Raw vs. Cooked Dog Food: How to Make the Best Choice for Your Companion

October 25, 2023

If you are a dog owner, you probably want to provide your furry friend with the best nutrition possible. After all, your dog is not just a pet, but a member of your family. However, choosing the right dog food can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in the market.

One of the most debated topics among dog owners and veterinarians is whether raw or cooked dog food is better for your canine companion. Some people swear by the benefits of raw dog food, while others prefer the convenience and safety of cooked dog food. But which one is really the best choice for your dog?

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of raw and cooked dog food, and how to balance your dog’s nutritional needs. We will also give you some tips for transitioning your dog to a new diet, and help you make the best decision for your canine companion.

Benefits and Risks of Raw Dog Food

Raw dog food, also known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) or RMB (Raw Meaty Bones), is a diet that consists of raw meat, bones, organs, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and supplements. The proponents of raw dog food claim that it mimics the natural diet of wild dogs, and that it provides several benefits for your dog, such as:

Improved digestion and absorption of nutrients
Healthier skin and coat
Cleaner teeth and fresher breath
Stronger immune system and resistance to diseases
Reduced allergies and inflammation
More energy and vitality
Better weight management and muscle tone

However, raw dog food also comes with some risks and challenges, such as:

Potential contamination and infection from bacteria, parasites, and pathogens, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, which can cause serious illness in both dogs and humans. This risk of illness is why it's important to be careful about proper storage and handling, such as knowing how long can wet dog food sit out before it spoils.

Nutritional imbalances or deficiencies, especially if the diet is not properly formulated or supplemented.

Difficulty in storing, preparing, and handling raw dog food, which can be time-consuming, messy, and expensive.

Possible rejection or intolerance of raw dog food by some dogs, especially if they are used to cooked or processed food.

Benefits and Risks of Cooked Dog Food

Cooked dog food, also known as home-cooked or homemade dog food, is a diet that consists of cooked meat, grains, vegetables, and supplements. The advocates of cooked dog food argue that it offers several advantages over raw dog food, such as:

Elimination or reduction of harmful bacteria, parasites, and pathogens, which can cause food poisoning or infections in both dogs and humans.

Easier digestion and assimilation of nutrients, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs or medical conditions.

More control and flexibility over the ingredients, quality, and quantity of your dog’s food, which can be tailored to your dog’s specific needs and preferences.

More convenience and affordability in storing, preparing, and handling cooked dog food, which can be done with simple kitchen tools and appliances.

However, cooked dog food also has some drawbacks and challenges, such as:

Loss or degradation of some nutrients, especially amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants, due to high temperatures or prolonged cooking.

Choking, breaking, or splintering of bones, which can cause damage to your dog’s mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines.

Nutritional imbalances or excesses, especially if the diet is not properly formulated or supplemented.

Difficulty in ensuring the safety and quality of cooked dog food, which can be affected by factors such as storage time, temperature, moisture, and contamination.

Possible rejection or intolerance of cooked dog food by some dogs, especially if they are used to raw or processed food.

How to Balance Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs

Whether you choose raw or cooked dog food, the most important thing is to ensure that your dog’s nutritional needs are met. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the minimum requirements for adult dogs are:

Protein: 18%
Fat: 5.5%
Calcium: 0.6%
Phosphorus: 0.5%
Other essential vitamins and minerals

However, these requirements may vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, size, activity level, health status, and individual factors. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist before starting or changing your dog’s diet.

They can help you determine the optimal amount and ratio of nutrients for your dog, and recommend the best sources and supplements for your dog’s food.

Some general tips for balancing your dog’s nutritional needs are:

Choose high-quality ingredients that are fresh, lean, and organic, and avoid ingredients that are processed, artificial, or allergenic.

Vary the types of meat, grains, vegetables, and fruits that you feed your dog, and include organ meats, eggs, and fish for extra nutrients.

Use a digital scale or measuring cup to weigh or measure your dog’s food portions, and adjust them according to your dog’s appetite, weight, and condition.

Feed your dog twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening, and avoid feeding your dog too much or too little.

Monitor your dog’s health and behaviour, and look for signs of improvement or deterioration, such as energy, coat, stool, weight, and mood.

Seek professional advice if you notice any problems or have any questions about your dog’s diet, and be prepared to make changes if necessary.

Tips for Transitioning Your Dog to a New Diet

If you decide to switch your dog from one type of diet to another, such as from raw to cooked or vice versa, you should do it gradually and carefully, to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach or causing digestive issues. Some tips for transitioning your dog to a new diet are:

Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old food, and gradually increase the proportion of the new food over a period of 7 to 10 days.

Monitor your dog’s reaction to the new food, and look for signs of acceptance or rejection, such as appetite, taste, chewing, and swallowing.

Watch out for any adverse effects of the new food, such as vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating, or constipation, and consult your veterinarian if they persist or worsen.

Be patient and persistent with your dog, and do not force or bribe your dog to eat the new food, but rather encourage and praise your dog for trying it.

Try different flavors, textures, and temperatures of the new food, and find out what your dog likes and dislikes.

Well, That’s a Wrap

There is no definitive answer to the question of whether raw or cooked dog food is better for your canine companion. Both types of diet have their benefits and risks, and the best choice depends on your dog’s individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.

The most important thing is to provide your dog with a balanced, varied, and complete diet that meets your dog’s nutritional requirements and supports your dog’s health and well-being.

If you are interested in trying raw or cooked dog food for your dog, we recommend that you do your research, consult your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist, and follow the tips we have shared in this article.

Remember that every dog is different, and what works for one dog may not work for another. Therefore, be flexible and open-minded, and be ready to make adjustments if needed. Ultimately, you know your dog best, and you can make the best decision for your canine companion.