The 10 Raw Feeding Myths Every Dog Owner Needs to Stop Believing Before Your Pup Stages a Kibble Rebellion

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet, especially if your pet has existing health conditions or special nutritional needs.

Raw feeding has become the trendy new diet for dogs, with pet parents swapping kibble for chunks of meat faster than you can say “good boy.” But somewhere between the excitement of going “natural” and the flood of online advice, a bunch of myths have taken root like weeds in a dog park.

This article breaks down the ten biggest misconceptions that confuse dog owners about raw feeding. From thinking dogs will turn into wild beasts overnight to believing raw diets cure everything, these myths can lead pet parents down some pretty questionable paths. The truth about raw feeding sits somewhere between the horror stories and the miracle claims floating around social media.

1) Myth 1: Raw feeding turns dogs into wolves overnight

Some dog owners worry that feeding raw meat will turn their sweet pup into a wild wolf. They imagine their golden retriever suddenly howling at the moon and hunting squirrels.

This fear is silly. Dogs have lived with humans for thousands of years. Their DNA changed during this time.

A bowl of raw chicken will not erase thousands of years of evolution. Dogs are still dogs, even when they eat raw food.

Your poodle will not suddenly grow fangs and run into the forest. Raw food does not change a dog’s basic nature or personality.

Many raw-fed dogs are just as friendly and calm as kibble-fed dogs. They still want belly rubs and treats. They still sleep on the couch.

The only thing that might change is better teeth and shinier fur. Some dogs have more energy on raw diets. But they do not become wild animals.

Raw feeding is just a different way to feed dogs. It does not turn house pets into wolves.

2) Myth 2: Dogs don’t need any cooking—ever

Some raw food fans think dogs should never eat cooked food. They believe cooking destroys all nutrients and makes food bad for dogs.

This isn’t true. Dogs can eat both raw and cooked foods safely.

Wild dogs might eat raw meat, but pet dogs are different. They’ve lived with humans for thousands of years, and their digestive systems have adapted.

Cooking some foods actually helps dogs. Cooked vegetables are easier to digest than raw ones. Sweet potatoes and carrots, for example, release more nutrients when cooked.

Certain raw foods can carry risks. Raw eggs, for instance, may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. Cooking usually reduces that risk, though it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of contamination if eggs are handled or stored improperly.

Many dog owners also cook chicken or beef for their pets when they’re sick, and vets often suggest bland cooked foods for upset stomachs.

The key is balance. Dogs can enjoy both raw and cooked foods as part of a healthy diet. Neither option is automatically better than the other—what matters most is safety and nutritional completeness.

3) Myth 3: Raw bones are completely safe chew toys

Many dog owners think raw bones are nature’s perfect chew toy. They picture their pup gnawing happily like a wolf in the wild.

The truth is more complicated. Raw bones can break teeth just like cooked ones.

Large weight-bearing bones from cows are especially hard. They can crack even the strongest dog teeth. Vets see this problem often.

Some raw bones splinter too. Pork and chicken bones are risky choices.

The size matters a lot. Tiny bones can get stuck in throats or cause choking.

Even “safe” raw bones need watching. Dogs who gulp food fast might swallow big pieces.

Raw bones work best when they match the dog’s size. A chihuahua shouldn’t get a beef leg bone.

Softer options like chicken necks are gentler on teeth. But they still need supervision.

The key is picking the right bone for each dog. What works for one pup might hurt another.

4) Myth 4: All raw diets are created equal—just throw meat in a bowl

Some dog owners think feeding raw is as simple as tossing a chunk of beef in their dog’s bowl. They act like they’ve cracked some ancient code when really they’ve just created an expensive mess.

Dogs need more than just meat to stay healthy. They require organs, bones, and sometimes vegetables too.

A bowl of plain chicken breast every day won’t give a dog the nutrients they need. It’s like eating only french fries and calling it a balanced diet.

Raw feeding requires planning and research. Dog owners need to learn about calcium, phosphorus ratios, and which organs provide which vitamins.

Some commercial raw foods are carefully balanced by pet nutritionists. Others are basically fancy dog treats marketed as complete meals.

The “throw meat in a bowl” approach often leads to skinny dogs with dull coats. These pets might seem fine at first, but problems show up over time.

Good raw diets include muscle meat, organ meat, and raw bones in specific amounts. Many also add supplements to fill nutritional gaps.

Raw feeding isn’t rocket science, but it’s not caveman simple either.

5) Myth 5: Raw feeding eliminates the need for vet visits

Some dog owners think raw food turns their pets into super dogs who never get sick. They believe raw diets make vet visits a thing of the past.

This thinking is pretty silly. Dogs on raw diets still need regular checkups just like any other dog.

Raw food doesn’t create magical shields around dogs. They can still get hurt, develop cancer, or have genetic health problems.

Accidents happen to all dogs. A raw-fed dog can still eat something they shouldn’t or get hit by a car.

Regular vet visits help catch problems early. Blood tests can find issues before they become serious and expensive to treat.

Vaccinations are still important for raw-fed dogs. Raw food doesn’t protect against diseases like rabies or parvo.

Some raw-fed dogs might actually need more vet attention. Owners sometimes worry about getting the diet balance right and visit more often.

Smart dog owners know that good food is just one part of keeping pets healthy. Regular vet care, exercise, and dental cleaning all matter too.

Raw food is not a magic cure for everything that can go wrong with dogs.

6) Myth 6: Dogs can handle salmonella like superheroes

Many dog owners think their pets have super stomachs that can defeat any germ. They believe dogs can eat raw chicken covered in salmonella and walk away unharmed.

The truth is more nuanced. Dogs are generally more resistant to foodborne bacteria than humans because of their stomach acidity and gut flora. But that doesn’t mean they’re immune. Dogs can and do get sick from salmonella, especially puppies, older dogs, or those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy, and in some cases, veterinary care is required.

Even dogs that don’t show signs of illness may shed salmonella in their stool, which can spread the bacteria to other pets or people in the household.

Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria, so safe food handling and hygiene are just as important for raw diets as they are for human food.

7) Myth 7: Raw feeding guarantees super shiny fur without brushing

Some dog owners think raw food turns their pets into furry supermodels. They believe brushing becomes optional once kibble disappears from the bowl.

Raw diets can improve coat health in many dogs. Better nutrition often leads to shinier fur and less shedding.

But no food is a magic wand that eliminates grooming needs. Dogs still need regular brushing regardless of their diet.

A Golden Retriever eating raw chicken won’t suddenly have tangle-free fur. Their coat still collects dirt, debris, and forms mats without proper care.

Raw feeding works best when combined with good grooming habits. The diet provides nutrients for healthy fur growth from the inside.

Brushing removes dead hair and distributes natural oils throughout the coat. It also prevents painful mats that can hurt the skin underneath.

Dogs with double coats or long hair need daily brushing no matter what they eat. Even short-haired breeds benefit from weekly brushing sessions.

Raw food might reduce some grooming time by improving coat quality. However, it never replaces the need for regular brushing and basic coat care.

8) Myth 8: Fruits and veggies are just for humans, not raw-fed dogs

Many dog owners think fruits and vegetables have no place in a raw diet. They believe dogs only need meat, bones, and organs.

This thinking is wrong. Wild dogs and wolves eat plant matter too.

Dogs are not strict carnivores like cats. They can digest and benefit from certain fruits and vegetables.

Many raw feeders add small amounts of produce to their dogs’ meals. Popular choices include carrots, spinach, blueberries, and apples.

These foods provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also add variety to the diet.

The key word is “small amounts.” Fruits and vegetables should make up only 5-10% of a raw diet.

Some fruits and vegetables are dangerous for dogs. Grapes, onions, and garlic should never be fed.

Always research before adding new produce. Start with tiny portions to see how your dog reacts.

Dogs don’t need fruits and vegetables to survive on raw diets. But they can be healthy additions when chosen carefully.

9) Myth 9: You can skip supplements because raw is ‘perfect’

Raw diets sound amazing on paper. They seem like the perfect solution to all dog health problems.

But raw food isn’t magical. It’s just food.

Some raw diets miss important nutrients. Dogs need calcium, vitamins, and minerals in the right amounts.

A chicken breast doesn’t contain everything a dog needs. Neither does ground beef or fish.

Many dog owners think “natural” means “complete.” This isn’t true. Wild wolves eat entire animals, including bones and organs.

Most pet owners don’t feed whole prey. They buy muscle meat from the store.

This creates gaps in nutrition. Dogs might need vitamin E, zinc, or other nutrients.

Some raw feeders add organ meat and bones. This helps but might not cover everything.

A good veterinarian can help figure out what supplements a dog needs. Blood tests show if nutrients are missing.

Raw feeding takes planning. Dog owners need to research nutrition or work with experts.

The “perfect” diet is one that meets all of a dog’s needs. Sometimes that includes supplements.

10) Myth 10: If it’s raw, your dog won’t get parasites—nope!

Some dog owners think raw food keeps parasites away. They believe cooking food causes parasites to show up.

This makes about as much sense as wearing a hat to prevent hiccups. Raw meat can actually carry more parasites than cooked meat.

Cooking kills most parasites and their eggs. Raw meat might still have them alive and ready to party in your dog’s belly.

Wild animals that eat raw food get parasites all the time. Your dog isn’t magically protected just because their dinner is uncooked.

Raw chicken can have worms. Raw fish might carry flukes. Raw beef could hide tapeworm eggs.

Dogs on raw diets still need regular parasite checks from the vet. They might even need them more often than dogs eating kibble.

Good raw feeding includes freezing meat first or buying from trusted sources. But even careful raw feeders can’t guarantee zero parasites.

The solution isn’t avoiding raw food completely. It’s being smart about it and watching for signs of parasites.