Why you shouldn't give your dog raw meat

 Are you used to feeding your dog raw meat? This is a bad idea! Why is this a dangerous practice? What are the alternatives? Let's take stock.

Raw meat (beef, pork...) can contain bacteria and parasites such as tapeworms. Present in the small intestine, the tapeworm absorbs a large part of the food ingested. It causes weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. The infected dog must be treated immediately with a dewormer.

Raw pork or wild boar meat can also be contaminated with Aujeszky's disease, an infectious, incurable, and fatal disease. There is no vaccine or treatment available. Similar to rabies, it is characterized by a very short incubation period. The infected dog is anxious, and aggressive and gets sick. If you want to give your pet pork meat, it should always be well-cooked. Also, be careful with pork chop bones that can break and hurt your dog! Prefer the non-brittle bones of calves.

By giving raw meat to your pet, you also expose yourself to risks. Indeed, harmful bacteria can be found in his excrement. When your pet washes, it moves the bacteria into its coat. Fragile people, immunocompromised people, and pregnant women should therefore be extra careful.

Feeding your dog well

Dogs need a balanced diet. Raw meat, rich in proteins and fats, does not provide him with all the nutrients he needs. Although your dog is primarily a carnivore, he also needs carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Don't hesitate to give him vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin.