Raw Dog Food For Beginners Guide: 18 Things You Must Know

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Are you thinking of switching your dog to a raw food diet plan but don’t know where to start? Whether you are preparing a raw diet for dogs at home or buying commercially available raw dog food, I’ve put together this raw dog food for beginners guide to answer all your burning raw dog food questions.
Our raw feeding dogs beginners guide will give you the basics on how much raw food to feed your dog and what makes a balanced raw dog meal. It will also help you understand the nutritional nuances of creating a raw dog food diet plan for your dog’s unique needs, why everyone is so obsessed with raw feeding, and why some people are opposed to raw feeding dogs. Here’s everything you need to know about raw dog food and why you might want to switch. Let’s dive right in!
A Guide to Feeding Raw Dog Food for Beginners
Here are 18 things beginners need to know about raw feeding their dogs.
1. Understanding Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food is designed to replicate a dog’s natural ancestral diet. It is made from fresh, uncooked ingredients, including muscle meat, organ meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, vegetables, fruits, and sometimes dairy products like yogurt. The diet excludes processed foods and grains, focusing on raw, natural foods to preserve the enzyme content, minerals, vitamins, and other vital nutrients.
The Philosophy Behind Feeding Dogs Raw Food
The philosophy of feeding dogs raw food is rooted in the belief that modern domestic dogs are genetically similar to their wild ancestors and thus thrive on a similar diet. Proponents argue that before domestication, dogs ate primarily meat and bones, with occasional fruits, vegetables, and other botanicals, and that a raw diet provides a more natural, species-appropriate way of feeding.
2. Raw Dog Food Feeding Styles
There are two raw feeding styles: the BARF model diet and the Prey model diet.
Component | BARF Diet | Prey Model Diet |
---|---|---|
Edible Bones | 10% | 10% |
Muscle Meat | 70% | 80% |
Organ Meat | 10% (5% liver + 5% other organs) | 10% (5% liver + 5% other organs) |
Fruits and Vegetables | 10% (8% vegetables & 2% fruits) | 0% (Prey Model typically excludes plant matter) |
Dairy/Eggs | Optional, small amounts | Rarely included or absent |
Supplements | Often included (e.g., kelp, fish oil) | Minimal to none, aiming for a complete diet through variety over time |
Focus | BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. BARF is the most popular raw diet style, with many variations available. It mimics wild diet with added emphasis on nutritional completeness through variety, including plant matter. | The prey model raw diet is often seen as the more natural diet for a carnivore. This formula is much simpler as it contains no fruits, dairy, vegetables, or carbs. Strictly mimics the exact proportions found in prey animals, with no or minimal plant matter. |
3. Understanding Types of Raw Dog Food
Commercial Raw Diets
These are pre-packaged and available in pet stores or online. They typically come frozen. Commercial raw diets are formulated to meet a dog’s nutritional needs and are convenient for pet owners.
Commercial raw foods are generally sold in large blocks, chubs, tubs, or pre-portioned patties. This raw diet must be stored frozen for the stage and thawed before serving. You will need freezer storage space if you get this food for your dogs.
Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
This type of raw diet has been freeze-dried to remove moisture, preserving most of the raw ingredient nutrients, flavor and texture without refrigeration. Freeze-dried raw food is lightweight, shelf-stable, and needs rehydration before feeding. Freeze-dried is easy to portion and transport, making it a convenient option for pet owners who travel, dislike handling raw meat, or lack the freezer space to dedicate to their dog’s food. Think of freeze-dried raw food as offering raw nutrition in a kibble-like format.
Homemade Raw Dog Food
This involves pet owners sourcing and preparing the raw ingredients themselves. While it allows for more control over the ingredients, it requires a good understanding of canine nutrition to ensure the diet is balanced.
Preparing your raw homemade dog food poses a higher risk of contamination and mis-balancing nutrients, resulting in poor nutrition that could have long-term consequences on your pet’s health. However, some pros of raw homemade meals allow you to source ingredients safe for your dog. Plus, it’s usually cheaper to buy your raw ingredients.
4. The Benefits
Dr. Ian Billinghurst, a veterinarian, pioneer, and top advocate of raw feeding dogs, mentions raw food has several positive effects on canine health including shinner coats, improved skin health, more energy, lean and strong muscles, smaller and firmer stools, improved dental health, stronger immune system, lower risk for allergies, better digestion, increased agility, brighter eyer, faster nutrient absorption, weight management among others.
Why Feed A Raw Food Diet to Dogs According to Science
5. Concerns & Challenges of Raw Feeding Dogs
Generally, raw dog food is safe. However, there are also some potential risks.
Contamination
Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with harmful pathogens (i.e., Salmonella, E. coli) that can sicken you and your pet.
Choking
Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures.
Unbalanced
Cooking nutritionally unbalanced raw food recipes can lead to malnutrition, obesity and other health issues.
Raw allergies
Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. An at-home dog allergy test can help you pick ingredients that won’t trigger allergies.
How to Reduce Raw Dog Food Risks
6. Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?
Dogs can thrive on a raw meat diet. Genetic and anatomical research shows dogs have noticeable carnivorous traits that allow them to digest raw meat protein more quickly while killing potential bacteria in decaying meat. In fact they share 99.8% of DNA as wolves. Dogs also have a remarkable omnivorous capacity but are optimized for eating meat. Read our ‘Can dogs eat raw meat?‘ article to learn all the research that supports dog raw meat consumption.
Safe Muscle Meats For Dogs
Safe Organ Meats For Dogs
Only feed human-grade meats that are fresh and meant for human consumption to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Avoid high-fat meats.
7. Can Dogs Eat Vegetables?
Yes, dogs can eat raw vegetables, and many are beneficial for them, providing essential nutrients, fiber, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and hydration. However, not all vegetables are safe for dogs, so it’s important to know which ones are suitable and how to prepare them.
Vegetables can be served boiled, steamed, or raw – though they retain higher concentrations of nutritional value when fed raw. Your dog may enjoy the taste of raw vegetables; however, if they do not enjoy the taste of some vegetables. If this is the case, you might need to chop vegetables into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking, aid digestion, and encourage eating.
Remember to introduce new vegetables slowly to your dog’s diet to monitor for any adverse reactions, such as gastrointestinal upset. Vegetables should comprise 8% of your dog’s raw diet.
Safe Raw Vegetables For Dogs
8. Can Dogs Eat Fruits?
Dogs can eat raw fruits, and many types of fruit offer health benefits such as immune system health, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and promoting skin and coat health. However, knowing which fruits are safe for dogs and preparing them properly to avoid any health issues is essential.
Safe Raw Fruits For Dogs
8. Raw Diet Cost vs Kibble
The average cost of traditional kibble is $1.97 per pound, while premium kibble is around $3.47 per pound.[14] High-end raw commercial dog foods average $6.40 per pound, with cheaper raw options at $3.80 per pound. For reference, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists average prices per pound of beef, chicken, and turkey at $3.90, $1.50, and $1.28, respectively. Switching your dog to a homemade raw diet could be comparable or cheaper than kibble. Commercial raw meat foods are slightly more expensive than kibble, but the health benefits and convenience may be worth the extra cost. Check out our ‘feeding raw dog food on a budget‘ guide for cost-saving tips.
9. How to Transition Your Dog to A Raw Dog Diet
Raw feeding your dog for the first time must be done progressively to allow his digestive tract to adjust and prevent stomach issues. Below is a general schedule for transitioning from kibble to a raw diet.
Don’t change your dog’s food abruptly. It can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. Monitor your dog’s health closely. If you notice any adverse reaction to the new diet, you should go back a week in the transition plan and proceed slowly.
10. Raw Food Cooking, Handling & Serving Tips For Beginners
Never store raw pet food and human food together
Prepare and store raw pet food away from human food as a preventive measure against cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and different cooking utensils to prepare your and your dog’s food.
Freezing and storing
Place raw dog food in a tightly sealed package or container and store it in the freezer at 0 °F. Properly frozen raw food will prevent the growth of microbes (including mold and yeast) and kill parasites if frozen for up to two weeks.
Once raw is thawed, Fido should eat it within two days
Store raw dog food in a container with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for no more than 24 to 48 hours. Keeping food refrigerated for 3 to 4 days might not hurt, but it increases the chances of cross-contamination and spoilage. Freeze-dried food can be stored at room temperature.
Sanitize the area where your dog eats
The FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. After each use, wash cutting boards, feeding bowls, countertops, and utensils such as knives with hot, soapy water. Avoid using the same dishrag to wash your dishes, or you could contaminate them with raw food particles.
Don’t wash raw meat, only produce
Contrary to popular belief, raw food should not be washed or rinsed because it increases the spread of bacteria and the risk of cross-contamination. According to the USDA, meat and poultry are cleaned during processing, so further washing is unnecessary. Only wash meat if its precedence is from flea markets or places where sanitation is not the best.
Never thaw raw dog food in water or the microwave
Avoid thawing in water; nutrients could leach into the surrounding water. And do not microwave raw food. You will cook the food—Thaw raw food in the refrigerator or countertop. Keep the refrigerator’s temperature at or below 40 °F ( 35 °F ideally). According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), “bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 and 140 °F, the “Danger Zone.”
Throw away leftovers from the day.
Don’t leave raw dog food out too long. It can result in spoiled food and bacterial growth. Cover any leftover raw food and put it in the refrigerator to be fed at a later meal. You should dispose of any uneaten food. This helps keep food at its peak freshness and avoid any digestive upset.
Use the right bowl
Ensure your dog’s bowl is made from stainless steel like this one. Other materials like plastic and porcelain can trap germs over time due to the porosity of their surfaces.
11. Best Raw Dog Food For Beginners
Choosing the best raw dog food for beginners involves selecting options that are balanced, easy to use, and widely recommended for their quality and nutritional completeness. For those new to raw feeding, it’s beneficial to start with commercially prepared raw diets that are formulated to meet all of a dog’s nutritional needs according to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. These diets take the guesswork out of balancing nutrients and ensure your dog gets the right mix of meat, bones, organ meats, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. Here are some recommended types and brands for beginners:
Top Raw Brands For Beginners
12. How Much Raw Food to Feed Dog?
Generally, feed your dog about 2% to 4% of his ideal adult weight. Consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount.
Raw Dog Food Feeding Chart
To calculate your dog’s daily raw food intake, multiply his weight by the percentage below that best fits him.
For instance, for a dog that weighs 50 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily.
Scenarios | Raw Food (lbs) |
---|---|
Weight maintenance | 1 to 1.25 lbs |
Active dogs | 1.5 to 2 lbs |
Senior, less active, or overweight dogs | 0.75 to 1 lbs |
Underweight dogs | 1.5 to 1.75 lbs |
13. How to Defrost Raw Dog Food (Video)
Never feed raw food when still frozen. It’s dangerous for dogs to digest. Learn how to properly thaw and serve raw meals.
14. Raw Dog Food Supplementation
Most commercially available raw foods adhere to AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines and do not require additional supplementation. However, poorly made raw diets by inexperienced dog parents may require additional supplementation of specific nutrients.
If you’ve determined your pup needs supplementations, these are some of the most recommened raw dog food supplements.
- Calcium and phosphorous, especially for puppy diets (NaturVet Calcium Phosphorus Dog Powder)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (Earth Animal Daily Raw)
- Iron
- Trace minerals like iodine, selenium, and zinc
- Vitamins including Vitamin A and Vitamin B12
Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews can also ensure your dog gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. For more advice on BARF diet nutrition and benefits, check out Give Your Dog a Bone by Ian Billinghurst. This book is considered the Bible of healthy raw dog nutrition.
Before adding supplements to your dog’s diet, consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your recipe covers all your dog’s dietary needs.
15. Feeding Raw Food to Puppies
A puppy’s dietary requirements differ from those of an adult dog. Compared to adult dogs, puppies require higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Inadequate or excessive amounts of these nutrients can lead to deficiencies, hindered growth, or lifelong health complications.
Feed puppies 15% bone and less than 20% fat to ensure enough nutrients and minerals. Raw food for puppies should also abide by AAFCO guidelines and include the six essential nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins.
How Much Raw Food Should Puppies Get?
Puppies need more calories than adult dogs and should eat about 5% to 10% of their weight to support their growth.
General raw feeding guidelines for puppies:
16. How To Travel With Raw Dog Food
While dry kibble is relatively easy to transport, raw food can be more challenging. Here are a few tips to help you travel with raw dog food.
Travel With Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Raw Dog Food
Feeding dehydrated, freeze-dried, and air-dried raw foods makes it easy to give the benefits of a raw diet when storing food in a freezer or refrigerator isn’t feasible. These methods offer a practical alternative for traveling and last-minute meals and can also serve as treats or meal toppings. The only component missing from these diets is moisture. To remedy this, you can add some bone broth for dogs, which not only reintroduces moisture but also provides additional nutrients.
Travel With A Cooler
The first step in transporting raw dog food is to find a safe and convenient method. This often involves using an insulated cooler or packing the food in freezer bags. Once packed, it’s essential to maintain the food’s coolness and dryness. Upon reaching your destination, ensure the food is stored in a cool, dark location. If traveling by car, consider bringing along a small ice pack, or even better, dry ice, to keep the food frozen.
Bringing Raw Food While Traveling By Air
Bringing dog food into the U.S. or other countries is subject to strict regulations. All pet food entering the U.S. by air must be shelf-stable, which means it does not require refrigeration. Additionally, the USDA prohibits the importation of sun-dried, freeze-dried, or raw products for personal use. If you’re traveling with a dog that is normally fed a raw diet, you might want to consider alternatives like kibble-style dog foods that are produced using very low temperatures. To avoid any unexpected issues during your travel, it’s advisable to call ahead and confirm what is permissible before you find yourself at the border. This proactive approach can help prevent any surprises and ensure a smooth entry into the U.S. with your pet.
17. When Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Raw Dog Food
Raw diets are not suited for all dogs. Dogs with kidney or liver problems should avoid eating raw. Raw foods are generally high in protein; excess protein can stress these organs, worsening either condition. Dr. Doug Knueven, a holistic medicine specialist who consults for Nature’s Variety (Instinct, a raw pet food brand), says that dogs on chemotherapy or immune-suppressing drugs should be restricted from eating raw food. For dogs suffering from pancreatitis or digestive problems, starting with a fresh dog food recipe diet before switching to raw is recommended.
18. Raw Dog Food vs Kibble
Feature | Kibble | Raw Dog Food |
---|---|---|
Ingredients | Processed ingredients including grains, meats, vegetables, and artificial preservatives. | Unprocessed, whole-food ingredients like raw meats, bones, organ meats, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. |
Nutritional Value | Often contains added vitamins and minerals to meet nutritional needs; however, some argue that the cooking process can diminish natural nutrients. | High in natural nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics that are preserved through the lack of cooking. |
Convenience | Highly convenient with a long shelf life; easy to store and serve. | Requires more preparation time and storage space in the refrigerator or freezer. |
Cost | Generally less expensive than raw diets, though prices can vary based on brand and quality. | Typically more expensive due to the cost of high-quality ingredients and storage requirements. |
Digestibility | May contain fillers and grains that are harder for some dogs to digest. | Often easier for dogs to digest due to the natural, whole-food ingredients and lack of fillers. |
Dental Health | Claims to clean teeth through mechanical action, though effectiveness is debated; may contribute to dental issues due to carbohydrate content. | Chewing raw bones can help reduce tartar and promote healthier teeth and gums. |
Safety | Low risk of bacterial contamination due to the cooking process. | Higher risk of bacterial contamination; requires careful handling and hygiene practices. |
Customizability | Limited ability to tailor ingredients to individual dog’s needs unless using specialized formulas. | Highly customizable to suit individual dietary needs and preferences. |
Health Benefits | Quality varies; some high-quality kibbles are formulated to address specific health concerns. | Advocates claim improvements in coat condition, energy levels, and overall health, though scientific evidence varies. |
Longevity & Preservation | Can be stored for long periods without refrigeration. | Must be used within a short timeframe once thawed; requires freezing for long-term storage. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Raw Dog Food For Beginners – Conclusion
As you consider making the switch to raw dog food, remember that research and expert advice are your best allies. Transitioning your dog to a raw diet should be a gradual process, one that allows for adjustments and learning along the way. By prioritizing your dog’s health and nutritional needs, and by seeking guidance, you’re setting the stage for a healthier, happier canine companion.
In conclusion, feeding raw dog food presents an opportunity to enrich your dog’s life. While it requires a significant level of commitment, the potential health benefits and the joy of providing a diet that truly resonates with your dog’s physiological makeup can make this journey incredibly rewarding. As with any significant change in your dog’s life, proceed with care, armed with knowledge, and supported by professional advice to ensure the best outcomes for your beloved pet.
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Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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