My Vet Advised Me Not to Feed Raw – What Should I Do?

Hearing your vet advise against raw feeding can be disappointing, especially if you've spent time researching the subject or know people whose dogs have done well on a raw diet.

The first thing to remember is not all vets share the same view on raw feeding, and that's okay. Veterinary medicine, like human medicine, is constantly evolving, and professionals may have different opinions based on their training, experience, interpretation of the evidence and the individual needs of the patient.

The most important thing is to have an open, respectful conversation with your vet and make decisions based on reliable information that puts your dog's health first.

Why Do Some Vets Advise Against Raw Feeding?

There are several reasons why a vet may recommend against feeding a raw diet.

These can include concerns about:

• Nutritional balance, particularly with homemade diets.

• Food hygiene and the risk of bacterial contamination.

• Raw bones being fed inappropriately.

• The health of vulnerable people in the household, such as very young children, elderly people or anyone with a weakened immune system.

• Dogs with certain medical conditions that may require a specialised therapeutic diet.

These are genuine considerations and should not be dismissed. Feeding any diet responsibly means understanding both the potential benefits and the potential risks.

Not All Raw Diets Are the Same

It's important to remember that "raw feeding" covers a wide range of diets.

There is a significant difference between:

• A carefully formulated complete commercial raw food.

• A balanced DIY diet created using appropriate knowledge.

• An unbalanced homemade diet made up of random ingredients.

Likewise, there is a significant difference between feeding raw responsibly and simply feeding large amounts of meat without considering nutritional balance.

Reputable raw feeding organisations consistently emphasise that balance matters more than simply feeding raw.

There Are Veterinary Professionals Who Support Raw Feeding

Some owners are surprised to learn that many fully qualified veterinary surgeons have spent years researching and working with raw-fed dogs.

For example:

• Raw Pet Medics is a veterinary-led organisation providing education on nutrition, fresh feeding and holistic pet healthcare.

• The Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS) is made up of veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and other professionals with an interest in species-appropriate nutrition. Its aim is to promote education, collaboration and responsible raw feeding rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

• Dr Nick Thompson, a veterinary surgeon with more than 30 years' experience, founded the RFVS and runs Holisticvet, where nutrition forms a key part of clinical practice.

• Dr Brendan Clarke is a fully qualified veterinary surgeon with many years in general practice and is a Director of the RFVS, where he promotes evidence-informed, species-appropriate nutrition alongside conventional veterinary care.

• The Wylie Veterinary Centre in Essex is an independent 24-hour veterinary hospital that provides nutritional advice for owners considering raw feeding and has developed its own veterinary-led raw diet.

These examples demonstrate that there are qualified veterinary professionals who support appropriately balanced raw feeding. Equally, there are many vets who remain cautious or recommend alternative diets. Both perspectives are part of the wider veterinary conversation.

Should I Ignore My Vet's Advice?

No.

Your vet knows your dog's medical history and may have specific reasons for their recommendation.

Instead, ask questions such as:

• Why do you recommend against raw feeding for my dog?

• Are your concerns about raw feeding in general, or my dog's individual health?

• Would a complete commercial raw food change your recommendation?

• Are there any medical conditions that make raw feeding unsuitable?

Understanding the reason behind the advice can help you make an informed decision.

Is It Okay to Seek a Second Opinion?

Yes.

If you'd like further guidance, it's perfectly reasonable to seek a second opinion, particularly if your dog has complex nutritional needs.

You may wish to speak with:

• A veterinary surgeon with a particular interest in nutrition.

• An RFVS member.

• A qualified pet nutrition consultant.

• Your own vet again after carrying out further research together.

Seeking another professional opinion doesn't mean you're disregarding your vet—it simply means you're gathering more information to make the best decision for your dog.

Keep the Conversation Respectful

Most vets, regardless of their personal views on raw feeding, want the same outcome: a healthy dog.

Building a positive relationship with your veterinary practice means they are more likely to support you if your dog becomes ill, regardless of the diet you choose.

Being open about what you feed also allows your vet to provide the most appropriate advice if your dog ever develops a health problem.

Key Takeaways

• Not all veterinary professionals have the same opinion on raw feeding.

• Many concerns relate to nutritional balance, food safety and individual health rather than raw feeding itself.

• There are fully qualified veterinary surgeons and veterinary organisations that support appropriately balanced raw feeding.

• Your own vet knows your dog's medical history and should remain an important part of your dog's healthcare.

• If you are unsure, ask questions and seek a second opinion from a suitably qualified professional.

Further Reading

For evidence-informed information on raw feeding and canine nutrition, explore:

• Raw Pet Medics

• The Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS)

• The Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants (APNC)

• Raw Feeding For Dogs Made Simple (RFFDMS UK)

• The Balanced Canine

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace veterinary advice. Every dog is an individual, and the most appropriate diet will depend on their age, lifestyle and medical history. If your dog has an existing medical condition or requires a therapeutic diet, always seek advice from your veterinary surgeon.