5 Things I Would Never Feed My Dog as a Canine Nutritionist
Think “natural” means “safe”? Think again. As a canine nutritionist, I’m exposing 5 popular foods and chews I’d never give my own dog — including raw diets, garlic, salmon oil, raw vegetables, and even antlers. Discover the surprising science behind each one
As a canine nutritionist, I see food fads come and go faster than a Labrador at dinnertime. From raw meat to miracle oils, dog owners are constantly told what’s “best” — usually by clever marketing rather than actual science.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: natural doesn’t always mean safe, and popular doesn’t always mean evidence-based.
So let’s get controversial. These are five things I personally would never feed my own dog, no matter how trendy, natural, or “holistic” they sound.
1. Raw Meat & Raw Dog Food Diets ( yes I used to raw feed)
Why people love it:
Because it sounds instinctive. “Dogs are wolves — they should eat raw meat, right?” It’s a romantic idea that feels biologically appropriate.
Why I wouldn’t (anymore)
While I respect that raw feeding can be done carefully under veterinary guidance and there are many great brands out there, the reality is that most homemade or boutique raw diets are unbalanced, unsafe, and unverified.
Numerous peer-reviewed studies have found contamination with Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria, posing health risks not only to dogs but also to humans in the household (especially children and immunocompromised adults).
👉 A 2020 study from Utrecht University found raw-fed dogs shed pathogenic bacteria in 30% of samples, contaminating their bowls, bedding, and saliva.
👉 Another review from the Journal of Small Animal Practice reported that over 60% of raw diets tested were nutritionally imbalanced when compared with FEDIAF guidelines.
The risks include:
Bacterial infections leading to diarrhoea, vomiting, or zoonotic transmission.
Nutrient deficiencies or excesses, especially calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
Dental fractures or GI obstructions from raw bones.
Impacted colons and constipation — one of the most common (and under-discussed) side effects of feeding excessive bone content.
When dogs are fed high-bone raw meals — particularly those that include weight-bearing bones or a high ratio of bone-to-meat — the indigestible material can compact in the large intestine. This forms a chalky, rock-hard stool that causes severe constipation, pain, and in some cases, complete bowel obstruction requiring veterinary intervention or surgery.
You’ll often see this referred to as “bone poop” — it looks pale, crumbly, and dry. In chronic cases, the strain from passing these stools can lead to rectal prolapse or anal gland impaction.
Why this happens:
Dogs’ digestive systems aren’t designed to process large amounts of mineralised bone material daily. When humans miscalculate that ratio, constipation and impaction become real risks.
What I’d recommend instead:
If you want “fresh feeding,” opt for lightly cooked, balanced recipes verified by a canine nutritionist or use a commercially balanced cooked food tested to meet FEDIAF or AAFCO standards. If you really want to raw feed get a balanced recipe that cuts out the raw bone and repalces it with another calcium source. Ensure that any raw you feed is balanced to FEDIAF or AAFCO standards.
Bottom line:
Raw feeding can work if done with expert formulation, pathogen testing, and correct bone ratios — but for the average owner, it’s an unnecessary and sometimes painful risk I’d rather not take.
2. Garlic (and Allium Family Foods)
Why people love it:
Garlic has been promoted as a natural flea repellent, immune booster, and “detox” ingredient. You’ll even find it in some boutique dog foods and supplements.
Why I wouldn’t:
Garlic contains thiosulfates and disulfides, compounds that damage red blood cells in dogs and lead to Heinz body anaemia — a serious, sometimes fatal condition. They also can cause gas, bloating and IBS issues.
Even small doses fed regularly can accumulate over time and trigger oxidative damage. The tricky part is that toxicity thresholds vary between dogs and breeds, meaning there’s no safe standard dose.
Research snapshot:
The Merck Veterinary Manual confirms garlic and onions are toxic to dogs in all forms (raw, cooked, powdered).
Japanese studies showed dogs fed small daily amounts of garlic for several weeks developed early signs of red blood cell damage.
Cases of garlic-induced anaemia often present days after ingestion, making it harder for owners to connect cause and effect.
Symptoms can include:
Lethargy, pale gums, elevated heart rate, vomiting, discoloured urine, and collapse.
My stance:
There are safer, proven methods for flea control and immune support — garlic isn’t one of them.
Bottom line:
Garlic isn’t a “natural health booster.” It’s a slow-acting toxin that offers no nutritional advantage for dogs.
3. Salmon Oil (When Given Blindly)
Why people love it:
Because every Instagram ad claims salmon oil is the holy grail for shiny coats, joint pain, itchy skin, and brain health. And yes — it does have legitimate benefits… under the right conditions.
Why I wouldn’t feed it indiscriminately:
While EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) are essential for inflammation control and joint health, salmon oil can quickly go from “helpful” to “harmful” if given without professional guidance.
Here’s why:
Rancidity risk: Many over-the-counter salmon oils oxidise rapidly, creating harmful free radicals that increase inflammation and oxidative stress. They may have even oxidised before you open the bottle.
Unregulated dosages: Owners often pour it freely, not realising that excess omega-3 can cause vitamin E depletion, diarrhoea, or pancreatic flare-ups in sensitive dogs.
Nutrient imbalance: Most dogs already get some omega-3 and 6 from their base diet — adding more without adjusting ratios can actually disrupt fatty acid balance.
Evidence check:
A controlled trial (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2012) showed benefits of omega-3 supplementation for arthritic dogs only when used at precise EPA/DHA levels under veterinary direction.
What I recommend instead:
Use fish oil products that:
Specify EPA/DHA content per ml, not vague “fish oil” amounts.
Are cold-pressed and tested for oxidation.
Are paired with vitamin E.
Are dosed to body weight and condition, not “one pump fits all.”
Bottom line:
Salmon oil isn’t evil — but it’s not a miracle, either. Without correct dosing and quality control, you could be doing more harm than good.
4. Raw Vegetables (As a Staple Food or in Excess)
Why people love them:
Raw vegetables seem like the ultimate “clean” addition — packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. Many owners proudly blend carrots, spinach, kale, or broccoli into their dog’s bowl.
Why I don’t:
Dogs are facultative carnivores, not mini herbivores. Their digestive enzymes and gut structure aren’t designed to extract maximum nutrition from raw plant matter.
Here’s what can go wrong:
Low digestibility: Raw carrots, broccoli stalks, and leafy greens mostly pass through undigested due to their wall of cellulose that dogs cannot digest
Gas and bloating: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and kale can ferment in the gut, causing discomfort and flatulence.
Thyroid interference: Excessive raw kale, spinach, and cruciferous greens can impact iodine uptake, potentially affecting thyroid function.
Anti-nutrient effects: Raw spinach and beet greens contain oxalates that can interfere with calcium absorption.
Evidence snapshot:
A 2021 study in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that lightly cooking vegetables (e.g., steaming) improved digestibility and nutrient availability compared to raw feeding.
What I’d recommend instead:
Lightly cook or puree vegetables before feeding.
Limit to 10% of total daily intake if adding to a complete food.
Choose digestible, low-oxalate options like courgette, pumpkin, or cooked green beans.
Bottom line:
Raw vegetables aren’t dangerous in moderation, but feeding them raw and in bulk is nutritionally misguided and potentially counterproductive.
5. Antlers and Hooves
Why people love them:
They’re marketed as “100% natural, long-lasting chews” that clean teeth and occupy dogs for hours. They look wholesome, earthy, and chemical-free — a far cry from mass-produced nylon toys.
But here’s the ugly truth: antlers and hooves are one of the leading causes of dental fractures and mouth injuries in dogs.
Why I would never give them:
Tooth fractures:
Antlers and hooves are harder than enamel. The result? Painful slab fractures that expose the pulp cavity — often requiring root canal or extraction.
According to the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, hard chews like antlers and hooves account for up to 30% of fractured teeth cases in dogs.
Splintering risk:
As they dry out or are chewed aggressively, antlers can splinter into sharp shards that lacerate gums or puncture the oesophagus.
Digestive obstruction:
Swallowed fragments can lodge in the intestines or stomach, leading to costly and life-threatening blockages.
Infection:
Open fractures in the mouth can invite bacterial infections that spread to the jaw or bloodstream.
What to use instead:
Safer alternatives include:
Rubber-based dental chews (VOHC-approved).
Soft dried tendons or cartilage chews.
Dehydrated fish skins for omega-3 benefits.
Supervised frozen veggie chews (like cucumber or carrot ends).
Consider a lick-mat with a topper appropriate for your own dog’s needs
The “kneecap test”:
If you wouldn’t want to get hit in the knee with it — it’s too hard for your dog’s teeth.
Bottom line:
Antlers and hooves might be natural, but so are stones and tree branches — that doesn’t mean they belong in your dog’s mouth.
What to Do Instead
Feed for function, not fashion.
Choose diets that are complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage — not just trending on social media or because your neighbour told you to switch.Supplement with purpose.
Fish oil, probiotics, or joint support can be excellent tools — but use them strategically, not reactively. Remember - you can’t out supplement a bad dietCook or blend veggies.
Make nutrients available, not aspirational.Chew smart.
Look for VOHC-approved dental treats or softer natural chews that won’t destroy enamel.Get personalised help.
Every dog is different — breed, age, health status, metabolism. If you’re home-feeding or unsure about supplements, get a professional review.
Final Thoughts
As dog lovers, we all want the best for our companions. But love doesn’t replace evidence.
The pet industry thrives on buzzwords like “natural,” “human-grade,” and “holistic.” As comforting as they sound, they often mask marketing, not nutrition.
So the next time you’re tempted by a raw mince, a garlic supplement, a bottle of salmon oil, a kale smoothie, or that shiny antler chew at the pet shop — ask yourself:
“Is this truly healthy for my dog, or is it just cleverly marketed?” Because real love isn’t about following trends. It’s about feeding smart, science-based nutrition that supports your dog’s health for life.
Want to learn what to feed instead?
Grab my bestselling FREE e-book, “What Should I Feed My Dog?”— your guide to decoding labels, life-stage nutrition, safe treats, and home-cooked options that meet FEDIAF standards.
Or download my FREE “Boost the Bowl” recipe collection, packed with safe, evidence-based toppers and chews your dog will love — without the risk.
Want more information about your dog’s diet? Book a consult today or Trial my knowledge with a FREE DIET ASSESSMENT
References
Bulochova, V. (2021). Raw Meat–Based Pet Feeding and Food Safety: A Review. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 277, 114962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2021.114962
Davies, R. H., Lawes, J. R., & Wales, A. D. (2019). Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60(6), 329–339. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12944
Runesvärd, E., Wikström, C., Fernström, L., & Hansson, I. (2020). Presence of pathogenic bacteria in faeces from dogs fed raw meat–based diets or dry kibble. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 62(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-020-00550-0
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2019). Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2022). Raw foods for dogs: Evidence-based advice. Riney Canine Health Center. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/raw-foods-dogs-evidence-based-advice-riney-canine-health-center
Merck Veterinary Manual. (2024). Garlic and Onion (Allium spp.) Toxicosis in Animals. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/garlic-and-onion-allium-spp-toxicosis-in-animals
Wakshlag, J. J., et al. (2012). Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 239(11), 1441–1451. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.239.11.1441
Mehler, S. J., Mayhew, P. D., & Drobatz, K. J. (2010). Clinical features of gastrointestinal obstruction caused by ingestion of bones in dogs: 39 cases (2004–2009). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 237(9), 1028–1033. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.237.9.1028
Pawlosky, R. J., et al. (2023). The effects of omega-3 supplementation on the omega-3 index and health-related measures in dogs. Nutrients, 15(3), 695. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030695
Sokolowski, N. (2021). Overview of omega-3 fatty acids for osteoarthritis in dogs. Canine Arthritis Management. Retrieved from https://caninearthritis.org/article/overview-of-omega-3-fatty-acids-for-oa/
Larsen, J. A., & Farcas, A. K. (2021). Vegetable inclusion in canine diets: digestibility, anti-nutrients and effects on health. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 105(S1), 12–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13536
Verstraete, F. J. M., & Kass, P. H. (2001). Dental fractures in dogs: a retrospective study of 1,094 cases. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 18(4), 123–129. https://doi.org/10.1177/089875640101800402
