While a fresh whole food raw diet can be beneficial for many dogs, there are certain situations where it may not be appropriate or require special considerations:

1. Puppies

  • Nutritional Imbalance Risks: Puppies have specific nutritional needs for growth and development, and it can be challenging to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients on a raw diet. Inadequate calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin levels can lead to developmental issues.  You must use a properly developed home prepared diet recipe for your dog or talk to us about finding a commercially-prepared raw diet for your puppy.  All of our dogs have been successfuly raised on a raw diet from puppies 

  • Consultation Required: If you choose to feed a raw diet to a puppy, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure the diet is balanced and appropriate for their growth stage.  We can help you find the best options for your pet.  Typically, most breeds thrive on a fresh, whole food diet.  

2. Senior Dogs

  • Digestive Issues: Senior dogs may have weaker immune systems or digestive issues that make it harder to process raw foods. They might be more susceptible to bacteria and other pathogens found in raw meat.  Supplementing our senior dogs with a good quality probiotic can be very beneficial for our senior (and all dogs, really).  

  • Special Dietary Needs: Older dogs often have specific health issues, such as kidney or liver disease, that may require a more controlled or specialized diet.  We do carry specially-formulated raw diets for kidney and liver disease.  

3. Dogs with Compromised Immune Systems

  • Increased Risk of Infection: Dogs with compromised immune systems (due to illness, medication, or genetic conditions) are at higher risk of bacterial infections from raw meat, such as salmonella or E. coli.

  • Supervision Needed: In such cases, a gently cooked or commercial diet might be safer. If a raw diet is still desired, it should be done under strict supervision.  Feeding a diet that has been HPPd can be beneficial in these cases to minimized any bacterial risks.   

4. Dogs with Certain Health Conditions

  • Pancreatitis: Dogs with pancreatitis require a low-fat diet. Raw diets, which often include fatty cuts of meat, may not be suitable unless carefully formulated to meet the dog’s specific needs. We do offer some lower fat raw food options for our dogs with pancreatitis, as well as other nutritional options.  

  • Kidney Disease: A dog with kidney disease may need a diet lower in phosphorus and protein, which can be difficult to achieve with a typical raw diet.  We do carry specially-designed raw diets for dogs with kidney disease.  

  • Food Intolerance: While raw diets can sometimes help with a food allergy or more likely an intolerance, you'll need to pay particular attention to each diet's ingredients. Dogs with known food allergies or intolerances may need a very controlled diet that eliminates specific proteins.  We carry a number of fresh raw food diets that are minimal ingredient and single protein diets specifially for these reasons.   We also offer a raw feeding intolerance test to help you better understand possible dietary triggers for your dog.  

5. Households with Young Children, Elderly, or Immunocompromised Individuals

  • Cross-Contamination Risks: Handling raw meat increases the risk of spreading harmful bacteria in the household, which can be dangerous for vulnerable individuals. Extra precautions must be taken to prevent cross-contamination just like you do with the fresh, raw foods you already bring into the house each week. 

6. Limited Owner Knowledge or Commitment

  • Lack of Proper Balance: Raw diets require a good understanding of canine nutrition to ensure they are balanced. Feeding a cooked chicken breast and rice diet is not a balanced homemade diet.  Owners who are not committed to thoroughly researching and preparing balanced meals may inadvertently cause nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.  We greatly stress the need to strictly follow a well-designed raw food diet from a trusted source.  Here's a link to many of our favorite sources when you're preparing a balanced, raw food diet.  Raw Feeding Books

  • Convenience Issues: Raw feeding can be time-consuming and requires careful handling and preparation. It may not be practical for owners with busy schedules or limited access to a variety of fresh ingredients.  We offer a numbre of commercially-prepared raw diets in a variety of proteins for both dogs and cats. 

7. Dogs in Certain Environments

  • Boarding Facilities: Some boarding facilities or daycares may not accept dogs on raw diets due to the perceived risks of handling raw meat and the potential for cross-contamination.

  • Traveling: Feeding a raw diet while traveling can be challenging, especially without proper storage and preparation facilities.  See our post on Traveling with your Dog

8. Whole Food Treats are Always Great Options

  • Veggies: Peppers, cherry tomoatoes, carrots, peas, broccoli, cucumbers...
  • Fruits: Blueberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, cranberries, kiwi, applys, papaya...
  • Other: Sardines, mushrooms, jicama, green bananas, fennel, beetroot, seawood (nori)
  • DO NOT FEED: Chocoloate, grapes (including raisins, currants or sultantas), macademia nuts, onions

If you can't feed a fresh, prepared whole food diet, alternatives such as a high-quality, balanced commercial diet (either raw, cooked, or kibble) or a high quality diet like Carna4 may be more appropriate.  Always consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to determine the best dietary plan for your dog’s specific needs.