Can dogs eat raw meat?
Risky. Not without understanding the trade-off. The ASPCA warns that raw meat and eggs can carry Salmonella and E. coli.
How much is dangerous?
This is a contamination risk rather than a dose-dependent toxicity, so no threshold applies. It is also a household hygiene question, not only a canine one.
Why it does harm
Bacterial contamination, affecting both the dog and the household handling the food. The ASPCA additionally notes that raw eggs contain an enzyme that can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins, leading to skin and coat problems.
What to look for
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and lethargy
- Fever
What to do
- If you feed raw, handle it as you would raw meat for people: separate boards, washed hands and surfaces, refrigerated storage.
- Call your vet if a dog develops persistent vomiting or diarrhea after raw food, particularly a puppy or an older dog.
- If you are working out raw portions, the raw feeding calculator balances calories only — it says nothing about whether the diet is complete.