Raw vs. Kibble: What’s Really Safe for Your Dog?

By UDEK9 – Build Them by the Bite™

🥩 Raw Feeding Under Fire

If you’ve ever told your vet you feed raw, you probably got the same response I did: a list of warnings about Salmonella, E. coli, parasites, nutrient imbalances, and even “danger to your family.”

But here’s the reality: those same dangers exist in commercial dog food too.

In fact, kibble and canned foods have been recalled time and time again for the exact same issues vets warn about with raw.

At UDEK9, we don’t ignore the risks we manage them. Let’s compare the facts.

Raw vs. Kibble: Risk Comparison

Risk

Raw Diet (Handled at Home)

Commercial Dog Food (Kibble/Canned)

Bacterial contamination

• Raw: Possible if meat isn’t handled properly same as raw chicken for humans. Controlled with freezing, hygiene, and sourcing.

• Kibble: Frequent recalls for Salmonella, Listeria, mold toxins. No control over factory handling.

Nutritional imbalance

• Raw: Happens if only feeding muscle meat. Prevented with correct ratios (meat + organ + bone + supplements).

• Kibble: Recalls for excessive or deficient vitamins (e.g., Vitamin D toxicity). Owners trust the bag, but labels aren’t foolproof.

Parasites

• Raw: Prevented with freezing & USDA-inspected sourcing.

• Kibble: Not parasites, but kibble can carry mites and aflatoxins (mold toxins) that cause illness.

Spoilage

• Raw: Managed by portioning & refrigeration.

• Kibble: Can sit in warehouses for months or years. Oils often turn rancid.

Human handling risk

• Raw: Same precautions as preparing raw meat for family.

• Kibble: Even kibble dust can carry Salmonella recalls have warned humans not to touch it.

Digestive health

• Raw: Natural enzymes, bioavailable nutrients, shinier coats, better digestion.

• Kibble: High carb fillers, linked to obesity, allergies, chronic digestive issues.

Quality control

• Raw: You control sourcing, prep, storage.

• Kibble: 100% dependent on manufacturer, who may cut corners.

Why Raw Can Be Safer

Raw feeding isn’t about ignoring risk it’s about controlling it. At UDEK9, we prepare meals with the same care as food for our own families:

• Freezing protocols to neutralize parasites

• Balanced formulas of muscle meat, organ, bone, and supplements

• Safe handling practices for prep & storage

• Transparent sourcing so you know what’s in your dog’s bowl

The UDEK9 Difference

Every feeding method carries risks but only raw feeding gives you full control over what goes into your dog’s body.

Instead of relying on factories and recalls, you decide the quality, the balance, and the safety. With regular vet checkups, bloodwork, and smart preparation, dogs like Koa thrive on a raw diet.

At UDEK9, our mission is simple:

Fuel performance. Build them by the bite.