Does Raw Meat Give Dogs Worms?

Raw food diets had gained popularity in recent years because pet owners rely on times before dogs were domesticated; since then, their diet has contained raw meat like most animals. But the question is, does raw meat give dogs worms?

They could get worms, but not necessarily because there are many things to consider. For example, not all kinds of raw meat are the same, which applies to dogs too.

Does Raw Meat Give Dogs Worms?

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First, it s important to know which kind of raw meat you feed your dog, that means where it is that you source. Secondly,  you need to know how to treat it. Denatured meat, called 3D or 4D, comes from dying, dead or diseased animals and is not healthy for your canine friend because it most likely contains pathogens and germs.

This contaminated meat can cause problems not only for your dog but you and your family. Anything that has contact with infected meat will also be contaminated. The infection can spread to your house, and bacteria could cause foodborne illness.

Furthermore, it would be best never to feed your dog raw offal such as liver, kidney, stomach, intestines, pancreas, spleen, lungs, brain, testicles, etc.

When it comes to worms, the dog can get them from eating raw meat. There are several types of worms, including:

  • Tapeworms
  • Roundworms
  • Hookworms

Those parasites from raw meat can enter the dog’s body through the digestive tract and cause many problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, chronic coughing, and anemia. If left untreated, consequences can be fatal.

If you want to avoid the possibility of worms in your dog, meat should be handled, treated, and prepared properly. Cooking meat (baking, roasting, grilling, or steaming, etc.) is the best solution. The heat destroys pathogens and germs, causing, for example, salmonella. In addition, other pathogens found in raw meat are:

  • Listeria
  • Campylobacter
  • Clostridium
  • E. coli
  • Trichinosis

Does Freezing Raw Meat Kill Parasites 

If you freeze meat properly and for enough time, it can kill parasites or put them in hibernation. They will stay inactive as long as the meat is frozen, but they will return to life when it defrosts.

Even though it is recommended to freeze meat at -18 to -20°C for one or two weeks, you should not rely on this process completely. So, home freezing is out of the question.

Worms In Dog Poop

Did you find something suspicious in your dog s feces? There are many parasites that can end up in your s dog s poop. If you are wondering what they look like, they are comparable to small pieces of white cotton thread.

These are tapeworms, which can get to your dog s body if they eat fleas or another animal that carries tapeworm eggs, or roundworms, which come from the mother or her milk. It means that your dog has intestinal parasites and must be treated.

So, it is best to contact your vet for an appropriate dewormer or additional treatment if needed.

Worm Prevention For Dogs

Worms are preventable. As a responsible pet parent, you should worm your dog regularly. The most effective ways are veterinary worming products which are effective and safe and bringing a stool sample to your vet.

Furthermore, several foods can prevent parasites from forming, such as:

  • Kefir
  • Oats
  • Carrots
  • Beetroot
  • Turmeric
  • Coconut
  • Pumpkin seeds

How Often Should You Worm A Dog On Raw Food

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How often you should worm a dog on raw food depends on your dog s lifestyle, age, place where he lives (inside or outside), and the type of wormer you use. For adult, healthy dogs, it is recommended to worm them every 3 to 6 months. But if a portion of raw food is their main diet, it is recommended to worm them monthly.

However, puppies are more sensitive and can get worms even when they are still in the womb or from their mother s milk, so they should be wormed much more frequently.

Also, you should be very careful about other dogs’ poop since it could contain eggs and larvae. So roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can be easily transmitted to your pet friend.

Moreover, it is important to remember that you can also over worming your dog because they can build up a tolerance, but that is certainly something that you don’t want.

6 Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Raw Meat

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The main benefit is bioavailability which allows dogs to absorb micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and essential fats, without losing their goodness. Some other benefits are:

  • Shinier coats
  • Healthier skin
  • Cleaner teeth
  • Higher energy levels
  • Smaller stools

Related: Can Dogs Eat Salami

Bottom Line 

In short, when you want to add new foods to your dog s diet, including raw meat, it should be introduced gradually. Also, you should pay attention to how your dog copes with that changes.

Your dog may have allergies to some raw meat or an ingredient in it, so asking for veterinary advice is always a good idea. Moreover, the source of raw meat is very important since raw meat that comes from dead or diseased animals can have pathogens and germs, which can harm your dog s health.

Also, it is recommended to feed raw meat only to healthy adult dogs every once in a while. Don t forget to treat the meat properly to avoid any health problems.

Even if raw meat is not in your dog s diet, you should not forget to give your dog dewormers every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently if it s a puppy.

However, you should be aware of some benefits of feeding your dog raw meat, such as a shinier coat, bioavailability, cleaner teeth, higher energy levels, and so on.

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