Several brands of dry dog food have been found to possibly have toxic levels of vitamin D.
https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/ucm627485.htm
https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/ucm627485.htm
I do believe horsemeat is illegal here in the States; at least the sale of it.Haven't had a dog for 30 years, but I used to feed my dogs horse meat. Cheap and good for them. Don't know if you can still buy horse meat now.
Russ
http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/01/raw-diets-a-healthy-choice-or-a-raw-deal/Proponents of raw meat diets anecdotally report numerous benefits, but there is no scientific information showing any health benefits from raw meat diets. Some studies have shown a small increase in digestibility from raw diets compared to commercial dry diets. However, this may be the result of the ingredients, rather than the fact the diet was raw (the studies did not compare the raw diet to an identical diet that was cooked). The effects of this small difference in digestibility warrant additional research but do not appear to provide sufficient evidence to outweigh the potential risks for raw meat diets. There are an increasing number of studies that show important concerns for nutritional imbalances and health risks to the animal, as well as serious public health concerns. Bottom line, there is no proof to confirm any health benefits beyond a few stories. We do, however, have proof that there are risks, so until there is evidence of clear, important health benefits to cancel out those risks, we can’t recommend raw meat diets.
Our dogs have been perfectly healthy eating commercial dry and canned dog food. It's formulated to be good for them. We also occasionally give our dog meat scraps, mostly fat, from our food.
This article from the veterinary school at Tufts University says raw foods are not good for pets.
Raw Diets: A Healthy Choice or a Raw Deal? – Clinical Nutrition Service at Cummings School