In this week’s episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and co-host JoJo dive headfirst into one of the most polarizing topics in veterinary medicine: raw food diets for dogs. Raw feeding sparks strong emotions on both sides — from passionate advocates to veterinarians who openly and unapologetically oppose it. Dr. Angie breaks down why this divide exists, what misconceptions drive it, and what every pet parent needs to understand before deciding whether raw feeding is right for their dog.

Drawing from clinical experience, public-health training, and years of nutrition work, Dr. Angie explains why many veterinarians object to raw diets: not because raw is inherently harmful, but because raw diets done incorrectly create real risks, especially for kids, immunocompromised household members, and vulnerable pets. She and JoJo unpack food safety concerns, including how pathogens like salmonella can pass through dogs and potentially infect humans — even if the dog appears completely healthy.

Listeners also learn what raw diets done correctly actually look like. Dr. Angie outlines the two non-negotiable requirements for safe, nutritious raw feeding:

1. A true kill step, such as High Pressure Processing (HPP), to eliminate dangerous bacteria and viruses, and
   

2. AAFCO nutritional balancing, ensuring complete and appropriate nutrient levels.

She shares behind-the-scenes insight from her visit to Stella & Chewy’s manufacturing facility and how their testing, safety standards, and in-house production influenced her confidence in recommending their products. She also explains why grocery-store meat, butcher scraps, or DIY blends built from thirds (“one-third meat, one-third organs, one-third vegetables”) are not safe or nutritionally balanced for dogs.

The episode highlights which dogs thrive on raw diets — including many with digestive issues, chronic inflammation, or certain endocrine disorders — and which dogs should not be fed raw, such as some senior dogs, chemotherapy patients, or immunosuppressed pets. Dr. Angie and JoJo also discuss why some dogs simply don’t tolerate raw food well and why that’s completely okay.

Throughout the conversation, they emphasize transparency from raw food companies, proper sanitation at home, and realistic expectations around cost, safety, and practicality. Whether you’re already feeding raw, curious about switching, or skeptical about the trend, this episode offers grounded veterinary insight to help you make informed choices for your dog.