Is Raw Food Good For My Dog?

Hey everyone, and welcome to Val Talk’s Pets! Today, we’re tackling a big question: Is raw food good for my dog?

We’re also going to chat about the booming raw food industry for dogs and cats. It’s a hot topic, so let’s dive in!

How Did Raw Feeding Become So Popular?

It’s funny how trends start, isn’t it? First, we had freeze-dried raw options popping up, and before we knew it, frozen raw diets became a go-to choice for a lot of pet parents.

Here’s something interesting: people have been anti-by-product in kibble for years. But did you know that by AAFCO standards, by-products are just parts of the animal outside the prime cuts? So, chicken thighs, liver, or heart can be used instead of the breast.

Wait… What’s AAFCO?

Good question! AAFCO stands for Association of American Feed Control Officials—they set the pet food standards in the U.S. And even though Canada doesn’t have strict pet food regulations, most Canadian brands follow AAFCO guidelines too. If you check your pet food bag, you’ll probably see “AAFCO approved” right on there.

Now, here’s the kicker—some pet parents are horrified at the thought of organ meats in kibble. But guess what? That’s a huge part of raw feeding! Most raw diets include ground bone and organ meats. Funny how opinions shift, right?

Freeze-Dried vs. Frozen Raw: What’s the Deal?

Freeze-Dried Raw

• Looks like little patties or nuggets made of protein (beef, chicken, duck, etc.), ground bone, liver, veggies, and sometimes fruits, herbs, or seeds.
• The moisture is removed through freeze-drying, so it’s lightweight and shelf-stable.
• You can crumble it on food or rehydrate it with warm water before feeding.

Frozen Raw

• Comes in two types:
  • Dinner formula – includes protein, bones, organ meats, and veggies, all ground up and frozen.
  • Pure formula – just protein, bones, and organ meats (often recommended for cats).
• Needs to be thawed before feeding.

So Which One’s Better?

Well, that depends!

✅ Freeze-dried raw is less messy and has zero blood factor, which some people prefer.
❌ But feeding it exclusively—especially to a big dog—can be super expensive (think 15 pucks per meal!).
✅ Frozen raw is more affordable, but it’s also messier and takes up freezer space.

So, a lot of pet parents start with freeze-dried food as a meal topper before fully committing to raw.

Why Do People Swear by Raw Feeding?

Here’s where things get a little personal. Some pet parents say switching to raw changed their pet’s life.

A lot of the time, the shift happens after trying everything else—especially for dogs with chronic skin issues, allergies, or weight problems. When nothing else works, raw is the last resort, and for some, it turns out to be the answer.

But if you’re feeding pure raw (just protein and organ meats), you might need to add:
✔ Fortification powders
✔ Raw or cooked veggies from your kitchen

Oh, and let’s clear something up:
Dogs are omnivores (yep, they eat plants, too).
Cats, on the other hand, are true carnivores—they need meat to survive.

I once had a customer who wanted a vegetarian diet for her cat because she was vegetarian. Um… nope. A cat would die without meat.

Thinking About Switching to Raw? Here’s What to Know

If you want to try raw, here’s the right way to do it:

1️⃣ Go slow – don’t just toss raw meat into their bowl and call it a day.
2️⃣ Check the brand’s website – most have transition guides.
3️⃣ Don’t mix raw with kibble in the same meal (they digest at different rates). If you want to do both, feed kibble for one meal and raw for the other.
4️⃣ Sanitize! You’re dealing with raw meat, so wash your hands and clean surfaces.

Some people worry about salmonella—like, if a dog eats raw and then licks a kid’s face. I don’t know, my dog eats rabbit poop outside, and that doesn’t seem very sanitary either!

Raw Feeding for Puppies: Yay or Nay?

Now, here’s where I get skeptical.

I spoke to two well-known CKC breeders, and both said the same thing:
❌ They don’t feed raw to puppies.
✔ They do feed raw to their adult dogs.

Why Not Puppies?

• They aren’t convinced it’s nutritionally complete for growing pups.
• Some vitamins and minerals (like DHA and EPA for brain development) aren’t present in raw food unless supplemented.
• They worry new puppy owners won’t stick with raw, leading to an abrupt diet change.

Honestly? I’ve seen three raw-fed puppies recently, and they all looked super skinny. So, if you’re thinking about feeding raw to a puppy, make sure you do your homework!

Do I Feed My Dog Raw?

Nope.

I tried it with one of my cats, but the eww factor got me. My dog also has a condition that requires his immune system to be at its best, and I don’t want to risk adding extra bacteria for him to fight.

Also? He’s thriving on his current diet. So I say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Raw vs. Kibble: What’s the Bottom Line?

If your pet has tried everything and is still struggling, raw might be worth a shot.

Before switching:
✔ Check if it fits your budget (most raw brands have feeding calculators).
✔ Do your research—read articles, talk to pet parents, and consult your vet.
✔ Make an informed decision—because knowing is caring!

Oh, and speaking of caring…

Pet Peeves: Let’s Talk Attitudes

Alright, time for a little rant.

If you feed raw, great! If you feed kibble, great! The thing that bugs me? When raw feeders get all holier-than-thou about it.

Look, most pet parents are doing their best with their budget and what works for their pet. Some dogs thrive on raw, some do just fine on kibble. There are great options at all price points!

So, let’s all agree: Do your research, make the best choice for your pet, and stop judging each other.

Because at the end of the day—knowing is caring! 😊

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Tagged as: Pet Food,  Kibble,  Raw Food,  Puppy Food.