The debate about what’s best to feed your pet is more confusing than ever. Misinformation about raw diets often discourages pet parents from making the switch—despite the proven benefits of feeding fresh, species-appropriate food. So, let’s clear up the confusion! We’re breaking down and debunking six of the most common raw pet food myths, giving you the facts you need to make the best choice for your furry friend.
Quick Overview
Are Raw Pet Food Myths Keeping You from Switching? Here’s the Truth!
Myth #1: Feeding Raw Will Make My Pet Aggressive
Many pet parents worry that feeding raw meat will trigger aggression or a higher prey drive in their dog or cat. But here’s the truth:
Food doesn’t change genetics. Your pet’s prey drive is biologically hardwired, not influenced by their diet.
Resource guarding ≠ aggression. Some pets guard food, toys, or people, but this is a behavioural issue—not a result of what they eat.
Nutritional deficiencies can impact behaviour. Pets lacking essential minerals (like iodine) may show irritability or aggression, but this can happen on any diet—kibble, cooked, or raw.
Myth #2: Raw Diets Are Not Balanced or Complete
Many vets express concerns about raw diets being nutritionally incomplete, but here’s what they don’t always tell you:
AAFCO standards are based on livestock feed. While AAFCO provides guidelines for pet food, it doesn’t account for naturally occurring nutrients in fresh food.
Fresh food diets can exceed AAFCO minimums. A properly formulated raw diet provides bioavailable nutrients that synthetic vitamins in kibble can’t match.
Rotation feeding ensures balance. Our Red Dog Blue Kat Foundations Raw meals for dogs and cats exceed AAFCO recommendations when fed in rotation (e.g., poultry, fish, and red meat throughout the week).
Myth #3: Puppies & Kittens Shouldn’t Eat Raw
Some believe that raw diets are unsafe for growing pets, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Puppies and kittens thrive on properly balanced raw diets because:
Raw food supports proper development. Growing pets need high-quality proteins, essential fats, and bioavailable minerals—all found in fresh food.
Kibble can cause joint inflammation. Many commercial dry foods are high in starch and fillers, which contribute to inflammation and increase the risk of joint issues.
Bones are essential for mineral balance. Properly fed raw diets include ground or whole bones, providing natural calcium and phosphorus for healthy growth.
💡 Thinking about switching your puppy or kitten to raw? How To: Raw Food Diet for Puppies & Kittens.
Myth #4: Raw Food Is Dangerous Because of Pathogens like Salmonella
Worried about salmonella, E. coli, or listeria in raw pet food? Let’s put things into perspective:
ALL pet food carries bacterial risks. Kibble and canned foods have been recalled for salmonella, mould toxins, and vitamin overdoses—yet these issues don’t get the same scrutiny as raw.
Safe sourcing & handling reduce risks. At Red Dog Blue Kat, we follow HACCP-certified food safety standards—meaning every batch is tested for pathogens.
Your pet’s digestive system is built for raw. Dogs and cats have short, acidic digestive tracts designed to handle bacteria—unlike humans.
Myth #5: There’s No Science Behind Raw Diets
Some claim that no research supports raw feeding, but science tells a different story.
Curious about raw feeding science? Check out these independent studies:
Raw diets improve gut health. (BMC Veterinary Research)
Fresh food reduces cancer risk. (Vegetable Consumption Study)
Dogs on raw live longer & healthier. (Long Living Pets Research Project)
Meat-based diets promote a healthy microbiome & improve digestion. (National Library of Medicine)
Raw diets enhance bowel function & gut health. (National Library of Medicine)
Kibble manufacturers fund many commercial pet food studies—so always check who’s behind the research!
Myth #6: Cooked Food Is Always Better Than Raw
Cooked fresh food is a great alternative to kibble, but in most cases, raw is superior because:
Raw food retains natural nutrients. Cooking alters proteins, enzymes, and essential vitamins, reducing their bioavailability.
Some pets benefit from lightly cooked food. Pets with digestive issues, cancer, or sensitive stomachs may do better on gently cooked meals.
Compromised pets may need modifications. If your dog or cat struggles with raw, try lightly cooking some ingredients while keeping others raw for maximum nutrition.
Why Raw Pet Food? The Bottom Line
A raw diet supports longevity, digestion, and overall health.
Bacterial risks are minimal when food is properly sourced & handled.
Science backs raw feeding—don’t fall for marketing myths!
Are you thinking about switching to raw? Explore Red Dog Blue Kat’s premium raw meals for your dog or cat—or grab our Free Raw Feeding Guide to get started.
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