Raw feeding dogs and cats has been widely debated because of concerns about food poisoning, Salmonella and other bacteria, as well as the potential risks associated with feeding bones.
However, many of these concerns relate closely to the digestive environment of dogs and cats and how this environment is influenced by the type of food they regularly eat.
Understanding gastric acidity, digestion and gut transit time helps explain why some dogs and cats can digest raw meat and bones very effectively, while others may struggle when raw foods are introduced suddenly.
Gastric Acidity, Digestion & Raw Bones
Dogs and cats naturally have a highly acidic stomach environment. When eating a diet containing substantial amounts of animal protein, gastric acidity can become very low, with a pH of around 2 or lower.
This highly acidic environment supports the digestion of raw meat and helps soften and break down raw bone material. It also provides an important defence against many bacteria that may be present in food.
Dogs and cats have evolved a digestive system suited to an animal-based diet. Their relatively short gastrointestinal tract allows food to move through the digestive system more quickly than in herbivorous animals, whose digestive systems are adapted to breaking down large amounts of plant material.
Fresh animal foods are generally easier and quicker to digest than fibrous plant material, which requires a longer digestive process.
How Processed Diets Can Change the Digestive Environment
The introduction of highly processed pet foods has significantly changed the nature of the modern dog's and cat's diet.
Animal protein is generally one of the more expensive components of pet food, creating commercial pressure to use less expensive sources of protein and energy.
Many processed foods contain substantial amounts of carbohydrate ingredients such as corn, wheat, rice, potato and other starches. Plant-based proteins such as soy and lupins may also be used to increase the overall protein percentage without the same cost as animal protein.
The type and proportion of ingredients in a diet can influence the digestive environment, including gastric acidity and the way food is processed.
What Happens When Raw Food Is Introduced Suddenly?
A dog or cat that has been eating a highly processed diet may not immediately tolerate a large meal of raw meat or a raw bone.
When the digestive system has adapted to a particular type of diet, introducing a completely different food suddenly can result in vomiting, digestive upset or difficulty processing the food.
Raw bones may also be more difficult to soften and digest if the digestive environment is not well adapted to them. This is one reason that bones should not simply be introduced as an occasional addition to a processed-food diet.
A gradual transition gives the digestive system time to adapt to the new diet.
Allow Time for the Digestive System to Adapt
It can take several days for the digestive system to adjust to a significant change in diet. A gradual transition over approximately 7–10 days can allow gastric acidity and digestive processes to adapt to a diet containing more fresh animal foods.
This is particularly important when introducing raw meat or bones to a dog or cat that has previously eaten mainly processed food.
A common complaint is that a dog “can't handle” fresh meat or bones because it vomits after eating them occasionally. In some cases, the problem may be the sudden introduction rather than the raw food itself.
Practical Feeding Tips
If you are transitioning your dog or cat to a fresh or raw food diet:
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Make the change gradually over approximately 7–10 days.
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Introduce fresh meat in increasing amounts rather than giving a large raw meal suddenly.
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If feeding raw bones, introduce them gradually and choose appropriately sized bones for the individual animal.
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Include suitable fresh animal foods regularly rather than feeding raw meat or bones only as an occasional addition to a highly processed diet.
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Monitor your pet's stools, appetite and general wellbeing throughout the transition.
Raw Food & Bacteria
Raw meat can naturally contain bacteria, including Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli and Clostridium species. A healthy digestive system provides several natural barriers against these organisms, including strong gastric acidity and relatively rapid gut transit.
However, raw food is not completely free from bacterial risk. Good-quality ingredients, appropriate storage and careful handling are important when feeding raw food.
It is also important to remember that dogs and cats can carry and shed bacteria without appearing unwell, so good hygiene is particularly important in households with young children, elderly people or anyone with reduced immunity.
Raw Bones & Digestion
Raw bones have traditionally been an important component of the natural diet of dogs and cats. Their highly acidic stomach environment is well suited to softening and digesting appropriately selected raw bones.
However, not every bone is suitable for every animal. Bones that are too large, too hard or inappropriate for the size of the animal can cause dental damage, choking or gastrointestinal obstruction.
Bones should therefore be introduced gradually and selected according to the size and chewing habits of the individual dog or cat.
The Importance of the Whole Diet
The way a dog or cat responds to raw meat and bones cannot be considered separately from the rest of its diet.
A digestive system adapted to fresh animal foods is naturally equipped to process raw meat and appropriate raw bones. However, sudden dietary changes can cause digestive upset, particularly in animals accustomed to highly processed foods.
Rather than adding raw meat or bones occasionally to an otherwise processed diet, consider the diet as a whole and make any transition gradually.
In Summary
Dogs and cats have evolved a digestive system capable of efficiently processing animal foods. Their highly acidic stomach environment, digestive enzymes and relatively short gastrointestinal tract are all suited to an animal-based diet.
This does not mean that every dog or cat will tolerate every raw food or bone, or that raw feeding is without risk. Food quality, hygiene, appropriate bone selection and a gradual dietary transition are all important.
Understanding how the digestive system works can help explain why some animals thrive on a carefully prepared fresh-food diet, while others need a slower transition or different approach.
Disclaimer
The entire contents of this article are based upon the opinions of Dr. Bruce Syme, unless otherwise noted. The information is not intended as medical advice, it simply shares the knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Bruce and his community. Pet health care decisions should be based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified pet health care professional.
Dr Bruce Syme BVSc(Hons)
Further Reading
Feeding Raw for Dogs & Cats – A Vet's Perspective by Dr Bruce Syme BVSc(Hons)