Raw Diet for Dogs: Is It Worth the Hype?
We tried raw feeding for 90 days and tracked everything. Here are the honest results — the good, the bad, and the messy.
Raw feeding — also called BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) — has passionate advocates and equally passionate critics. We decided to test it ourselves for 90 days with three dogs of different breeds and ages.
The Results at 30 Days
Coat quality improved noticeably in all three dogs. Two of the three showed increased energy levels. Teeth were visibly cleaner — raw meaty bones act as natural toothbrushes.
The Downsides
Raw feeding is expensive — roughly 2-3x the cost of premium kibble. It requires freezer space and careful handling to prevent bacterial contamination. Traveling with raw food is complicated.
Our verdict: Raw feeding produced real, measurable improvements in our test dogs. But it's not for everyone. If you're considering it, start with a commercially prepared raw food before attempting DIY.
Written by
Dr. James Harlow
Dr. James is a veterinarian with a special interest in canine nutrition and preventive care. He reviews all health-related content on Dogsadvisors.
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