Can Dogs Eat Raw Beef?

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Many dog owners consider switching their dogs to raw dog food, and one of the first questions they have is, “Can dogs eat raw beef?” The shortest answer would be - It depends. Beef is usually a great protein and fat source, but that doesn’t mean all raw beef is safe for dogs. Here is what you should know and look out for before you feed your dog raw beef;

Is raw beef safe?

Healthy, bacteria-free beef is safe for dogs. However, feeding your dog raw meat leaves them vulnerable to potential bacterial infections and subsequential health issues. If you decide to give your dog raw beef, you have to make sure it is absolutely safe and bacteria-free. Here are some of the potential problems that can arise from feeding your dog raw beef;

Salmonella

One of the worst things that can happen is - you get a juicy steak contaminated with Salmonella. Not only is this bacteria dangerous to dogs, but it is also a threat to humans. It can infect anyone who was in contact with the contaminated piece of meat, and it will cause all sorts of problems. The good news is that Salmonella doesn’t affect dogs the same way it does humans, but it is still potentially dangerous. Some of the issues you might notice about Salmonella infection are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever.

Spoiled meat

If you get meat that got spoiled, or you haven’t correctly stored it, it can cause food poisoning. The problem is similar for dogs and humans. The gastrointestinal upset caused by spoiled meat will cause vomiting and diarrhea. So make sure you store your dog’s raw food properly and safely.

Is raw beef good for my dog?

Raw beef is actually very beneficial for dogs. While humans have to pay attention to the number of steaks they eat, dogs can be a bit looser with that. Their anatomy allows them to eat raw meat safely and get all the benefits and reduced risk. Some of the best things raw beef can offer our dogs are;

Protein

Raw beef is a fantastic protein source. It is packed with them, and dogs absolutely love the taste of raw beef. Dogs handle raw meat a lot better than humans, and they can even manage bacterial infections better.

Cleaner teeth

This might be a bit surprising, but dogs that eat raw meat have cleaner teeth. This is not a benefit that first comes to mind when thinking about raw dog food, but it still is beneficial. Dental hygiene is often overlooked, but it is an essential part of dog health.

Fats and Iron

Another great thing about feeding the dog a raw steak is iron and healthy fats. Iron is crucial for red blood cell development. Healthy fats will boost the dog’s cognitive capabilities and make their skin and coat healthy.

Smaller stool

This is another benefit dog owners love; their dog’s stool is smaller. A raw steak will cause the dog to have smaller stools because there are fewer ingredients they need to digest. This type of food literally produces less waste.

Should you feed raw steak to your dog?

Whether or not you should feed a raw steak to your dog is an entirely different question. CDC, FDA, and AVMA have conducted numeral studies that proved the risks of feeding your dog raw meat. They all advise against it, and we agree with them.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not strict carnivores. Dogs are omnivores and need different ingredients in their diets. Raw meat is not enough, and many owners that prepare raw diets at home often don’t include everything a dog needs for a balanced and healthy diet. There is a good reason why most owners decide to go for industrial dog food.

Industrial dog food from well-known brands and manufacturers offers a balanced diet. It doesn’t include only meat. It contains fruits, grain, veggies, probiotics, prebiotics, fats, supplements, and absolutely everything a dog needs. If you are not a canine nutritionist, we would advise you against feeding your dog raw beef. Instead, you can choose one of these amazing foods - Best dry dog food.

World Dog Finder team