Special Diets

Raw meat diets can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli, including strains resistant to antibiotics. Dogs can shed these bacteria without seeming ill, which matters in homes with babies, older people or anyone with a weakened immune system. If you choose raw, buy commercial food made specifically for pets, and talk to your vet about balance and hygiene.

Handle raw dog food as you would raw chicken for the family. Defrost it covered in the fridge, use separate boards and utensils, and wash bowls in hot soapy water after every meal. Wash your hands thoroughly and clean surfaces afterwards. Avoid letting your dog lick faces after eating, and pick up poo promptly.

True grain allergies are uncommon in dogs. Since 2018, vets have investigated a possible link between some grain-free, legume-heavy diets and a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The picture isn’t fully understood, but many vets recommend not choosing grain-free unless there’s a clear medical reason. If your dog eats grain-free, mention it at their check-up.

Reduced-protein diets are used for specific conditions, such as some types of kidney or liver disease, and are tailored to the individual. They aren’t a healthy choice for a normal dog, and lowering protein without guidance can cause muscle loss. Only feed a low-protein diet when your vet has recommended it, and keep up any monitoring checks they suggest.

If your vet suspects a food allergy, they may suggest an elimination trial. This uses a diet with a protein your dog has never eaten, or a hydrolysed diet where proteins are broken down too small to trigger a reaction. It usually lasts at least eight weeks, and nothing else can be fed: no treats, chews or flavoured medicines unless your vet approves them.