Do raw diets affect pet insurance eligibility?

There are no restrictions on coverage eligibility! If you're feeding your dog or cat a raw-based diet, you'll be pleased to know that we do not restrict coverage eligibility for pets who are fed a raw diet. This policy reflects our understanding that many pet parents choose alternative feeding approaches for their beloved companions.

Defining raw diets for dogs and cats

Raw diets have become an increasingly popular trend among pet parents who want to provide what they believe is the most natural nutrition for their animals. A raw diet is often considered to be the “ancestral diet” of pets, but they can vary in terms of proteins and, sometimes, other ingredients like fruits or vegetables. It's important to note that dogs are omnivorous, carnivorous scavengers, which means their dietary needs differ somewhat from their feline counterparts, who are considered obligate carnivores.

This shift from heat-treated processed food has been driven by pet parents seeking to provide what they perceive as more natural, healthier nutrition options for their pets. Many parents who desire to provide the best for their pets actively seek veterinary opinions about various food options, including raw diets.

Raw diet vs prescription food

While we don't restrict coverage eligibility based on your pet's diet, it's crucial to understand that raw pet food diets are not included under our food coverage benefits. Our food coverage is specifically designed for medically necessary nutrition. We cover 90% of half the cost for up to 90 days, however, only specific pet foods that are prescribed and authorized by a licensed veterinarian for the treatment of an applicable illness or injury.

This distinction is important because prescription diets serve a different purpose than raw feeding choices. Prescription foods are therapeutic tools used by veterinarians to manage specific health conditions, while raw diets are typically lifestyle choices made by pet parents based on their feeding philosophy.

The veterinary perspective

When considering any dietary approach for your pet, it's worth noting that there are various professional perspectives on raw feeding. The veterinary community has expressed concerns about raw diets, with some organizations taking formal positions on the matter. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages feeding cats and dogs any animal-source protein that has not been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens.

Additionally, health authorities have raised concerns about the public health risks associated with raw pet food diets. Raw food diets consisting of bones can pose choking hazards to pets and may cause gastrointestinal injury or obstruction. Research indicates that 30 to 80% of dogs fed raw-meat diets had bone foreign bodies, and small bone fragments can accumulate in the intestinal tract over time, potentially causing obstructions.

There are also considerations about harmful bacteria in raw meat that can pose serious health risks not only to pets but also to the humans who handle the food, and everyone else in the household–this includes those who are pregnant and young children that love to put anything/everything in their mouth. It is also imperative that no one is immunocompromised in the home, not necessarily just the person who is preparing and feeding the dog. We do not recommend feeding a raw diet in this circumstance as the risk to that individual is quite high.

Consult your veterinarian

Whether you choose to feed your pet a raw diet, commercial kibble, or any other approach, the most important thing is ensuring your pet receives complete and balanced nutrition appropriate for their life stage and health status. We encourage all pet parents to discuss their feeding choices with their veterinarian to make informed decisions about their pet's nutrition.

Questions about our coverage?

Have more questions about Trupanion’s prescription food coverage or any other aspects of our pet insurance policies? We're here to help! Just give us a call at 888.733.2685 or shoot us a message. We're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year– yes, we'll even answer your questions on holidays because we understand that pet health concerns don't follow a regular schedule.

Our commitment is to provide clear, robust coverage information so you can make the best decisions for your pet's health and your family's financial well-being, regardless of the dietary approach you choose.