Cooked vs. Raw Food for Dogs: What’s Really Best for Your Pup’s Health?

If you’ve spent more than five minutes in the world of dog nutrition, you’ve probably stumbled into The Great Debate – cooked vs. raw. 

It’s a topic that sparks fiery opinions in every corner of the canine-loving community but the truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. 

This Blog will break it down logically, look at the pros and cons, and help you decide what’s best for your dog.

The Raw Food Diet: Going Back to Basics?

Fans of raw feeding often state the benefits of going “back to nature,” is mimicking what dogs’ ancestors would’ve eaten in the wild – raw meat, bones, organs, and maybe a few foraged berries. 

The idea is that raw food is less processed, enzyme-rich, and packed with natural nutrients.

Pros of Raw Feeding:

• Higher bioavailability of nutrients – Raw food can retain more vitamins and minerals that may be reduced during cooking.
• Healthier skin and coat – Many raw-fed dogs show glossier coats and fewer skin issues.
• Dental benefits – Raw bones can help clean teeth naturally (though this comes with risks).

Cons of Raw Feeding:

• Bacterial risks – Raw meat can harbour harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which isn’t just risky for dogs, it can pose a danger to humans in the home, especially kids or immunocompromised people.
• Imbalanced diets – Without proper formulation, raw diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies or dangerous excesses.
• Not suitable for all dogs – Dogs with compromised immune systems, pancreatitis, or other sensitivities may not tolerate raw food well.

Cooked Diets: The Safer (and Still Nutritious) Route

Cooking your dog’s food may sound less “wild,” but it has its strengths and it’s not just about safety. 

With the right ingredients and preparation, cooked food can be incredibly nourishing, balanced, and healing.

Pros of Cooked Feeding:

• Reduced pathogen risk – Cooking destroys harmful bacteria, making it a much safer option, especially in busy households.
• Easier digestion – Some dogs simply do better on cooked food, particularly seniors, those with sensitive stomachs, or those recovering from illness.
• Flexibility and control – Home-cooked meals allow you to rotate proteins, introduce seasonal veggies, and avoid unnecessary fillers and preservatives.

Cons of Cooked Feeding:

• Time-consuming – Preparing balanced cooked meals takes effort, planning, and love.
• Potential for nutrient loss – Overcooking can reduce vitamin content but this can be addressed with gentle cooking methods and thoughtful supplementation.

What’s the Dog Witch Verdict?

While raw feeding has its passionate followers, as The Dog Witch, I will always champion a balanced, cooked diet made up of:

•  Complex carbohydrates for energy and digestion
•  Lean proteins to support muscle health and healing
•  Fruits and vegetables for antioxidants, fibre, and vital micronutrients

Why? Because health and safety come first.

I believe in feeding dogs as close to nature as possible, but with the wisdom of modern science and common sense in the mix. 

Raw might be natural, but so are volcanic eruptions, natural doesn’t always mean safe.

Feeding your dog a fresh, home-prepared, nutrient-rich cooked diet gives you the best of both worlds: species-appropriate nutrition and a lowered risk of contamination. 

It’s nourishing, empowering and magickal when done right.

Final thoughts:

Whether you’re raw-curious, cooked-and-committed, or somewhere in between, the most important thing is being intentional with what you put in your dog’s bowl. 

Know what’s in their food, understand why it’s there and make decisions based on love, logic, and long-term wellbeing.

If you’d like help crafting a cooked food plan for your dog, I share new recipes every month as part of The Dog Witch Magick Circle Membership, I’d love to have you as part of the gang!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me via lisa@thedogwitch.co.uk 

See you on the next Blog! 

Lisa and Zak xxxx

Team – The Dog Witch