Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat? Know the Risks

The Raw Meat Debate: Natural or Risky?

It’s no secret that dogs’ ancestors thrived on raw prey. So, it’s understandable that many pet parents wonder if feeding raw meat today is a healthy, “natural” choice. But while raw diets are trending, they come with both potential benefits and real risks.

Additionally, while dogs have descended from wolves, genetic adaptations mean their nutritional requirements differ from their ancestors. Let’s dig into what science says about feeding your dog raw meat, from raw chicken and beef to eggs and fish.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?

Technically, yes — dogs can eat raw meat. But whether they should is another question. Raw meat may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli¹, which can cause illness in both pets and people.

That doesn’t mean every raw-fed dog will get sick — some may tolerate it well — but contamination risks are real, especially for young, elderly, or immune-compromised dogs (and the humans handling their food).

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) as well as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) take an official stance that these diets pose significant health risks to pets and their owners, and that these risks outweigh any supposed benefits of feeding a raw diet. This includes meat, bones, eggs, and dairy, and all raw food formats: fresh, frozen, dehydrated, or freeze-dried. Note that freeze-drying and dehydration do not typically reach temperatures high enough to kill pathogens.

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advise against feeding your pet raw food or treats^4,5.

If you want to incorporate more meaty proteins into your dog’s diet, we advise you find a commercial kibble or wet food made with minimally processed fresh meat. This means the meat has been cooked only once, which helps to preserve nutrients and deliver the best nutritional value to your dog, without the risks of raw meat.

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What About Specific Raw Foods?

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?

Raw chicken is one of the riskiest meats due to Salmonella and Campylobacter contamination⁶. The CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) strongly advise against feeding it raw, including raw chicken bones. Cooking chicken to 165°F (74°C) kills these bacteria⁶, making it far safer.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs? Are Raw Eggs Good for Dogs?

Raw eggs are packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins — but raw egg whites contain avidin, which can interfere with biotin (a B-vitamin) absorption over time⁷. Raw eggs can also carry Salmonella⁸. Cooked eggs deliver the same nutrition without the risk, so they’re a much safer choice.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Hamburger Meat?

Undercooked hamburger meat is one of the most likely culprits for bacterial illness in dogs and people alike, due to the prevalence of E. coli in raw ground beef and cross contamination⁹. The CDC advises cooking ground beef to 160°F (71°C)⁹, to kill E. coli germs and keep you and your pets safe.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Beef or Raw Steak?

High-quality whole cuts of raw beef or steak are less likely to contain pathogens than poultry or ground, but contamination can still occur. The CDC recommends cooking to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), then allowing the meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or eating¹⁰. Be sure to wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after handing the raw meat.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Pork or Bacon?

Raw pork can harbor Trichinella parasites, though rare in modern meat supplies¹¹. Raw bacon is also high in fat and salt, which can upset digestion and increase pancreatitis risk¹². Bacon should always be cooked and fed extremely sparingly.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon or Other Fish?

Some species of fish can contain harmful parasites when served raw. Freezing will kill any parasites that may be present, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk of harmful germs¹³, so it’s important to always cook fish thoroughly (to an internal temperature of 145°F (71°C) for most seafood¹³) before serving to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Shrimp?

Raw shrimp may carry harmful bacteria and parasites. When cooked (and with the shell removed), shrimp can be a lean, healthy treat in moderation.

So, Should Dogs Eat Raw Meat?

So, can dogs eat raw meat? Yes — but that doesn’t mean they should. While raw diets can seem natural, they come with clear health and safety concerns. Cooked, balanced meals are a better (and cleaner!) way to keep tails wagging and tummies happy.

If you still choose to feed raw:

• Talk to your veterinarian for advice before making the switch.

• Buy meat from reputable sources, ideally raw commercial pet food diets.

• Freeze meat for several days before feeding to reduce parasites.

• Clean surfaces and bowls immediately after feeding to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

• Store raw meat separately from human food.

• Always wash your hands and preparation areas thoroughly—remember that raw meat isn’t just a health risk for your pet, but human companions as well.

• Avoid letting pets who have eaten raw meat show affection by licking at the faces or hands of any household members. Those most at risk if exposed to pathogens are children, those over 65, and those with weakened immune systems.

If you’d rather avoid the risk, remember that diets with minimally-processed fresh meat still deliver great nutrition for your pet — without the bacteria risk.