Raw vs dry dog food: cost, safety and what vets say
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Raw feeding has grown in popularity in the UK, but it divides opinion — including among vets. Here's a straightforward look at cost, safety and how to decide.
Cost per day
Complete dry foods are usually the cheapest way to feed a balanced diet. Even the premium dry foods we track cost roughly £0.80–£1.60 a day for a 10 kg dog (see our feeding costs table), and supermarket dry foods are cheaper still. Raw brands estimate around £2–£4 a day for a medium dog of 10–15 kg, depending on the product.
Raw cost estimate from a UK raw food supplier. As with dry food, compare by cost per day, not price per kilo.
The safety question
The British Veterinary Association's concern is that raw diets can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and Campylobacter, which cooking would normally kill — a risk to dogs and to people in the home, especially young children, older people and anyone with a weakened immune system. The BVA doesn't ban raw feeding, but says owners should understand the risks and handle raw food carefully.
Source: BVA policy position on diet choices for cats and dogs.
If you do feed raw
- Choose a food labelled complete, not "complementary", unless you're working with a vet or nutritionist.
- Store it frozen, defrost in the fridge in a sealed container, and keep it away from human food.
- Wash bowls, surfaces and hands thoroughly after every meal.
- Think twice if you have a baby, an elderly relative or someone unwell at home.
Dry food: the practical choice for most
A good complete dry food is balanced, easy to store, simple to portion and cheaper per day. If you want more meat in the bowl, high-meat dry foods (such as AATU) are a middle ground.
How to decide
- Budget: can you sustain £2–£4+ a day for the next ten years or more?
- Household: is anyone at higher risk from food-borne bacteria?
- Your dog: talk to your vet, especially for puppies or dogs with health problems.
General information only, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your dog's health, speak to your vet.
Last updated September 2026.