I'm a dog person. I love everything about dogs, from their lively enthusiasm to their wet kisses on their noses to the way they look when they're asleep. But whenever I hear a "funny" story about someone's dog getting into something they shouldn't have, my heart sinks.
Because the truth is, it's not funny at all. While dogs are definitely not human—and are prone to some behaviors that we find less endearing—they aren't miniature adults or robots either. Like us, they can be susceptible to illness and injury.
So today I'm here with some information that I hope you'll never need: What if your dog ate raw steak off the counter?
There is some risk involved as meat on the counter can grow bacteria on it when it is at room temperature. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 41 and 135 degrees F and pose a serious health risk to your dog.
In this post, I am going to reveal the dangers as well as preventive measures you can take.
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Table of Contents
- Risks if your dog eats raw meat
- 1. Digestive problems
- 2. Infection
- 3. Food poisoning
- Signs of a health problem
- swallowed bones
- How can I prevent my dog from getting sick from raw meat?
- time outside
- Clean your hands to avoid cross-contamination
- Clean all food preparation tools
- Buy prepackaged raw foods
- Keep trash out of reach
- Consider cooking first
- What to do if your dog gets sick from eating raw steak
- Are Other Raw Food Products Good For Dogs?
- Bottom line: what if your dog ate raw steak off the counter?
Risks if your dog eats raw meat
1. Digestive problems
If your dog eats raw meat, they are at risk of serious gastrointestinal problems.
Raw meat can cause vomiting, diarrhea and food poisoning. the three worst things about being a dog (sorry to have to tell you).
This is a big deal because these symptoms can lead to a blockage in the digestive tract or perforation of the intestine.
If you notice any of these symptoms after giving your dog raw meat products: call your vet immediately!
Continue reading:Can Bully Sticks cause diarrhea? How to overcome this?
2. Infection
The bacteriaE coliis found in most cattle, sheep, and goats and can also be found in other animals such as deer, bison, and elk.
These nasty bacteria can cause illness in both dogs and humans when they ingest raw or undercooked meat, especially beef products.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever that lasts more than 24 hours after eating the contaminated food.
If a dog eats raw meat that has this bacterium in it, it can be fatal in some cases.
People who handle raw meat without gloves are also at risk of contracting this dangerous infection!
3. Food poisoning
Canine food poisoning is a serious condition that can cause a dog to become very ill and even die.
This is most commonly caused by eating contaminated food or water, but it can also be caused by ingesting toxic substances.
The main symptoms of food poisoning in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Sometimes these symptoms appear immediately, but sometimes they can take several days to develop after initial exposure to contaminated food or water.
Raw meat can contain bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning in dogs.
Dogs that eat raw meat can develop symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy within 12 to 24 hours after consuming contaminated food.
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Signs of a health problem
If your dog eats raw meat off the counter, he or she may develop symptoms of illness. These include:
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- loss of appetite and weight loss
- Increased thirst and urination
- lethargy
- Increased heart rate
- Fever
- breathing problems
- salivation (drooling)
If your dog has been eating raw meat, you should watch for signs of illness over the next 24 hours and consider taking him to the vet if he doesn't get better.
Your vet may recommend a blood test to check for toxins in the blood and an X-ray to make sure there are no broken bones from vomiting or diarrhea.
swallowed bones
If the food your dog has eaten contains raw bones, these are often harmless (but make sure you're paying close attention).
Cooked bones, on the other hand, can be dangerous as they break easily and can be swallowed by the dog. These can then get stuck in their digestive tract and cause damage.
How can I prevent my dog from getting sick from raw meat?

If your dog araw food, you should take steps to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Here are some tips you can follow.
time outside
Don't leave raw meat at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it's 90 degrees F or higher). Discard any leftovers after 2 hours (1 hour if it's 90 degrees F or higher).
Clean your hands to avoid cross-contamination
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw meat or poultry.
Clean all food preparation tools
Wash countertops, cutting boards, utensils, bowls, and anything else that comes in contact with raw meat or poultry with hot, soapy water before and after use.
Buy prepackaged raw foods
Companies that sell raw dog food go to great lengths to ensure that the food is safe for your dog and that it contains less bacteria than meat bought (generally) from a supermarket.
I highly recommendStewart's Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Beef Liveras a tasty snack for your dog.
Keep trash out of reach
Who doesn't have a dog who likes to stick their nose in the trash can? i know i do The problem is that things like food scraps start to decompose and can cause an uncomfortable reaction in your dog if he starts digging around and eating them.
The best thing you can do is throw the trash out of the house as soon as possible or keep it out of the reach of your pets.
Consider cooking first
Sure, there are benefits to feeding your dog raw food, but if he's not used to it or maybe has a weak immune system, pre-cooking the food is also a great way to serve your dog a delicious meal.
What to do if your dog gets sick from eating raw steak

If your dog has eaten raw steak and becomes ill, it's important to act immediately. The sooner you take your dog to a vet, the less likely it will develop into something serious.
Call your vet first. Don't wait until tomorrow or the next day. Call them right away and ask for advice.
Then do whatever you can to keep your dog from eating anything else until you see the vet. Feeding him small amounts of water is fine, but no food.
Chances are it will go away in 24 hours, but if you feel or observe otherwise, make a trip to your vet the next day.
If possible, confine him to a small space with no other animals or people, just him or her and a caregiver.
If he vomits, watch out for blood in his vomit (it could come from his stomach). This is a sign of a very serious problem and you should take it to the nearest veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Are Other Raw Food Products Good For Dogs?
Many vets recommend feeding your dog a diet high in protein and fat as this will help keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Eating a diet high in protein and fat also helps them maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity.
Raw beef is one of the best sources of protein for a dog's diet as it contains all of the essential amino acids they need to stay healthy.
It also contains vitamin B12 which helps convert carbohydrates into energy so your dog can run around all day without feeling tired or sluggish.
But raw meat isn't the only way to feed your dog a high-protein diet.
Fruits like apples, bananas, and blueberries can provide you with essential nutrients as well as other vitamins and minerals important for good health.
Remember: 90% of your calories should come from a balanced diet, and the other 10% from snacks or treats!
Bottom line: what if your dog ate raw steak off the counter?
If your dog ate a small amount of raw steak, you may not need to do anything at all.
However, if the steak contained bones or was a significant part of your dog's meal, you should be on the lookout for signs and symptoms that indicate illness.
If your dog shows the signs above after eating raw meat, contact your veterinarian immediately.
FAQs
What should I do if my dog ate raw steak? ›
What if my dog ate raw meat? If your dog eats raw meat from the grocery store, chances are that they'll be fine. However, if you are worried or you notice anything out of the ordinary after they consume raw food, contact your vet.
Can dogs eat raw steak tips? ›No, dogs cannot eat raw steak as it can contain harmful bacteria such as listeria, E. coli, or salmonella, which can cause stomach upset and other serious health conditions. Avoid offering all dog breeds rare steak; always cook meat thoroughly before serving it to your dog.
What happens if a dog eats a steak? ›Raw meat poses a risk for salmonella, listeria, and other harmful bacteria that can cause severe stomach and digestive upsets to dogs, and even runs the risk of contaminating you and your home when you serve it.
What diseases can dogs get from raw meat? ›- Terms of engagement. There are several ways that illness-inducing organisms in raw meat can pose a danger to you and/or your dog: ...
- Campylobacteriosis. ...
- E. ...
- Listeriosis. ...
- Salmonellosis. ...
- PARASITIC AND PROTOZOAN THREATS. ...
- Trichinosis. ...
- Tapeworm.
One rule of thumb is to feed 2-4% of the pet's body weight. Smaller dogs will require a higher percentage of their body weight, while larger dogs will require a smaller percentage of their body weight. The daily portion should be split between morning and night.
How long does it take for a dog to digest steak? ›Generally, dogs take from four to eight hours to digest food, but could take up to 12 hours, depending on a number of factors, including the breed or size of dog, the type of food being consumed, exercise, and the gut microbiome.
Can dogs eat raw rib tips? ›The short answer: No. “I do not recommend giving pork rib bones to your dog,” said Susan Konecny, RN, DVM and medical director at Best Friends Animal Society®. Raw poultry and pork bones, in addition to cooked bones of any kind, should be off limits when it comes to your dog's diet.
Can raw steak give my dog worms? ›Your dog or cat can contract a worm infestation through raw meat, but this only happens when the food isn't inspected, handled or prepared properly. In fact, pet parents that are deeply invested in their pets' health, safety, and longevity, are more likely to choose companies that prioritize food safety and handling.
Can dogs eat beef tips? ›Dogs can eat beef and as long as your pooch isn't allergic, they can safely munch this meat every day as part of a balanced diet or snack on bits of beef as a healthy treat. Most dogs can eat beef whether it's raw or cooked, just as long as it is kept plain and doesn't have any sauces or seasonings smothered on it.
Can your dog get parasites from raw meat? ›Avoiding raw feeding — deliberate feeding of raw meat and offal is a significant route of protozoal transmission to cats and dogs, as well as tapeworm transmission to dogs.
Can dogs get food poisoning from raw meat? ›
Other foods that have been recognized to cause food poisoning in dogs are raw fish, undercooked meat, and eggs, which can carry Salmonella. Refrigerators should be regularly purged of old foods—but keep in mind that many dogs are masters at raiding garbage containers.
What are the signs of Salmonella in dogs? ›Dogs and cats that become ill from Salmonella infection generally will have diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus. Affected animals may seem more tired than usual, and may have a fever or vomit. Some cats do not have diarrhea, but will have a decreased appetite, fever, and excess salivation.
Can dogs digest raw beef? ›Is Raw Beef Right For Your Dog? Absolutely, dogs have forgiving digestive systems. With higher acidity in their stomachs and shorter intestinal tracts, they can eat raw meat that may harbor salmonella or listeria spores with no problem– and before you panic, some pathogens are completely normal.
Will a steak bone dissolve in a dog's stomach? ›If your pup chews the bone up into very small pieces, it may be able to be dissolved in the stomach. But larger pieces will not break down quickly enough.
Is steak hard for dogs to digest? ›Fresh raw steak is good for your dog and is an excellent source of protein. However, raw meat can very quickly grow bacteria, which can upset their stomach and cause diarrhea. Some raw meat can also contain E Coli and other bacteria when you purchase it that can be more harmful to pets than humans.
How much raw meat can a dog eat? ›As a general rule, dogs should eat approximately 2-5% of their body weight in raw daily food. This will vary depending on the dog's energy and activity levels. If your pet is overweight and needs to lose a few extra kilos, feed them closer to 2% of their body weight and give them more exercise.
How often can dogs eat raw beef? ›If you're wondering how often you should feed your dog raw meat, we recommend feeding pups 2 - 4 times per day and older dogs 1 - 2 times per day, as part of a fully balanced meal. Feeding your canine twice a day may assist with begging tendencies.
How long does it take for a dog to digest raw meat? ›While kibble stays in a dog's stomach for 7-9 hours, raw food only takes 1-2 hours to digest. Less energy spent digesting food = more energy to have fun.
How long does raw meat take to digest in dogs? ›Because your dog will be consuming fewer carbohydrates and other filler ingredients, they will also spend less time and energy digesting their food; while kibble stays in a dog's stomach for 7-9 hours, dogs can digest raw meat in only 1-2 hours.
How fast do dogs digest raw meat? ›Improved Digestion
Kibble can stay in a dog's stomach for 7-9 hours, but they can digest raw meat in as little as 1-2 hours.
Can dogs eat the cartilage in rib tips? ›
Cartilage is immensely beneficial to gums, joints and guts. Chicken necks are only appropriate for cats and small dogs. You can also feed your dog beef brisket bones (the sternum of the cow), lamb rib flaps, lamb necks, kangaroo tails and roo front legs.
Can dogs eat beef rib tips? ›Cooked bones can splinter and cause severe internal damage to dogs. Rib bones from table scraps are absolutely off-limits, along with any other cooked bones. Raw bones pose potential risks, and should only be consumed under careful observation.
What should I do if my dog ate a rib? ›If this happens, it can be fatal if your dog doesn't get treated ASAP. So if your pup swallows any rib bones, bring him to the vet immediately. More minor symptoms include stomach and intestinal irritation, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Can steak carry parasites? ›Taeniasis in humans is a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm species Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), and Taenia asiatica (Asian tapeworm). Humans can become infected with these tapeworms by eating raw or undercooked beef (T.
Can dogs get tapeworms from meat? ›In short, pets at risk for a Taenia infection are those that eat raw meat, either through predation or raw feeding. The life cycle of Taenia tapeworms starts in the host's intestine, the host being a dog or cat.
Can raw food upset dogs stomach? ›It is very normal, as your dog's stomach is used to processed foods and is being slightly shocked by a new raw diet. In time, your dog's stomach pH will adjust to their new diet. With supplements and natural remedies, which we will discuss below, you can settle your dog's tummy!
What are the three toxic meats for dogs? ›Bacon, Ham and Fat Trimmings
These foods can also cause pancreatitis, a serious, potentially deadly inflammation of the pancreas.
Common meats to avoid are any processed meats like sausage, bologna, hot dogs etc. Also avoid giving your dog any rib bones as they are extremely brittle and can damage your dog's stomach and throat.
Can dogs eat beef tips and gravy? ›No, dogs cannot eat gravy made for humans. Gravy—a topping consisting of meat drippings and a thickener—has high amounts of sodium and fat and ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, like garlic and onions.
Does all raw meat have parasites? ›It's because most people don't know the other side of the story. First, It is false that all meat contains parasites. It's also false that worms GROW in meat. Insects like flies lay larvae inside meat and those eggs hatch and turn into the maggots that you see on some viral videos.
Can dogs get salmonella from raw meat? ›
Can dogs get salmonella from raw chicken– yes, just like humans, dogs can contract it. This being said, it's a little less likely and here's why: dogs have a much higher tolerance to bacteria than humans.
What parasites live in uncooked meat? ›Trichinellosis, also called trichinosis, is caused by eating raw or undercooked meat of animals infected with the larvae of a species of worm called Trichinella.
How long does it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning? ›Some toxins cause reactions right away, while others cause symptoms several hours or days later. For instance, the first symptoms of antifreeze poisoning can appear in as little as 30 minutes, whereas the symptoms of chocolate poisoning take between 6 and 12 hours to show up.
How long does it take for dogs to show signs of food poisoning? ›Symptoms typically develop within 12-24 hours after ingestion of the contaminated food source. In severe cases, food poisoning can cause death. The most common symptoms of food poisoning in dogs include: Vomiting.
How long does it take for a dog to get sick after eating something? ›Please note that some signs and reactions may take 6 to 12 hours to occur or affect your dog's behavior. It's important to monitor your dog for any signs of illness as the day continues. In the meantime, there's still something you can do to make sure your dog is safe.
How can I treat my dog for salmonella at home? ›Treatment for a salmonella infection is primarily supportive, with a focus on ensuring that your dog receives enough fluids during the recovery process. Provide a steady supply of clean, fresh water, and make sure that your dog is staying hydrated to compensate for the fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
What are 4 symptoms of salmonella? ›...
Possible signs and symptoms of salmonella infection include:
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach (abdominal) cramps.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Chills.
- Headache.
- Blood in the stool.
What Can You Do for Food Poisoning in Dogs? As a rule, try fasting your dog for 24 hours when they start vomiting—offer water, but no food. If they continue to vomit during that period of time, they need to have a veterinary exam.
Can raw steak give my dog diarrhea? ›During the transition time to a raw diet, dogs may develop diarrhoea. Canines digest kibble and canned food differently than raw meat, so if you don't give them time to adjust, there is a possibility that they will have diarrhoea.
What can I give my dog to help digestion? ›- Raw Food. Feeding your dog raw food can be a very healthy, nutrient-rich diet. ...
- Probiotics. ...
- Fermented Food. ...
- Prebiotics. ...
- Use Herbs instead of Dewormers. ...
- Avoid Unnecessary Vaccines. ...
- Don't Feed Human Food. ...
- Pay Attention To Ingredients.
How long does raw steak take to digest? ›
Meat and fish can take as long as 2 days to fully digest. The proteins and fats they contain are complex molecules that take longer for your body to pull apart. By contrast, fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber, can move through your system in less than a day.
How can dogs eat raw meat and not get sick? ›Why dogs can eat raw – why is it safe? Unlike humans, their PH balance creates an acidic gut – Having a pH of only about 1, (you and I carry a pH between 4 and 5) their stomachs have a protective enzyme that allows a dog to eat some really gross things and not get sick.
How long does it take for a dog to digest something they shouldn't have eaten? ›When something is ingested by your dog, it usually takes between 10-24 hours to move through the entire digestive tract. Some objects, however, can take much longer – even months! Sometimes, objects are too big to progress through the digestive tract, and when this is the case, they cause an obstruction.
How long does it take for something to go through a dog's digestive system? ›On average, food moves through the canine stomach a bit slower than ours, but food movement through the intestines is a little faster, says Dr. Brummer, who is board-certified in internal medicine. Gastrointestinal transit time is six to eight hours for dogs, while in people it's between 20 and 30 hours, Dr.
How do you know if your dog has something stuck in his stomach? ›- vomiting.
- diarrhea.
- abdominal tenderness or pain.
- decreased appetite (know as anorexia)
- straining to defecate or producing small amounts of feces.
- lethargy.
According to research by the University of California Davis, a raw meat diet is easier for dogs to digest, and it encourages a shinier, softer coat than dry food.
Will a steak bone hurt my dog? ›Veterinarians also report dogs eating bones run the risk of needing surgery to remove obstructions in the intestines. Any bone should only be given under supervision so you can monitor if the bone is breaking into dangerously small pieces.