved. The gas disappeared. Has she thrived on raw? Absolutely. Do I think that means every dog should eat raw? Absolutely not.
Why I DON'T Feed My Other Dog Raw
My younger dog, Bowie, is a 4 year old mutt with an iron stomach. He does great on a high quality kibble. He's healthy, his coat shines, his energy is excellent. Switching him to raw would triple my food budget for zero measurable benefit.
Sometimes the best food for your dog is the one that works, that you can afford, and that you'll consistently feed.
What the Science Actually Says
The Benefits (With Caveats)
Some studies have shown potential benefits of raw diets, though many are small or industry funded:
- A 2021 study in the Journal of Animal Science found that dogs fed raw diets had higher apparent digestibility of protein and fat compared to extruded kibble
- Some research suggests raw fed dogs may have different (potentially beneficial) gut microbiome profiles
- Anecdotal reports of improved coat quality, smaller stools, and better dental health are common, though controlled studies are limited
The Risks (Real Ones)
The risks are not theoretical. They're documented:
- A 2019 study in Vet Record found pathogenic bacteria in a majority of commercial raw food samples tested, including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli
- A Dutch study found that 86% of commercial raw meat based diets contained antibiotic resistant bacteria
- Nutritional imbalances are common in homemade raw diets. A study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that most homemade raw recipes were nutritionally incomplete
- Bones, even raw ones, can cause dental fractures, intestinal blockages, and perforations
The bacterial risk isn't just about your dog. It's about your household. If you have young children who play on the floor, elderly family members, pregnant women, or anyone with a compromised immune system, raw feeding introduces real contamination risk to shared spaces.
If You're Going to Feed Raw, Do It Safely
I'm not here to talk you into or out of raw feeding. But if you choose this path, please do it right:
- Use commercially prepared, complete raw diets from companies that employ veterinary nutritionists and conduct bacterial testing. This is not the place for bargain hunting.
- Handle it like you'd handle raw chicken for yourself. Separate bowls, immediate cleanup, sanitize surfaces, wash hands thoroughly.
- Skip the raw bones or use them only under direct supervision and remove them before they get small enough to swallow.
- Get regular vet checkups with bloodwork to monitor for any nutritional deficiencies over time.
- Don't mix raw and kibble in the same meal if your dog has a sensitive stomach. The different digestion rates can cause issues (though this is debated).
The Option Most People Overlook
There's a middle ground that rarely gets discussed in the raw vs. kibble wars: gently cooked fresh food, either homemade (with a veterinary nutritionist formulated recipe) or from a commercial fresh food company.
Cooking eliminates the bacterial contamination concern while preserving much of the nutritional benefit of whole, minimally processed ingredients. You lose some heat sensitive nutrients, but most commercial fresh food companies account for this in their formulation.
For many dogs and families, this is the sweet spot. Better ingredient quality and digestibility than kibble, without the safety concerns of raw.
What I Actually Recommend
When people ask me what to feed their dog, I don't start with a diet type. I start with questions:
- What's your budget, realistically?
- How's your dog doing on their current food?
- Any health concerns or dietary sensitivities?
- Who else lives in your household?
- How much time and effort can you consistently commit to food prep and handling?
The answers to those questions matter far more than any ideology about raw vs. cooked vs. kibble.
One Thing I Think Every Dog Benefits From
I also give Remi a scoop of LongTails on her food daily for the NAD+ and collagen support, because at 9, the cellular health angle feels worth investing in alongside whatever base diet she's eating.
Regardless of what base diet you choose, adding some variety and fresh whole foods to your dog's bowl is almost always a good idea. A few times a week, toss in some lightly steamed vegetables, a sardine, a raw egg, or some plain cooked organ meat. It adds micronutrient diversity, phytonutrients, and makes mealtime more interesting for your dog.
Feed what works for YOUR dog, in YOUR household, within YOUR budget. And talk to your vet, especially if you're making a major dietary change. The best diet is the one you'll actually maintain consistently, that keeps your dog healthy, and that doesn't make you anxious every time you fill their bowl.
