We’ve all seen that raw meat dog food diets have recently become a trend. Popular on Instagram and TikTok, more of us than ever have begun to branch out or considered if feeding our dogs raw dog food benefits them. Despite the popularity, most vets will warn against this practice mostly because the risks are too high and also there is no proven benefit. Let’s educate ourselves on the issues of a raw dog food diet to make sure we are keeping our doggos and ourselves happy and safe. 

Is it more natural?

The most common argument for a raw dog food diet is that it is more natural. This is because it is believed that this is what dogs would eat in the wild. However, dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years so they no longer need to hunt or eat raw meat, so it has no benefit to them. Moreover, there are no studies to support that raw feeding is better than traditional dog food (1).

There are so many other healthy dog food options including complete plant-based dog food like OMNI. Not only is it not more natural to give your dog raw dog food, dogs are actually omnivores. Therefore, they thrive off plant-based nutrients!

More harm than good 

Did you know that feeding your dog a raw dog food diet can cause dental and gut injuries (2) Not to mention raw meat can have dangerous bacteria like E Coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter (3) which the cooking process would normally help to kill off. 

What is worse is that people can get these infections from just stroking healthy looking pups that are shedding these bacteria. That’s not all, up to 54% of dogs fed raw may be shedding bacteria that are resistant to all common antibiotics. (8,9)

There are also several worms and parasites that are only killed when raw meat is cooked. Microbial contamination can be so dangerous that there have been several raw food recalls from the market that have caused serious illness and even death in both dogs and their owners (4, 5, & 6). 

Its not just a question of good food hygiene as many believe.  Raw meat products have been tested at abattoirs before they even get to supermarkets and its been shown that they are much more likely to harbour harmful pathogens that can be passed on to people and dogs (10). This is why humans cook their meat rather than eating it raw. It's also why lots of reputable regulatory bodies warn against feeding dogs raw meat diets. Unfortunately, freezing raw meat does not kill all the bacteria and parasites, it renders them dormant but upon thawing, they are able to replicate again and cause harm.

Even if your dog eats meat that is contaminated with salmonella and is okay, there are studies that have proven your dog will continue to shed salmonella into the household environment for up to 7 days. This puts people at risk, especially those with weakened immune systems like the young and old.

With the risks so high, is it worth the possible danger even if you think it may be a tasty meal for your doggo? Especially when OMNI offers healthy dog food that tastes good with much lowerrisks. But don’t just take our woof for it, hear from our happy pups and their owners…

“My dog is a really fussy eater and turns his nose up to most food especially kibble. I was fed up buying meat based products for him especially as I am vegetarian so thought I would try Omni.

He really loved it from the moment I put it down for him and has continued too. Definitely worth a try if your dog is fussy and you want to step away from the meat products. His eye drip (white dog and red ish eye drip) has really cleared up without the meat based products too. So really a win win!! Thanks Omni.” - Laura 

Leave it to the experts

Although you may think cooking your dog’s food from scratch is a great healthy dog food option, it’s actually not recommended if not done correctly. The scientific evidence is that it can be difficult for owners to make a recipe that meets all the essential nutritional requirements that their pet needs, resulting in nutritional deficiency or toxicity (7). For example, feeding raw also tends to require supplementation as raw meat by itself, is not an adequate complete diet for dogs as its lacking in calcium, phosphorus, selenium, Vitamin E and various other vital nutrients dogs need to thrive.

OMNI dog food has been put together by expert nutritionists to make sure it’s well balanced for your pup and their needs at every stage of their life - puppy, adult, and senior. 

Growth problems in pets can be as a result of a deficiency in certain nutrients, a particular issue with home-prepared raw meat dog food (2). So even though it may be cheaper, or you think it’s more healthy - we would definitely advise caution with these diet options. 

There are also plenty of other options for healthy dog food on a budget. With an OMNI subscription, you can save money whilst getting healthy, vet-approved plant-based dog food delivered straight to your door.

What about the benefits? 

Despite the risks, you may be tempted to try a raw dog food diet because of the claims that dog owners have made about the apparent benefits they have seen - hey, we get it, this can be intriguing. However, bear in mind that these benefits are based on the experience of individual owners rather than official studies on lots of pets showing a real difference (1). 

Also, a lot of the apparent benefits of raw diets can be easily achieved by making sure you’re feeding your pet any balanced, age-appropriate diet. OMNI, for example, has been reported by customers to give dogs…

  • A shinier coat
  • Fresher breath
  • Better toilets
  • Lots of energy 

Choose from our Puppy, Adult or Senior range and then use our handy guide to work out how much your dog should be eating based on their weight. OMNI is a great healthy dog food that tastes good to keep your pup’s tail wagging! 

Your pup is in safe hands

Your doggo deserves the best… and unfortunately, that is not a raw dog food diet. OMNI is with you every step of the way, keeping your pup happy and healthy throughout their life. Join our community of happy dog parents over on Instagram @omnipetfood, we can’t wait to see you there!


References 

  1. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/raw-diets
  2. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jan/12/scientists-criticise-trend-for-raw-meat-pet-food-after-analysis-finds-pathogens
  3. Marks S.L., Rankin S.C., Byrne B.A., Weese J.S. (2011) Enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats: Diagnosis, epidemology, treatment, and control. J. Vet. Intern. Med.;25:1195–1208. Doi:
  4. https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/shopping/salmonella-fears-spark-urgent-recall-4328262
  5. https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-31-2020
  6. L. Martinez-Anton, M. Marenda, S.M. Firestone, R.N. Bushell, G. Child, A.I. Hamilton, S.N. Long, M.A.R. Le Chevoir (2018) Investigation of the Role of Campylobacter Infection in Suspected Acute Polyradiculoneuritis in Dog
  7. Davies M. Variability in content of homemade diets for canine chronic kidney disease. Vet Rec. 2014 Apr 5;174(14):352. doi: 10.1136/vr.102223. Epub 2014 Feb 27. PMID: 24584327.
  8. https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/outbreaks/puppies-9-17/index.html
  9. Groat EF, Williams NJ,Pinchbeck G,Warner B,Simpson A,Schmidt VM (2022)  UK dogs eating raw meat diets have higher risk of Salmonella and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli faecal carriage 21 February 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13488
  10. https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/high-levels-of-potentially-harmful-bacteria-found-in-raw-meat-dog-food-products/

FAQs

But aren’t dog’s carnivores?

Dogs are in fact nutritional omnivores as demonstrated by a robust scientific study published in the reputable journal Nature (1,2) in which it was shown that they have 30 copies of the AMY2B gene responsible for digesting plant-based foods.

They have also evolved relatively long intestines (21) (almost as long as humans) and relatively flat surfaces on their molars (31, 22) which they use for digesting and chewing a whole range of foods.

The common misconception that dogs are carnivores probably arises from the fact that they are classified in the order Carnivora but so are plenty of other species like bears, skunks, racoons who are omnivores and even the giant panda who thrives on a plant-based diet (20).

Is plant protein digestible to dogs?

Absolutely yes, studies which have looked at how much protein dogs can absorb from plant-based and fungi-based foods like soya and yeast demonstrated over 75% digestibility which is on par with meat-based foods (23, 24, 34, 35 & 25).

Both these protein sources also contain all 10 essential amino acids (36, 37) that dogs need to thrive.

Isn't there too much fibre in plant-based food?

The average amount of fibre in a commercial dog food diet is between 2-4%. omni’s plant-powered recipe has a fibre content of 3% which is on par with meat- based diets.

In our survey with over 200 dog owners, 100% reported that their dog’s stool consistency was either ‘normal’ or ‘perfect’ and there were no reports of any digestive upsets (data on file).

Can I mix omni with other meat-based diets?

We are proud that our recipes are nutritionally complete and so include everything your dog needs to thrive. This means omni can be fed as a sole ration. We also fully support a 'flexitarian approach' like meat free lunches or using omni as a mixer.

Every little helps to bring some of the health and environmental benefits of plant-power to meal times. Mixing omni with meat/fish will help to add variety into your dog’s diet whilst adding in healthy ingredients with a relatively low carbon footprint.

Can plant-based food provide the essential fatty acids dogs need?

All the essential fats and oils that dogs need, including omegas 3 and 6 are found in a variety of both meat and plant-based foods (31, 28).

omni’s recipe is rich in plant-based sources of these nutrients so your dog will get all the essentials they need.

I hear a lot about feeding raw meat, isn’t that better?

Feeding raw meat to dogs has become a very popular trend in recent years, but most vets will warn against this practise. This is because the cooking process is vital to help kill off dangerous bacteria like E coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter (9) that have necessitated several food recalls from the market and caused serious illness and even death in both dogs and their owners (40, 41, & 42).

There are also several worms and parasites that are only killed off when raw meat is cooked. Dogs are dogs, not wolves and thanks to their domestication over thousands of years, thankfully don’t need to hunt to get their grub nor do they need to eat raw meat, it's just not worth the risk.

References

1. Buff P.R., Carter R.A., Bauer J.E., Kersey J.N. (2014) Natural pet food: A review of natural diets and their impact on canine and feline physiology. J. Anim. Sci.;92:3781–3791. doi: 10.2527/jas.2014-7789


2. Axelsson E., Ratnakumar A., Arendt M.L., Maqbool K., Webster M.T., Perloski M., Liberg O., Arnemo J.M., Hedhammar A., Lindblad-Toh K. (2013) The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet. Nature; 495:360–364. doi: 10.1038/nature11837


3. The European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF) Nutrition [ Accessed on 3 June 2021] Available online: http://www.fediaf.org/self-regulation/nutrition/


4. Gentle World Good Nutrition for Healthy Vegan Dogs [Accessed on 3 June 2021] Available online: http://www.webcitation.org/6ineIZmNQ


5. Peden J. (1999) Vegetarian Cats & Dogs. 3rd ed. Harbingers of a New Age; Troy, MT, USA


6. Semp P.-G. (2014) Master’s Thesis. Veterinary University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria: Vegan Nutrition of Dogs and Cats


7. Brown W.Y., Vanselow B.A., Redman A.J., Pluske J.R. (2009) An experimental meat-free diet maintained haematological characteristics in sprint-racing sled dogs. Br. J. Nutr.;102:1318–1323. doi: 10.1017/S0007114509389254


8. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Dog Health Survey. [Accessed on 3 June 2021]


9. Marks S.L., Rankin S.C., Byrne B.A., Weese J.S. (2011) Enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats: Diagnosis, epidemology, treatment, and control. J. Vet. Intern. Med.;25:1195–1208. doi:


10. Carrión P.A., Thompson L.J., Motarjemi Y., Lelieveld H., (2014) Food Safety Management: A Practical Guide for the Food Industry. Academic Press; London, UK:. pp. 379–395


11. Knight, A. and Leitsberger, M. (2016) Vegetarian versus meat-based diets for companion animals. Animals 6, 57.


12. Boyer C.I., Jr., Andrews E.J., deLahunta A., Bache C.A., Gutenman W.H., Lisk D.J. (1978) Accumulation of mercury and selenium in tissues of kittens fed commercial cat food. Cornell Vet.;68:365–374.


13. Anonymous. Your Pet’s Dog Food Could Be Dangerous. [Accessed on 8 December 2014] Available online: http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=1018127&nav=23iiCT4S.


14. Porecca K. (1995) Personal letter to James Peden re: Interview of University of California (Davis), North Carolina State University, and University of Guelph Researchers investigating the connection between dilated cardiomyopathy and diet


15. Perry T. What’s Really for Dinner? [Accessed on 7 July 2016] Available online: http://www.webcitation.org/6ipEL5YVR.


16. https://www.bordercolliefanclub.com/bramble-the-vegan-dog-lives-to-189-years/


17. https://aminoapps.com/c/vegan/page/blog/vegan-dog-lives-to-27-years-of-age/N4ai_MuaRE5qNoYVN1DN85ap0GVjz3j


18. https://v-dog.com/blogs/v-dog-blog/vegan-diets-for-dogs-what-about-longevity


19. https://www.fediaf.org/39-prepared-pet-foods/80-understanding-labels.html


20. https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/07/vegan-dogs-a-healthy-lifestyle-or-going-against-nature/

21. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/7-interesting-facts-about-your-dogs-digestive-system

22. http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/pregastric/dogpage.html

23. Félix AP, Zanatta CP, Brito CB, et al. (2013) Digestibility and metabolizable energy of raw soybeans manufactured with different processing treatments and fed to adult dogs and puppies. J Anim Sci;91:2794–2801.


24. Carciofi A, de-Oliviera L, Valério A, et al. (2009) Comparison of micronized whole soybeans to common protein sources in dry dog and cat diets. Anim Feed Sci Technol;151:251–260.

25. Yamka R, Kitts S, Harmon D. (2005) Evaluation of low-oligosaccharide and low-oligosaccharide low-phytate whole soya beans in canine foods. Anim Feed Sci Technol;120:79–91.

26. Hill D. (2004) Alternative proteins in companion animal nutrition, in Proceedings. Pet Food Assoc Canada Fall Conf;1–12

28. Hazewinkel HA, Tryfonidou MA. (2002) Vitamin D3 metabolism in dogs. Mol Cell Endocrinol;197:23–33.
Boland R, Skliar M, Curino A, et al. (2003) Vitamin D compounds in plants. Plant Sci;164:357–369.

29. Jäpelt RB, Jakobsen J. (2013) Vitamin D in plants: a review of occurrence, analysis, and biosynthesis. Front Plant Sci;4:136

30. Knight, A. and Leitsberger, M. (2016). Vegetarian versus meat-based diets for companion animals. Animals 6, 57.

31. Dodd SAS, Adolphe JL, Verbrugghe A. (2018) Plant-based diets for dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Dec 1;253(11):1425-1432. doi: 10.2460/javma.253.11.1425. PMID: 30451617.

32. https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_how_long_do_dogs_live [Accessed 2 June 2021]

33. https://www.utep.edu/leb/pleistnm/stuff/stuff2.htm [Accessed 2 June 2021]

34. M S Martins, N K Sakomura, D F Souza, F O R Filho, M O S Gomes, R S Vasconcellos, A C Carciofi (2014) Brewer’s yeast and sugarcane yeast as protein sources for dogs, J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2014 Oct;98(5):948-57. doi: 10.1111/jpn.12145.

35. Christina Golder, James L Weemhoff, Dennis E Jewell (2020) Cats Have Increased Protein Digestibility as Compared to Dogs and Improve Their Ability to Absorb Protein as Dietary Protein Intake Shifts from Animal to Plant Sources 24;10(3):541. doi: 10.3390/ani10030541.

36. Henkel J. (2000) Soy. Health claims for soy protein, questions about other components. FDA Consum ;34(3):13–15,18–20.

37. Yalçin, Sakine & Erol, H & Özsoy, Bülent & Onbaşılar, I. (2008) Effects of the usage of dried brewing yeast in the diets on the performance, egg traits and blood parameters in quails. Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience. 2. 1780-5. 10.1017/S1751731108003170.

38. Rosser EJ (1993) Diagnosis of food allergy in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association; 203(2):259-262.

39. Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P. (2016) Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals: common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res.12:9. Published 2016 Jan 12. doi:10.1186/s12917-016-0633-8

40. https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/shopping/salmonella-fears-spark-urgent-recall-4328262

41. https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-31-2020

42. L. Martinez-Anton, M. Marenda, S.M. Firestone, R.N. Bushell, G. Child, A.I. Hamilton, S.N. Long, M.A.R. Le Chevoir (2018) Investigation of the Role of Campylobacter Infection in Suspected Acute Polyradiculoneuritis in Dog


43. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2018/10/four-stec-infections-one-person-dead-after-exposure-to-raw-pet-food/

44. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jan/12/scientists-criticise-trend-for-raw-meat-pet-food-after-analysis-finds-pathogens

45. https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2015/10/26/processed-meat-and-cancer-what-you-need-to-know/

46. D.F. Merlo, L. Rossi, C. Pellegrino, M. Ceppi, U. Cardellino, C. Capurro, A. Ratto, P.L. Sambucco, V. Sestito, G. Tanara, V. Bocchini (2008) Cancer Incidence in Pet Dogs: Findings of the Animal Tumor Registry of Genoa, Italy
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0133.x , journal of veterinary internal medicine

47. https://www.pfma.org.uk/_assets/docs/White%20Papers/PFMA-Obesity-Report-2019.pdf

48. https://www.pfma.org.uk/grain-free-factsheet

49. https://fediaf.org/images/FEDIAF_Nutritional_Guidelines_2020_20200917.pdf

50. https://www.ksvdl.org/resources/documents/dcm-forum/Confidential-Abstract-for-release-October-14-2020-Final.pdf

51. https://www.ksvdl.org/resources/documents/dcm-forum/DCM-Forum-SolomonOpening-Remarks.pdf

52. https://stpetersbark.com/finally-theres-no-evidence-linking-grain-free-diets-and-non-hereditary-heart-conditions-in-dogs/

53. Okin GS (2017) Environmental impacts of food consumption by dogs and cats. PLoS ONE 12(8): e0181301. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181301

See more questions