5 Common Raw Food Misconceptions
Have you ever been curious about feeding your pet raw but got scared off by something you read or heard? We get it. There’s a lot of chatter (and some strong opinions) out there about raw diets for dogs and cats. But not all of it is rooted in fact. At Steve’s Real Food, we’re here to clear the air and debunk some of the most common raw food misconceptions—so you can make confident choices for your furry family member.
Raw Food Misconception #1: Raw Food Is Dangerous For Humans and Canines
Let’s kick things off with the big one: the idea that raw food is inherently dangerous. Yes, raw meat can carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, but here’s the thing—we’re not tossing a raw chicken leg into your dog’s bowl and hoping for the best. We use High-Pressure Processing (HPP) on all of our recipes to eliminate harmful pathogens while preserving the nutrients and natural enzymes your pet needs. Learn more about the safety of our raw food here.
All our meats are human-grade and sourced from USDA-inspected facilities, where the animals are humanely raised in ideal conditions, and are free from antibiotics and added hormones. We test every single batch for safety before it ever leaves our facility. Plus, dogs and cats have naturally acidic stomachs and short digestive tracts—biologically designed to handle bacteria better than we can.
Raw Food Misconception #2: Raw Diets Are Unbalanced
This misconception likely stems from the increasing number of pet parents attempting to prepare raw meals at home. And while we love the effort, proper raw feeding does require a balance of muscle meat, organ meat, bones, and plant-based nutrients. That’s why Steve’s Real Food exists—to make balanced raw feeding easy and accessible.
All of our recipes meet AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Our raw dog food and raw cat food include high-quality meats, nutrient-rich organs, calcium-rich bones, and carefully selected fruits and vegetables to support everything from strong bones to a shiny coat. We incorporate superfoods like goat’s milk, kelp, and flaxseed as a natural way to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals without the need for synthetic ingredients.
Raw Food Misconception #3: Mixing Kibble and Raw is Bad for Digestion
We hear this one a lot: "I’d try raw, but I’m not ready to go 100%." Good news—you don’t have to.
There’s no scientific evidence that says raw food can’t be fed alongside kibble or canned diets. In fact, many pet parents successfully mix raw with other types of food. Our freeze-dried raw is perfect for topping off kibble or transitioning your pet to a fully raw diet.
While raw food does digest at a different rate, your pet’s body is smart. Their digestive enzymes, bile, and gut bacteria adapt quickly to changes in their environment. So feel free to ease into raw feeding without any guilt. Even one raw meal a day can support digestion, improve skin and coat health, and add variety that your pet will love.
Raw Food Misconception #4: Raw Pet Food Is Too Expensive
This one is understandable. At first glance, raw food can look pricier than kibble. But when you take a step back and consider the long-term picture, it often saves you money.
It’s proactive wellness. Feeding a high-quality raw diet like Steve’s Real Food can mean fewer health issues and improved dental health, all of which translate into savings over time. In fact, a 2021 study from the University of Helsinki found that dogs fed a raw diet had a lower risk of developing gastrointestinal and skin issues*.
Steve’s Real Food is one of the more cost-effective raw options on the market, with convenient variety packs and bulk boxes that make raw feeding doable for every budget. We offer both frozen and freeze-dried options, with frozen being the most economical option for multi-pet households or large dogs. Even better, signing up for a food subscription will save you 10% on each order! And you don’t need to go all in to see benefits—even partial raw can make a big difference.
Raw Food Misconception #5: Vets Don’t Approve of Raw Foods
Some do, some don’t—but the tides are turning. As more research emerges and pet parents share success stories, more veterinarians (especially integrative and holistic ones) are recommending raw diets, especially when they’re professionally formulated.
A PhD in animal nutrition reviews all of our formulations to ensure our recipes support every system in your pet’s body—from joint health to digestion to immune function. And our food isn’t just natural; it’s nutritionally complete, made with real, whole foods and zero synthetic additives.
We always recommend having an open and honest conversation with your veterinarian. To make it easier, we have created a printable sheet to bring to your next vet visit, which will help get the conversation started. And if they have questions, we’re happy to provide details about our formulation process, safety protocols, and nutritional standards. Raw food myths don’t stand up to the facts—and we're proud of the facts behind our food.
Ready to Follow the Truth?
Raw feeding doesn’t have to be scary, risky, or overwhelming. With a bit of research and a trusted brand like Steve’s Real Food, you can feed your dog or cat a diet that supports their health naturally, safely, and deliciously. Don’t let raw food misconceptions hold you back from giving your pet the nourishment they deserve. Explore our raw dog food and cat food recipes online today!
*(Hielm-Björkman et al., 2021)
