Raw Food vs Cooked Food — Which Is Better?

If you've made it here, it's because you're interested in giving your dog the best possible diet, and you've surely read about natural BARF food. However, although it's an excellent option, it's not quite as safe as it should be, as you'll see below.

Speaking always of unprocessed natural food, the BARF diet isn't actually the best option, despite what one might think. BARF food's loyal defenders say it's what a wolf would eat in its natural habitat but.... haven't our dogs evolved throughout the thousands of years they've spent alongside humans?

The Evolution of the Digestive System

Like any other living being, dogs have gradually evolved and adapted to their environment over the years. If at first they fed on prey like their wolf ancestors, they also adapted to human company over thousands of years.

Their digestive system has gone from eating prey or carrion (recent studies suggest dogs may have originally been "scavengers" like hyenas) to eating human food scraps, and nowadays, to eating kibble (processed, dried food).

Can a dog live on raw prey or scraps? Obviously yes, they adapt to whatever's available to survive, like most living beings. Is this the best option for feeding a dog? The answer is a firm NO. And although we respect every opinion, cooked food offers numerous benefits.

Reduced Risk of Bacterial Infections

One of the main risks associated with raw food is possible contamination with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. These bacteria can cause serious illness in both dogs and humans. Lightly cooking food at appropriate temperatures eliminates these pathogens and significantly reduces the risk of these bacterial infections.

The raw food offered in the most purist BARF diets can't eliminate these bacteria, some of them not even through freezing (as done to eliminate some possible parasites). Because of this, it's recommended to cook the food a little, since the benefits are considerable.

Improved Digestibility and Nutrient Absorption

Cooking food beforehand improves the digestibility of certain ingredients such as starches and proteins, making them easier to break down and absorb by the dog's digestive system.

This can be especially useful for dogs with digestive problems or sensitivity. Cooking can also increase the availability of certain nutrients, such as amino acids and minerals. So again, lightly cooking food before giving it to the dog is more beneficial than giving it completely raw.

Elimination of Possible Parasites

Raw food, especially meat and fish, can contain parasites that can cause serious diseases, such as tapeworm infection and anisakiasis. Some of these parasites aren't eliminated by freezing food, as some natural BARF food experts suggest. Properly cooking food eliminates these parasites and protects our dogs from possible infections and serious consequences.

Greater Acceptance by the Dog

Some dogs may be reluctant to eat raw food due to its smell, texture, or taste. Cooking food improves palatability and makes dogs more willing to eat it, since its smell and flavor increase exponentially.

This is especially important for dogs that are picky eaters, have a fussy appetite, or are recovering from illness and need good, gentler, more digestible nutrition.

Should All Food Be Cooked?

No, only what can provide more benefits when lightly cooked than uncooked. For example, it's not recommended to cook bones (in case your dog eats them), since cooked bones splinter more easily and are harder than raw bones.

If we have questions about which ingredients in our dog's diet should be cooked and the best way to do it, you can find in-depth information in natural BARF food groups found on practically every social network, or directly buy natural food already cooked and prepared by canine nutrition experts (recommended option), as the company Dogfy Diet does.