why raw and not cooked?

[RoxyinLa]

I am ready to try a home prepared diet for my poodle because she has so many different problems. Bad breath, tarter, itching around her mouth, gas, overweight, all more than likely diet related. I brought her to the groomer today and asked them (she and the vet who share the building) what they thought about the raw diet. They told me that it wasn't good and tried to sell me Science Diet. My dogs won't even eat Science Diet. What I am wondering is what the difference is between raw and cooked? I know for a fact my dogs will eat cooked meat. Does the nutritional value change? I know it is a different texture, thus different for the teeth...(?) I wonder if I could cook the meat a little less each time I fed them until I'm finally feeding raw? Thanks again for any thoughts or ideas!

[Fran27]

You lose good nutrients when you cook the meat. Homemade cooked is still nice though.

I suggest posting on the food forum if you want more replies though.

[Athebeau]

http://www.netpets.com/dogs/reference/food/cookorraw.html

[LuvableLabs]

If you do decide to cook the food and slowly switch to raw remember not to cook bones. Once you cook bones they become brittle and can splinter in the dog's stomach.