Can dogs eat raw meat and raw bones?
Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.
No. Never share raw meat and raw bones with dogs; call your vet or a poison line if some is eaten. Raw meat can carry germs like Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria that can make pets and people sick. The FDA found that raw pet food was more likely to carry germs, and freezing did not fix it. Raw bones can also hurt or block the gut.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Why
Raw meat can carry germs like Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria that can make pets and people sick. The FDA found that raw pet food was more likely to carry germs, and freezing did not fix it. Raw bones can also hurt or block the gut. Talk to a vet, and call one if a dog got into raw meat.
Good to know
In an FDA test of 196 raw pet food samples, 15 had Salmonella and 32 had Listeria.
Watch for: Raw meat juices and raw pet food can spread germs to hands, bowls and counters. Wash up well and keep pets from licking faces.
Already ate it?
Call now, even if your pet seems fine. Say what was eaten, how much and when, and have your pet's weight ready.
Poison emergency? Call now
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-up calls included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.
For the children
"Raw meat and raw bones can make dogs very sick. Never share this food, and tell a grown-up right away if a pet gets some."
A job: Be the label reader. Before a grown-up shares any food with the dog, check this page, and ask a grown-up if the food is not on it.
A fridge sheet
Never give dogs raw meat and raw bones.
If dogs eat some, don't wait. Call right away, even if they seem fine.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435, 24 hours. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-ups included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.
This page is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. Your own vet knows your dog. Dogs differ.
Sources
- FDA: Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet (checked October 29, 2026)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Proper Nutrition for Cats (checked October 29, 2026)
- ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (checked October 29, 2026)