Can dogs eat
Raw Meat?
With caution
It is best avoided. Raw meat is not a poison, but it can carry Salmonella, Listeria and other bacteria that make dogs and the people handling it sick. The AVMA discourages feeding raw or undercooked animal protein, and the FDA says it is concerned about the risk.
What to watch out for
Raw meat is not toxic to dogs, and some owners feed it deliberately. The concern is bacteria. The AVMA discourages feeding any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein to dogs because it can carry pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, and the ASPCA adds E. coli for raw meat and eggs. In an FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine study, 15 of 196 samples of commercial raw pet food tested positive for Salmonella and 32 for Listeria monocytogenes, and the agency says those results left it worried about raw pet food diets as a public health risk.
A healthy-looking dog can still carry and shed these germs. The AVMA says that puts other animals and people at risk, and the risk is greatest for young, elderly, pregnant and immunocompromised people. VCA's article, written with the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, concludes that the dangers of raw feeding are greater than its possible benefits, and notes that homemade raw diets are unlikely to be complete and balanced unless a nutritionist formulated the recipe. Raw bones can also injure or block the gut.
Risks
- Can carry Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and other bacteria
- Healthy-looking dogs can carry and shed bacteria, putting people and other pets at risk
- Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone immunocompromised are at greatest risk
- Homemade raw diets are unlikely to be complete and balanced unless a nutritionist designed the recipe
- Raw bones can injure the gut or cause an obstruction
What to give instead
The safer route is to cook meat all the way through and serve it plain: boneless, with no seasoning, butter or oil, in small portions. The AVMA discourages feeding raw meat, VCA says the risks outweigh the benefits, and the FDA is concerned about the risks. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center advises that if you buy a raw product, you cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before feeding it, and do not rinse it in the sink first.
If you do handle raw meat for your dog, follow the FDA's advice: wash hands with soap and water, clean and disinfect surfaces, freeze until use and thaw in the refrigerator, keep it apart from other food, and do not let your dog lick your face after eating it. If your dog is on a raw diet, talk to your vet.
Related forms
| Food | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Raw chicken and other poultry | With caution | The AVMA names poultry among the raw animal proteins it discourages feeding. |
| Raw eggs | With caution | The ASPCA says they can carry Salmonella and E. coli; see our page on eggs. |
| Raw bones | No | The ASPCA and VCA warn they can injure or block the gut and may need surgery. |
| Commercial raw or freeze-dried pet food | With caution | The FDA has found bacteria in raw pet food, and Cornell notes freeze-drying is not the same as cooking. |
If your dog already ate it
A dog that gulped some raw chicken or steak from the counter may not get sick, but watch for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or lethargy over the next few days, and call your vet if any appear. Call sooner for a puppy, a senior dog or a dog with a health condition.
Because a dog can carry bacteria without looking ill, wash your hands, disinfect surfaces the meat touched, pick up stool promptly and keep young children, older adults, and pregnant or immunocompromised people away from the dog's saliva and stool. If your dog ate raw bones and is gagging, vomiting or painful, call your vet or an emergency clinic. Do not make your dog vomit at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is a raw diet good for dogs?
The AVMA discourages it and VCA says the risks outweigh the potential benefits. If you are considering one, talk to your vet first.
Can my dog get sick from raw chicken?
Yes. The AVMA says dogs can get foodborne illness from contaminated food, and healthy-looking dogs can also carry the bacteria without symptoms.
Can raw dog food make people sick?
Yes. The FDA says people who handle raw pet food can become infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, for example by touching their mouth after handling it.
How should I handle raw meat for my dog?
Wash hands after handling, clean and disinfect surfaces, thaw in the refrigerator, keep raw food away from other food and do not let your dog lick your face after eating it.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy