Developmental biologists have recently learned that bacterial exposure is necessary for the development of a healthy immune system in our companion animals. Cats and dogs have evolved in the presence of bacteria - how many times have you seen your animal friend eat unsavory things off the ground (even fecal matter) yet it has not produced any ill results.

Their short digestive tract and highly acidic stomach juices are capable of killing off large bacterial loads. Yes, there may be bacteria in raw meat but the likelihood that it effects your pets' health is minimal.

However, as humans we need to take safety measures when handling raw meats. Simply observe proper hygiene and use the same precautions you would in preparing your own foods using raw meats.

Finally, don't discount the fact that dogs are so much like wolves physiologically that they are frequently used in wolf studies as a physiological model for wolf body processes (Mech, L.D. 2003. Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation). Dogs and wolves share 99.8% of their mitochondrial DNA (Wayne, R.K. Molecular Evolution of the Dog Family). Likewise cats today are descendents of wild cats and share the same physiological traits.
The actual cost of feeding a raw diet can compare to feeding a top quality commercial dry food, but the cost savings comes in other areas. A dog fed a balanced raw diet (including raw meaty bones) rarely needs their teeth cleaned. Teeth cleaning can cost $300 or more.

Also, a dog or cat eating a balanced, carbohydrate free raw diet is much less likely to have allergy problems. Allergy tests and medications can run in the thousands of dollars.
Feeding a raw, balanced diet is the best nutritional choice you can make for your animal companion. However, keep in mind that feeding a partial raw diet is better than none.

Many loving pet parents, based on a number of reasons such as cost, time constraints or convenience, make the choice of feeding raw occasionally and combining it with kibble and canned food meals. An animal on a partial raw diet will still reap similar health benefits except in a more limited way.
Dogs and cats are predators by nature and will chase other animals because they are hard-wired to do so, not because it is bloodthirsty or ferocious. It's purely an instinctual behavior. Feeding raw does nothing to change this. If your animal companion is full and happy with the raw diet it is eating at home, why would it go out and kill things? It has no need to.

One thing to keep in mind is that dogs and cats can be very protective of their food, especially when presented with a raw meaty bone. View this situation as a dog guarding a steak as opposed to guarding a bowl of kibbles. A juicy steak is a higher value food, just as a meaty bone is seen as something of trophy! Because it is of higher value, they will be more protective of it.

If your dog is growling at you, the leader, this indicates a problem in your relationship. He is no longer respecting or trusting in your leadership. He is viewing that bone as his, not yours (which it is), and is telling you that he is willing to defend it at all costs. He needs to learn that you are the bringer of resources and the "alpha". He should relinquish his bone without fuss when you ask him. And he should also realize that you are not in competition with him for his food.

Also keep in mind that some dogs may growl initially because they are afraid this is just temporary and do not want you to take away this high value object. In this case, give the dog time to adjust to its new diet; you may very well see the "food possessive" behavior disappear.
Not in this day and age! Feeding a balanced, raw diet is as easy as opening a bag and taking out a frozen Pepperdogz or Peppercatz patty or two which can thaw out over night in the fridge or in minutes when resting in a bowl of water. There is no mess involved in the dispensing or thawing process. It's really that simple. The extra easy step you'll need to take over pouring kibble out of a bag is well worth the overwhelming heath benefits.