Raw feeders usually group it into five types: muscle meat, organ meat, raw meaty bones, green tripe, and whole prey or fish. Each plays a different role, and no single type makes a complete diet. Raw meat of any kind also carries bacteria, so here’s what each type is, how much to feed and how to stay safe.
What types of raw meat can dogs eat?
1. Muscle meat
This is the bulk of a raw diet, around 75 to 80% in prey model plans. Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, rabbit and venison are common choices. Muscle meat is rich in protein and phosphorus but low in calcium, so it needs bone alongside it. Heart, tongue, gizzards and lung are counted as muscle meat too.
2. Raw meaty bones
Raw meaty bones are the main source of calcium, and they make up about 10% of the diet. Chicken necks, wings and frames are popular choices. Bones must always be raw, because cooked bones can splinter. Dogs that gulp rather than chew may not suit whole bones, and bones can crack teeth or cause blockages, so supervise meals.
3. Organ meat
Secreting organs such as liver, kidney and spleen are packed with vitamins and minerals. Most raw plans use about 10% in total, with around half of it liver. Too much liver can cause vitamin A problems, so keep to the plan.
4. Green tripe
Green tripe is the unwashed stomach lining of cows or sheep. Raw feeders value it for its nutrients and its good calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. It smells strong, it’s counted as muscle meat, and it isn’t essential.
5. Whole prey and fish
Whole rabbit, quail or small whole sardines offer meat, bone and organs in one go. Freeze fish first to reduce the parasite risk, and avoid raw Pacific salmon.
The types at a glance
| Type | Examples | Rough share in prey model plans | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle meat | Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, rabbit | 75 to 80%, including heart | Protein and energy |
| Raw meaty bone | Chicken necks, wings, frames | About 10% | Calcium |
| Organ meat | Liver, kidney, spleen | About 10%, around half liver | Vitamins and minerals |
| Green tripe | Beef or lamb tripe | Counts as muscle meat | Variety and nutrients |
| Whole prey, fish | Rabbit, sardines | Varies | An all-in-one option |
Which should I start with?
Start with one protein, usually chicken or turkey. Then add rabbit or venison for variety, and beef or lamb for active dogs. Bring in bone and organ after your dog is settled, one new item at a time.
Types to avoid or handle carefully
- Cooked bones, which can splinter and cause serious injuries.
- Raw pork. Many vets advise cooking it, and freezing it for two weeks only reduces the parasite risk.
- Wild game, which carries a higher parasite risk.
- Raw Pacific salmon, because of salmon poisoning disease.
- Processed meats such as bacon, sausages and ham.
- Large, dense bones that can chip teeth.
No single type is a complete diet
Muscle meat alone isn’t enough, and even a plain 80-10-10 mix is classed as complementary, not complete. Complete commercial raw recipes are formulated to meet FEDIAF standards. PDSA doesn’t recommend homemade diets without help from a pet nutrition specialist.
Safety checklist
- Wash your hands, boards and bowls after every meal.
- Thaw in the fridge and use thawed food within two to three days.
- Keep raw food away from ready-to-eat foods.
- PDSA advises against raw food in homes with pregnant, very young, older or immunocompromised people.
FAQs
What types of raw meat are safest for dogs?
Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, rabbit and venison are common choices when they’re fresh and handled hygienically. No raw meat is risk-free.
Can dogs eat raw organ meat?
Yes, in small amounts. Most plans use about 10% of the diet, with half of it liver.
Is green tripe safe for dogs?
Raw feeders use it widely, but it carries bacteria like any raw meat, so buy from a reputable supplier.
Can dogs eat raw bones?
Raw edible bones such as chicken necks are used by raw feeders, but they can crack teeth or cause blockages. Never feed cooked bones, and supervise meals.
Can dogs eat raw mince?
Yes, if it’s fresh and plain, and part of a balanced plan.
Can puppies eat raw meat?
Puppies need a complete recipe made for growth. Ask your vet first.
The bottom line
So, what types of raw meat can dogs eat? Muscle meat, raw meaty bones, organ meat, green tripe and whole prey or fish, in balance and handled hygienically. Choose a complete recipe, or have a nutritionist check yours. Comparing foods? Browse our independent dog food reviews.
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