Your Pet's Health

Raw Feeding: What It Is and Whether It's Right for Your Pet

betrbowl · Nutrition Raw feeding is one of the most discussed — and most misunderstood — topics in pet nutrition. Here's an honest, evidence-grounded look at what it is, what the research says, and how to decide if it's right for your pet. What Raw Feeding Actually Is A raw diet for pets typically consists of uncooked muscle meat, organ meat, raw bone (either whole or ground), and sometimes vegetables or supplements. It's designed to replicate — as closely as practical — what dogs and cats would eat in their natural environment. Raw diets come in several formats: Fresh raw — prepared at home or purchased pre-made, refrigerated or frozen. Freeze-dried raw — raw ingredients with moisture removed via vacuum process. Shelf-stable, rehydrate before serving. Frozen raw patties or nuggets — commercially prepared, portioned, thaw and serve. Air-dried raw — moisture removed through controlled airflow, served dry. The Nutritional Case for Raw No heat damage. Cooking destroys naturally occurring enzymes and reduces the bioavailability of some amino acids and vitamins. Raw food preserves what's naturally there. Higher digestibility. Raw food is typically digested more completely than kibble, meaning pets absorb more from smaller amounts. Lower carbohydrate content. Most commercial raw diets contain very few carbohydrates — aligning better with the biology of obligate carnivores (cats) and carnivore-leaning dogs. Higher moisture. Fresh raw food naturally contains 65–75% moisture, supporting hydration — especially important for cats. Better stool quality. Many raw-fed pets produce smaller, firmer, less odorous stools — a sign of higher digestibility and better nutrient absorption. The Concerns — Addressed Honestly Bacteria This is the most commonly raised concern. Raw meat does carry bacteria — including Salmonella and E. coli. However, pets' digestive systems are designed for raw meat. Their stomach acid is significantly more acidic than ours, creating an environment where most pathogens can't survive. The risk is primarily to the humans handling the food — and is managed with the same hygiene practices you'd use preparing raw meat for yourself. Nutritional completeness Home-prepared raw diets can be nutritionally incomplete if not carefully formulated. Commercially prepared raw diets that carry an AAFCO complete and balanced statement have been formulated to meet nutritional requirements. If preparing food at home, work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure balance. Cost and convenience Raw feeding does cost more than budget kibble and requires more planning — freezer space, thawing time, handling hygiene. For many Guardians, freeze-dried raw or a partial raw rotation offers most of the benefit with less complexity. You don't have to go all-in on raw to benefit from it. Adding a freeze-dried topper to kibble, or feeding raw a few times a week alongside a quality kibble, provides meaningful nutritional benefits without a total overhaul. Is It Right for Your Pet? Raw feeding is a strong choice for most healthy dogs and cats. There are some situations where caution is warranted: Pets with compromised immune systems — very young, very old, or on immunosuppressive medication. Pets with certain health conditions — discuss with your vet before switching. Households with immunocompromised humans — the handling hygiene risk is more significant. What to look for at betrbowl Starting with raw: Frozen raw patties or nuggets — commercially prepared, nutritionally complete, easy to portion and serve. Partial raw: Freeze-dried raw topper added to existing kibble. Most of the benefit with none of the commitment. Transitioning: Start with 25% raw mixed into existing food, increase over 10 days. Go slower for older pets or sensitive stomachs. Supporting digestion: Probiotics and digestive enzymes support the transition period and ongoing digestive efficiency. betrbowl — your pet's health is our life's work. Visit our store