Common Myths About Raw Dog Food (And What’s Really True)

Thinking about raw dog food? Maybe you’ve heard people rave about it - or warn you against it. Some swear it changed their dog’s life. Others call it unsafe, too expensive, or just plain complicated. No wonder it feels confusing.

Here’s the truth: raw feeding isn’t magic, and it isn’t a fad. It’s simply food made from fresh, minimally processed ingredients that dogs can digest and use more easily than heavily processed kibble. Let’s bust some of the biggest myths so you can decide if raw makes sense for your dog.

What Is Raw Dog Food, Anyway?

Raw diets are built on real, fresh ingredients: muscle meat, organ meats, and raw bones, sometimes with extras like veggies, fruit, or eggs. Because they aren’t cooked at high heat like kibble, they hold onto more nutrients in their natural form. For many dogs, that can mean easier digestion and more visible health benefits.

At The Foundation Raw, we’ve designed our blends for every style of feeder:

  • PMR (Prey Model Raw): the classic 80/10/10 balance of meat, bone, and organ.
  • AAFCO ALS Blends: AAFCO-approved meals with all nutrients covered in every serving.
  • DIY-friendly options: single proteins, muscle meats, and raw meaty bones for those who like to build meals themselves.

Each approach has value, and we support them all. Some families want a fully balanced, grab-and-go meal. Others enjoy customizing or mixing raw with kibble. The goal isn’t to replace kibble, it’s to give you more choices to support your dog’s health.

Myth 1: Raw Dog Food Is Dangerous

Raw meat can carry bacteria. That’s true. But here’s what’s often left out: kibble has been recalled many times for Salmonella, E. coli, and other contaminants. No feeding method is completely risk-free.

The key difference? Dogs are built to handle bacteria better than humans:

  • Their stomach acid is much stronger and kills many pathogens.
  • Their short digestive tracts move food quickly, giving bacteria less time to cause trouble.

Safety also depends on how food is prepared and handled. In our facility, we don’t take shortcuts. We operate under HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) protocols and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). That means every batch is monitored, equipment is sanitized, and food is kept under strict temperature control from start to finish. At home, simple steps—washing your hands, cleaning bowls, storing food correctly—go a long way toward keeping raw safe.

Bottom line: Raw diets can be handled safely with the same care you’d use in your own kitchen.

Myth 2: Raw Meat is Healthier

Raw doesn’t always mean better. A dog needs balance, not just raw meat. Tossing a steak in a bowl won’t cover vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.

Where raw shines is when it’s put together correctly. That’s why we offer:

  • PMR blends for flexible, traditional feeding, letting you rotate proteins or add extras like eggs, fish, or supplements.
  • AAFCO ALS blends for the convenience of AAFCO-tested meals where the balance is already done for you.

Both approaches can support excellent health. The difference is whether you want the freedom to customize or the convenience of a meal balanced from the start.

Myth 3: DIY Raw Feeding Is Too Complicated

DIY feeding sounds intimidating. Sourcing organs, grinding meat, and finding the right ratios can feel overwhelming at first, it doesn’t have to be complicated when the ingredients are ready for you. At The Foundation Raw, we strive to be one of the best dog food brands to help with this process. 

That’s why we offer single-protein grinds, 80/10/10 blends, and raw meaty bones—so you can build meals without the hassle of finding and preparing everything yourself. You decide what goes in the bowl, while we make sure the ingredients are safe, quality, and consistent.

Some families love the control of full DIY. Others mix DIY items with our PMR meals for flexibility. Both approaches work—and both give your dog the benefits of high-quality food.

Is it Okay to Mix Raw and Kibble?

Absolutely fine. Plenty of families feed a hybrid diet. We usually recommend to mix no more than 30% raw to 70% kibble to maintain a balanced diet. But even partial raw can make a noticeable difference in a dog’s health.

Myth 4: Raw Dog Food Costs Too Much

Yes, kibble can be more budget-friendly than raw, but compared to premium kibble, it’s often surprisingly similar...especially if you plan ahead.

Ways to save:

  • Buy in bulk and freeze portions.
  • Take advantage of subscription discounts (we offer 10% off total order).
  • Use raw as part of the diet instead of going 100% raw.

It’s also worth looking at long-term value. Many raw feeders report fewer vet visits for allergies, digestive issues, or dental problems. In that sense, investing in higher-quality food now can save money later.

Myth 5: Every Dog Thrives on Raw

Raw feeding is flexible, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some dogs transition easily and thrive. Others may need slower adjustments, different proteins, or - on rare occasions - a different diet altogether.

Before making the switch:

  • Think about your dog’s health status and age.
  • Transition gradually and watch for digestive changes.
  • Talk with your veterinarian if your dog has existing conditions.

The point isn’t that raw is “better” for every dog. It’s that raw offers another option- and one that can be tailored to meet a wide range of needs, whether alone or alongside kibble.

Myth 6: Bones Are Dangerous To Give Your Dog

Bones are one of the most debated parts of raw feeding. Cooked bones? Yes, dangerous. They become brittle and can splinter. But some raw bones are softer and, when chosen appropriately, much safer.

Guidelines for safe feeding:

  • Always stick to appropriate, safe raw meaty bones.
  • Match bone size to your dog’s size and chewing style.
  • Supervise chewing at all times.
  • Start with safer options like beef kneecaps or softer poultry bones.

When fed responsibly, raw bones aren’t just safe—they’re beneficial. They help clean teeth, strengthen jaws, and provide mental enrichment.

Tips for Raw Feeding Success

Want to make raw work smoothly? Focus on these basics:

  • Transition gradually from kibble to raw to support digestion.
  • Balance meals over time, not necessarily every single bowl.
  • Keep hygiene in mind—wash, store, and handle with care.
  • Work with a vet or nutritionist if your dog has specific needs.

Raw feeding doesn’t need to be complicated or intimidating. With the right support and preparation, it’s manageable for almost any household.

Conclusion: Finding What Works for Your Dog

The benefits of raw dog food can mean better digestion, shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and even less waste in the yard, but maybe the biggest benefit is choice. You aren’t limited to just one way of feeding—you can tailor your approach to fit your dog and your lifestyle.

At The Foundation Raw, we make that possible with:

  • PMR blends for traditional feeders.
  • AAFCO ALS blends for ready-to-serve convenience.
  • DIY designed blends for hands-on feeding.

We don’t believe in villainizing kibble or forcing one “right” way to feed. Instead, we believe in giving you safe, high-quality options so you can decide what works best for your dog.

 

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