This is a topic I’ve spoken on in the past and it’s always one which produces some strong opinions on both sides. It’s now also estimated that 10-15% of dogs may be fed a vegan diet. And with over 70% of horse owners owning dogs, I’m sure it’s a topic that will be of interest. Choosing the right diet for your dog can feel overwhelming with the variety of options available. Amongst the most debated topics in dog nutrition is the choice between raw and processed dog food. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that suits your dog’s health and lifestyle.
Raw Dog Food
It seems fairly obvious, but raw dog food typically consists of uncooked meat, bones, organs, and sometimes even raw fruits and vegetables. Advocates of raw feeding often follow the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food) or a similar model designed to mimic the natural diet of wild canines. Some companies making dog food products refer directly to this in their marketing.
Some of the suggested benefits of raw dog food include:
- Nutrient Density – Raw diets are often praised for their high-quality, unprocessed nutrients, which some believe are easier for dogs to absorb.
- Improved Coat and Skin – Many owners report shinier coats and healthier skin after switching to raw food.
- Dental Health – Chewing on raw meaty bones can help remove tartar buildup and promote healthy teeth and gums.
- Digestive Health – Some dogs are reported to experience fewer allergies and digestive issues when eating a raw diet.
On the other side of the coin, the possible drawbacks of raw dog food may include:
- Risk of Contamination – Raw meat can harbour harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which pose risks to both pets and humans.
- Nutritional Imbalance – Without careful planning, raw dogfood diets may lack essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies.
- Cost and Preparation Time – Raw feeding can be more expensive and time-consuming than processed options.
- Storage Concerns – Raw food for dogs requires proper refrigeration or freezing to prevent spoilage.
Processed Dog Food
Processed dog food includes dry kibble, canned food, and freeze-dried products. These may be further classified as “wet” or “dry” products. These products are formulated to meet the nutritional standards set by organisations such as Food Standards Agency (FSA, UK), The Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed – Animal Nutrition of the European Commission (Europe) and the Food and Drug Administrations Center for Veterinary Medicine (USA). There are also various industry bodies that help ensure commercial animal feed manufacturers follow the correct process. These include organisations such as the European Pet Food Industry Federation (Fédération Européenne de l’Industrie des Aliments pour Animaux Familiers, FEDIAF, Europe), UK Pet Food (UK) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO, USA).
Some of the suggested benefits of raw dog food include:
- Convenience – Processed dog food is easy to store, serve, and transport.
- Nutritional Completeness – Most processed foods are designed to provide a balanced diet with the right mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Affordability – Kibble and canned options are often more budget-friendly than raw food.
- Safety and Shelf Life – Processed dog food undergoes cooking or sterilisation processes that eliminate harmful bacteria, making it safer to handle and store for extended periods.
Some of the drawbacks of processed dog food may include:
- Additives – Some processed foods contain artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours that may not be ideal for long-term health. Some dogs may be sensitive to certain additives and develop skin or intestinal issues.
- Palatability – Some dogs can find processed food less appealing compared to raw diets.
- Variation in quality – The quality of ingredients can vary widely among brands, so careful label reading is essential.
The Hybrid Diet Approach
For some pet owners, a hybrid approach works best; offering raw food occasionally whilst relying on processed dog food for daily feeding. Another approach is to feed a processed food diet as the main source of food but supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, or lean meats to enhance nutritional variety on a daily basis.
Vegan Dog Diets
Vegan diets do not use any animal derived products, such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, honey, etc. Vegan diets have become more popular and may be driven by owners who follow a vegan diet themselves. A survey from 2022 found that 13% of 2600 dog owners said they fed a vegan diet to their dog, compared with 33% who fed raw meat and 54% who said they fed a processed commercial/conventional meat product. The authors of the study suggested that health disorders were most common in the dogs fed conventional meat/processed diet (49%), less common in dogs fed a raw meat diet (43%) and least common in dogs fed a vegan diet (36%). The authors also stated that “significant evidence indicates that raw meat diets are often associated with dietary hazards, including nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, and pathogens”. A more recent review in 2023 looked at 16 different studies on vegan diets for dogs (and cats) also concluded that “there was no overwhelming evidence of adverse effects arising from use of these diets and there was some evidence of benefits.”
Whilst dogs are omnivores and can thrive on a properly balanced vegan diet, it’s crucial to ensure their nutritional needs are fully met. The key nutrients that dogs need in the correct proportions to be healthy include:
- Protein: Vegan options include peas, lentils, chickpeas, soy, and quinoa.
- Amino Acids: Taurine and L-carnitine are essential for heart health and may need supplementation.
- Fatty Acids: Omega-3 and Omega-6 are vital; flaxseed, chia seeds and algae oil are great sources.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and iron often require fortification in vegan dog foods.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Diet for Your Dog
- Your Dog’s Current or Past Health – Dogs with specific health conditions may require specialized diets, whether raw or processed.
- Lifestyle and Time Commitment – Raw feeding demands more time and effort, while processed food offers convenience for busy pet owners.
- Budget – Consider the long-term costs of food, including supplements, storage, and veterinary care.
- Veterinary Advice – It’s a good idea to consult your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet to ensure it meets their specific needs. Remember age, breed, activity and health can all affect dietary requirements.
Bottom line
Both raw and processed dog food have their advantages and disadvantages. The best choice ultimately depends on your dog’s individual needs, your lifestyle, and your ability to provide a safe and nutritionally balanced diet. By staying informed and consulting with your vet, you can ensure your dog/dogs enjoy a healthy, happy life no matter what’s in their food bowl.
Are you a dog owner?
Do you feed a raw or processed or hybrid diet or a vegan diet?
What has influenced your choice?
References
Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine. “Raw foods for dogs: Evidence-based advice.” Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/raw-foods-dogs-evidence-based-advice-riney-canine-health-center
Domínguez-Oliva A, Mota-Rojas D, Semendric I, Whittaker AL. (2023) The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review. Vet Sci. Jan 12;10(1):52. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36669053/
Joffe, D. J., & Schlesinger, D. P. (2002). “Prevalence of Salmonella in raw chicken diets fed to dogs.” Canadian Veterinary Journal, 43(6), 441–442. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3003575
Knight A, Huang E, Rai N, Brown H. (2022) Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health. PLoS One. Apr 13;17(4):e0265662. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35417464/
Morgan, S. K., Willis, S., & Shepherd, M. L. (2019). “Survey of owner attitudes and experiences feeding raw meat diets to dogs.” BMC Veterinary Research, 15(1), 74. https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-019-1824-x
Schmidt, M., Unterer, S., Suchodolski, J. S., & Krüger, M. (2018). “Fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in dogs fed raw diets vs. extruded diets.” Journal of Animal Science. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6849757/
