The short answer is yes, Pitbulls can eat raw meat. Some meats are safer than others. You’ll also need to consider safe handling and preparation. But, if done properly, a balanced raw diet can offer some great benefits.
Is Raw Meat Safe to Feed My Pitbull?
Are you considering transitioning your Pitbull to a raw diet? Did your dog get into some raw meat and you’re worried it might make him sick?
The desire to feed a raw diet is based on the predatory diet of a dog’s ancestors.
Wild dogs are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plant options. The same can be applied to your dog.
A raw diet can offer many benefits, but it isn’t as easy as just providing raw meat daily. There are other important considerations when creating a healthy dietary plan.
Can You Feed Your Pitbull Raw Meat?
A raw dog food diet is a safe option to consider for your Pitbull. But, it’s important to understand both the benefits and the risks of feeding raw meat.
It’s important to note that the risk and benefits of a raw diet are still being studied.
Health Benefits of Raw Meat
Healthier Skin and Coat
Many dog owners report that the switch to a raw diet helps to support a shiny, healthy coat.
This is due to the nutritional value of feeding whole, unprocessed foods.
It’s also a great way to remove potential allergens, preventing unwanted skin issues. Pitbulls, in particular, are prone to skin problems related to food allergies.
Removing these allergens also removes their symptoms like upset stomachs or over shedding.
Cleaner Teeth
Crunching on the bones included in a raw diet will help to reduce tartar buildup.
This works like most dental chews, using friction as your dog bites down to scrape the tartar off.
It is no substitute for proper dental care. But, it can help to keep your dog’s teeth cleaner between appointments.
Higher Energy Levels
High-protein diets are often fed to dogs that have higher energy levels. They provide the fuel needed to support their activities.
With raw diets, the focus on including whole meat sources is a great way to provide the protein needed.
Improved Digestion
Many dog owners report smaller, healthier-looking stools after switching to a raw diet.
By removing unnecessary additives and fillers, dogs can process the food better. This allows them to optimize their digestive process, with less waste to discard at the end.
Health Risks of Raw Meat
Bacterial Contamination
Raw meat may be carrying harmful bacteria. Normally, cooking will kill it off, but the risk remains with raw meat.
Your dog’s digestive system is stronger than that of a human.
For that reason, they can safely handle foods that we can’t. But, always watch for signs of illness after feeding raw meat.
Choking Hazard or Obstruction
If your dog is chewing on a bone and a piece breaks off, it could cause a choking hazard.
Dogs that are able to swallow the bone may be at risk of an obstruction in the digestive tract. Or, they may experience damage from the sharp bone edges.
This is why raw bones should only be offered to your dog under supervision.
Unbalanced Diet
Your dog has specific nutritional needs that have to be met to keep him happy and healthy.
Commercially-prepared dog foods are formulated to meet these needs. But, preparing your dog’s meals from scratch at home may not.
This is why it’s important to consult with a professional.
Arm yourself with as much education as possible before making the switch. This will allow you to provide your dog with the best possible option.
Until you are confident that you can prepare a balanced raw food diet, consider prepared foods.
There are many great companies offering frozen, freeze-dried, and air-dried raw foods. These are all carefully formulated with the needs of a dog in mind.
What Raw Meat is Best for Pitbulls?
The meat sources that you choose to use will largely come down to personal preference. But, there are some exceptions. Your choice of meat for your pit bull may also be affected by your budget, as raw meat isn’t the most affordable dog food around.
Raw pork carries a high risk of the parasitic worm responsible for trichinosis. This is also known as the pork roundworm.
Many dogs don’t show any sign of infection.
But, it will impact those with a weakened immune system harder. This includes elderly dogs and young puppies.
Another meat that you should be cautious about is salmon.
Cooked and canned salmon both offer great nutritional benefits for your dog. But, raw salmon will increase his risk of being infected with liver flukes.
These parasites target the liver and can cause serious damage if left untreated.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the quality of the meat that you are feeding.
Avoid feeding any weight-bearing bones. They can break off into sharp and damaging pieces.
Instead, stick to options such as wings, necks, feet, ribs, and tails.
Ideal Raw Diet for A Pitbull
A raw diet should contain a combination of several different types of meat. Supplement this with vegetables and whole grains for a balanced diet.
A general guideline for a Pitbull’s diet is:
- Muscle Meat: 80%
- Raw Meaty Bone: 10%
- Liver: 5%
- Other Secreting Organ: 5%
Consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to develop an individualized plan. This will ensure that you meet all your dog’s unique needs and dietary concerns.
How Often Should You Feed Your Pitbull Raw Meat?
An excepted rule of thumb is to feed approximately 2-3% of your dog’s weight in raw food daily. This should be split between two meals to offer time for proper digestion.
For puppies, this value should be 5% of their body weight or more.
But, this amount is going to differ from dog to dog.
If your dog is generally a couch potato, eating too much can cause unwanted weight gain. For highly active dogs, it makes sense to feed more.
If you notice that your dog is gaining weight, try cutting back on his meals. For dogs that are losing weight or appear to be hungry all the time, you can add a little more to each meal.
How to Transition to A Raw Diet
You should slowly introduce raw meat to your pit bull. Changing his diet too quickly can cause digestive problems, leaving him feeling ill.
Start by adding just a little raw meat to your dog’s existing diet. Over time, you can add more meat while reducing the kibble until the kibble is phased out.
For some dogs, this process can take as little as 3 days. Other dogs will need 2 weeks to make the change.
Even if you take your time, it may upset your dog’s digestive system at first. Common reactions include loose stools, diarrhea, or vomiting.
If you notice your dog is reacting poorly, experiencing more serious complications, or the digestive issues don’t go away, contact your veterinarian.
Can Pitbulls Eat Raw Chicken?
You may have been warned about salmonella and other bacteria in raw meats, especially chicken.
Raw chicken can indeed carry bacteria. But, our dog’s digestive systems are generally stronger than our own.
This isn’t to say that your dog cannot run into trouble.
Some dogs are more susceptible than others. Your dog may also be allergic to chicken, as it is a common allergen.
Start by introducing a small amount and watch your dog closely for any signs of illness. Contact your veterinarian if you notice that anything appears to be wrong.
Can Pitbulls Eat Raw Eggs?
Like chicken, raw eggs can be a great option for your pit bull’s diet but they also carry some risks.
Eggs are also a potential carrier of salmonella or e.coli. But, like chicken, this isn’t likely to cause a problem in most healthy adult dogs.
The other concern that some dog owners have is the presence of avidin in egg whites. This protein can limit the availability of biotin in your dog’s diet.
A single egg on occasion won’t have a dramatic effect. But, feeding raw eggs regularly could contribute to biotin deficiency.
Cooking the eggs can render avidin inactivated and allow your dog to enjoy the benefits of biotin in the egg yolk.
Does Raw Meat Make Pit bulls Aggressive?
One myth that holds many owners back from feeding a raw meat diet is the risk of aggression.
The truth is that there is no direct connection between your dog’s diet and aggression.
Aggression is a behavioral issue and needs to be addressed as such. This means proper training and working with a behaviorist if needed.
But, feeding raw meat will not trigger a sudden bloodlust.
Final Thoughts: Can Pitbulls Eat Raw Meat?
Can Pitbulls eat raw meat? Yes! Raw meat diets can offer great benefits when properly balanced.
Unsure if your dog’s diet is balanced? Work with your veterinarian or nutritionist to make sure your dog’s nutritional needs are met.
But, be aware of the risks and benefits of each type of meat. Some are healthier and safer than others.
Finally, Incorporate the recommended FDA food handling practices to keep yourself safe.
