Meat · updated 2026-09-12
Can dogs eat raw meat?
Only as part of a vet-guided raw diet — never casual scraps.
Why
Raw meat can carry salmonella, E. coli and listeria that make dogs sick and can be shed to people in the home. Formulated raw diets exist, but they need strict hygiene and veterinary guidance; a slice of raw mince off the counter is neither.
What to do instead
Cook meat for treats. If you feed raw, follow a complete, balanced plan and handle it like the hazard it is.
Symptoms to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhoea, fever; household infection risk.
If your dog has eaten raw meat, don't wait for symptoms.
Call your vet, or in the US the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), 24 hours a day. Have the amount, the time and any packaging ready.
And for cats?
Avoid. Same rules — cooked is the safe default. Can cats eat raw meat? →
Related foods for dogs
See the whole list: Can dogs eat…? · printable fridge chart
This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs, based on published veterinary guidance (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, AKC, VCA). It is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your dog's weight, age and medical history. If you are unsure, ask them before sharing any human food.