Can I give my a dog a small piece of meat?
Why Raw Feeding Makes Sense!
If you've ever wondered, "Can I give my dog a small piece of meat?"—you’re not alone. But it’s also a question that speaks volumes about how disconnected we’ve become from the natural dietary needs of our dogs. After all, dogs are descendants of the gray wolf, built by nature to eat meat. So why are we questioning if they can handle a small bite of it? The truth lies in the way we’ve been taught to think about pet nutrition—and, unfortunately, big pet food companies have played a huge role in shaping this mindset.
1. Are Dogs Really Carnivores?
Dogs are often classified as carnivores, though some experts also consider them "opportunistic omnivores," which means they might eat plant-based foods when necessary but still thrive on a meat-based diet. Their teeth and digestive systems are clear evidence of this. Dogs have sharp canines and powerful jaw muscles designed for tearing meat and crunching bones. Unlike humans, their short digestive tracts and strong stomach acids are perfectly suited for digesting raw meat and killing off harmful bacteria before it causes issues.
For centuries, dogs survived on scraps of meat and bones from their human companions. It wasn’t until commercial kibble was invented that we started believing dogs could (or should) be nourished with bags of processed, plant-heavy food. Yet, raw meat is what their bodies naturally crave and thrive on.
2. The Influence of Big Pet Food Companies
Large pet food corporations, like Purina (owned by Nestlé), have created a market where convenience trumps quality. These companies make kibble primarily from cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy to reduce costs and maximise profits. Marketing campaigns, sponsorships of vet training, and pervasive advertising have convinced many pet owners that kibble is the only option.
Moreover, pet food giants financially support veterinary schools, subtly guiding new vets toward promoting their products. As a result, many vets recommend kibble without exploring alternative diets like raw feeding. This biased education has led to a culture where it’s "normal" to feed our pets processed food, while fresh, whole foods are viewed with skepticism.
3. Why a Small Piece of Meat Isn’t Just OK—It’s Essential
Dogs are built to eat meat. A balanced raw diet includes muscle meat, organs, bones, and even some plant-based ingredients. Feeding your dog raw meat supports their biology and can offer numerous health benefits, including shinier coats, improved digestion, stronger immune systems, and better weight management.
When people ask if it’s safe to feed a dog "a small piece of meat," it shows just how far we’ve drifted from what’s natural. Imagine asking if a wild wolf could eat meat! Just like their wild ancestors, dogs are capable of digesting raw meat without issues, thanks to the enzymes in their stomach that help break down animal proteins effectively.
4. Are We Doing Our Dogs a Disservice by Feeding Kibble?
Feeding a kibble-only diet, loaded with fillers and additives, is not what nature intended for our pets. Kibble is often cooked at high temperatures, which destroys essential nutrients and requires artificial additives to replace what was lost. Additionally, these processed foods can lead to chronic health issues, including obesity, allergies, and digestive problems.
On the other hand, a raw diet provides high-quality, species-appropriate nutrition. It allows pet owners to control the ingredients and provide a balanced, whole-food approach to feeding.
5. Let’s Get Back to Basics
So, should you give your dog a small piece of meat? Absolutely—and don’t stop there! By embracing a raw diet, you’re honouring your dog’s natural instincts and supporting their health with real, wholesome food. Big corporations may push kibble, but you have the power to make informed choices that genuinely benefit your dog.
At Wellness Dog Co., we’re here to help you navigate the world of raw feeding. Our natural, additive-free products are crafted to meet your dog’s biological needs and support their lifelong health. Let’s get back to basics and give our dogs the nutrition they deserve.
