Busting Myths on Raw Feeding

If you’ve ever thought about feeding raw but felt nervous because of the “what ifs,” you’re not alone. We hear it all the time:
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“Raw food isn’t safe.”
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“Bones will splinter.”
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“Kibble is more balanced.”
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“Raw is too much work.”
These myths have been repeated so many times, it’s no wonder pet parents feel hesitant. But here’s the truth: every single one of these myths can be debunked and once you know the facts, you’ll see how raw feeding (even in small steps) can transform your pet’s health.
Myth 1: Raw Food is Dangerous
Raw food is no riskier than the meat you cook for your own dinner. When you feed pet-specific raw diets from trusted brands, they’re tested for safety, handled with strict protocols and free from the contaminants that plague many kibble recalls. In the pet food industry, there is zero tolerance for bacteria where in the human food industry, they will allow for up to 10% bacteria on the meat we purchase from the grocery store. Raw food is held to much higher standard than kibble and when we look at the data, there is a higher risk of kibble being contaminated with bacteria than raw by up to 75 times!
The truth: Fresh, biologically appropriate food supports a healthier gut, which is your pet’s first line of defence against harmful bacteria. Not only that, their bodies were designed to process bacteria, unlike our fragile human bodies.
Myth 2: Bones Will Splinter
Cooked bones are dangerous. Raw meaty bones are not. When raw bones are fed appropriately for size and chewing style, they are Mother Nature's toothbrush and a great source of mental enrichment. Giving your dog (or cat) a raw meaty bone will eliminate up to 70% of their tartar in one day and up to 90% in one week! If your pup is currently eating a dry food diet, we recommend two raw meaty bones per week. If they're already enjoying a raw food diet, one raw meaty bone per week is sufficient.
The truth: Raw meaty bones can safely clean teeth and provide valuable minerals as long as you match the bone to the floof. A good guideline is to find a bone that cannot fit entirely in your pet's mouth. This will ensure you have the appropriately sized bone for your furry guy.
Myth 3: Kibble is “Complete and Balanced,” Raw is Not
Kibble meets the bare minimum standards. AAFCO (the American Association of Feed Control) outlines "the minimum standards to sustain life" as what is required to formulate a kibble diet. Raw diets, when properly formulated, provide bioavailable nutrients that actually fuel health instead of just meeting the “don’t get sick” threshold. This is where we talk about feeding our pets to thrive, not just survive. A complete and balanced raw food diet provides our pets with everything they need to not only thrive, but also provides their body with everything it needs to heal, recover and repair.
The truth: Adding even small amounts of fresh food like sardines, eggs, or raw goat milk improves your pet’s nutrition in ways kibble alone cannot. You've likely heard us say it before...raw does not need to be all or nothing, any raw is better than no raw!
Myth 4: Raw is too Much Work
Raw feeding doesn’t have to be complicated or messy. You can start with a single raw topper, add a few fresh ingredients, or introduce raw meaty bones once or twice a week. With raw food being the quickest growing segment in the pet food industry, many manufacturers produce their raw food with you and your convenience in mind! Whether they make their food in one ounce sliders, four ounce pucks or half pound patties, you just need to thaw and serve! No fuss, no muss!
The truth: Every step you take toward fresh food makes a difference in the health of your furry family! We've been told our whole lives, eat less processed food and more fresh whole food! The same is true for your furry guy!
Our Rawgust Challenge for You
Before this month wraps up, try adding one raw upgrade to your pet’s bowl:
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A raw egg (yes, with the shell if your pet will eat it)
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A few sardines for Omega-3s
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A raw meaty bone for dental health and enrichment
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A scoop of raw goat milk for gut support
- A fresh topper that is kept frozen until you thaw and add to the bowl
Your floof’s body will thank you with better digestion, healthier skin and coat and a sparkle in their eyes you can’t miss. If you're thinking about feeding a raw food diet but think the price is a challenge, you might be surprised at how affordable raw feeding can be! When we typically feed a half pound for every 20lbs of pet weight, raw feeding usually comes in more affordable than a lot of dry foods!
We’re Here to Help
If you’ve been curious but unsure where to start, come in and chat with us. We’ll walk you through safe, simple steps to get your furry family loving fresh food...no overwhelm required.