Raw vs. Cooked Diets for Pets: What the Science Says

As more pet owners turn toward personalized nutrition, one of the most debated topics is whether to feed animals a raw or cooked diet. Advocates on both sides cite improved health outcomes, better digestion, and enhanced energy but what does the research actually show?

Understanding the Basics

• Raw diets typically consist of uncooked muscle meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables. Some variations follow the BARF model (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) or Prey Model Raw, which omit plant materials entirely.

• Cooked diets, by contrast, involve lightly or fully cooked ingredients, either homemade or commercially prepared. These diets may resemble traditional pet food or fresh-frozen options designed for digestibility and nutrient preservation.

Benefits and Risks of Raw Diets

Potential Benefits (According to Proponents and Select Studies):

• Improved coat quality and dental health due to natural enzymes and chewing raw bones.

• Better stool quality as raw foods may be easier to digest for some pets.

• Reduced allergens and inflammatory triggers, some owners report fewer skin flare-ups and ear infections.

Documented Risks:

• Pathogen exposure: Studies have identified Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli in raw meat-based diets, posing a risk to both animals and humans handling the food.

• Nutrient imbalances: A 2019 study in The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) found that many homemade raw diets lacked adequate levels of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids.

• Bone hazards: Raw bones can cause intestinal blockages or dental fractures.

Cooked Diets: What the Data Supports

Advantages:

• Reduced microbial load: Cooking eliminates harmful bacteria and parasites, enhancing safety.

• Digestive support: Light cooking can increase nutrient availability, especially for starches and some fibrous vegetables.

• Customizability: Owners can prepare balanced meals tailored to an animal's age, breed, or medical condition, assuming proper veterinary guidance.

Challenges:

• Nutrient degradation: High-heat cooking can reduce bioavailability of sensitive nutrients like B vitamins or omega-3 fatty acids.

• Over-reliance on processed food: Some cooked diets, especially ultra-processed kibble, may contain additives or fillers with limited health benefit.

What Does Research Suggest?

• A 2021 review in Animals (MDPI) highlighted that no single diet suits all pets and emphasized the importance of nutritional balance over preparation method.

• Several veterinary nutritionists stress that the success of either diet hinges on formulation accuracy, not ideology. A poorly formulated raw diet can be just as harmful as an over-processed cooked one.

Veterinary and Regulatory Perspectives

Major organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) express caution toward raw feeding due to zoonotic risks and lack of nutritional oversight. However, an increasing number of holistic vets and veterinary nutritionists are helping owners safely formulate raw or home-cooked meals using laboratory testing and nutritional analysis tools.

Takeaway

Both raw and cooked diets have potential benefits and drawbacks. The science underscores one key principle: nutritional completeness and safety come first. Whether raw or cooked, a well-balanced, vet-supervised diet is the most reliable path to promoting longevity, gut health, and vitality in animals.

Tips for Pet Owners Considering a Raw or Cooked Diet:

• Consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before switching.

• Ensure proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, especially in growing animals.

• Avoid raw pork, wild game, and fish prone to parasites.

• Handle raw food with strict hygiene practices.

• Consider periodic bloodwork to monitor nutrient levels.

Authored By: Tyana Fenton