Meat & Protein

Raw Meat

Use Caution

Raw meat carries a greater risk of harmful bacteria and other pathogens than properly cooked meat, so it should not be treated as equivalent to plain cooked meat.

Preparation Matters
Pathogen Risk

Safe part

Properly handled and thoroughly cooked meat is the safer choice.

Avoid

Raw or undercooked meat, especially when its source or handling is uncertain.

Preparation

Cook meat thoroughly and follow appropriate food-safety practices.

Serving guidance

Use properly cooked meat rather than raw meat when offering meat as an occasional addition to a dog's diet.

Nutritional note

Cooking does not make meat nutritionally inappropriate for dogs; it primarily reduces pathogen risk.

Did your dog already eat some?

A small exposure to raw meat does not automatically mean a dog will become ill, but monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or other signs of illness. Risk varies with the meat, handling and contamination.

Why we say this

Raw animal products can carry pathogens such as Salmonella and other bacteria that can make pets and people sick. Proper cooking reduces this pathogen risk. The CDC does not recommend feeding raw pet food to dogs and cats.

Sources

Confidence: High · Last reviewed 2026-09-10

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