Nutritional Superiority Crafting Nutritious Raw Dog Food for Your Pup
Raw dog food the big questions
Raw dog food diets have been around as long as dogs and their ancestors have been around. Until the creation of dry dog food and canned dog food, dogs lived off raw meat, scraps and anything they could scavenge.
You may have heard of the old English expression as fit as a butchers dog, which implies that a dog living off meat, bones and offal is likely to be in fine fettle.
However, after the creation and growth of mass-market dog food, domestic dogs diets changed and the feeding of raw dog food became less common. That is until recent years
Raw food for dogs has increased in popularity in recent years; some of it homemade, some produced by cottage industries, but increasingly provided by medium to large companies for a national market.
What are the best raw dog foods?
Some work on the prey model, which is an 80% meat, 10% ground bone, 10% organ meat (offal) blend. Others use the recipes akin to the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) model, which includes a small percentage of vegetables.
Both kinds profess an authenticity based on dogs evolutionary diets.
It being something new (but also very old) it has generated a lot of doubt, cynicism and questions alongside its popularity.
We put some of the questions we most frequently get asked by readers to Amy Zalneraitis, the CBO at 5-star-rated We Feed Raw.
Is raw dog food safe for dogs?
AZ: Raw dog food is not only safe for dogs, its what is most biologically appropriate for them. Dogs have thrived on a raw, meat-based diet since the dawn of their existence. While weve domesticated dogs and bred them for their appearance, behavior, and temperament, in form and function, their digestive system is identical to their ancestors. With highly acidic stomachs, sharp, pointy teeth, and short, simple digestive tracts, a dogs biology tells us what they should be eating.
So any raw food will do?
Not all raw pet foods are created equal. We use only high-quality, USDA, human-grade meats. We produce our recipes in a USDA-certified facility and all ingredients must comply with rigid incoming quality assurance specifications. Most importantly, to ensure safe raw feeding in the home, we use HPP (high-pressure processing) a non-thermal pasteurization technology that uses extreme cold water pressure (up to 87,000 psi) to ensure our food is free of pathogens such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella.
While not all raw companies in the U.S. do this, we incur the extra cost because it ensures a safe product. Because the process uses pressure rather than heat, there is no change in product taste, texture, or nutritional value.
Is raw dog food safe for humans?
It depends if you mean to eat or handle. While our food is sourced from USDA, human-grade meats, our recipes are not intended for human consumption. Our formulas contain the correct ratio of muscle meat, organ meat, finely ground bone and a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix for full and proper canine nutrition, not full and proper human nutrition.
As for handling, dogs can cope with bacteria in ways that humans cant, but HPP offers extra peace of mind while feeding raw in the home. HPP is used by many reputable raw pet food companies because its a natural way to reduce harmful bacteria while preserving nutrients.
When youre purchasing raw pet food from a reputable company, its easy to feed raw food safely you use the same basic hygiene practices you use when preparing your own raw meats to cook, like washing hands, surfaces, and bowls.
Its more expensive than kibble why should I spend extra?
Because the quality of the food our dogs eat has a direct impact on how well they live. Eighty percent of immune capability is in the gut and low-carb raw diets help to promote healthy gut microflora. Raw food will always be more expensive because quality costs more. Hands down, raw costs more to source and make and its not packed with cheap fillers. While youll pay more upfront with raw, youll save money down the line because youll have a healthier, happier dog and far fewer vet visits.
Why wouldnt I just make raw food at home?
If youre a DIY raw feeder, amazing! Great job! But weve found that many pet parents dont have the time, energy, interest, or resources to make properly balanced raw food at home. Thats where we come in. We plan, portion, package, and deliver. All you have to do is thaw and feed. No concern that your dog is missing important nutrients, no trips to the pet food store, no guesswork.
Do dogs need vegetables?
Our recipes are based on the Prey Model Raw diet: approximately 80% muscle meat (with connective tissue and fat), 10% organ meat (all of which is secreting organ), 10% finely ground raw meaty bones plus a small amount of a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix.
Some of our customers will choose to add veggies to the meals, and thats great, as long as they dont overdo it. If your dog does well with a bit of extra fiber, our Ph.D. nutritionist suggests around a 5-8% veggie inclusion. With dogs, plant matter usually passes out as part of the stool, undigested because their bodies have to work much harder to break it down.
We usually recommend pureeing veggies: dogs do not have natural cellulase, an enzyme that helps to break down fiber, so pureeing them will help aid in digestion.
Do I need to add supplements?
Not with our food. Our food is complete and balanced as is. No need to add supplements. That said, its totally fine to add a small amount of your preferred probiotic, prebiotic, fish oil or omega-3 oil, etc. We just advise that pet parents dont add a multivitamin, as we already include a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix to our recipes.
When it comes to adding other whole foods, like canned pumpkin, phytoplankton, sardines, green-lipped mussels, etc, these can be wonderful, healthy additions and we totally support those as toppers to our meals.
Are there any proven benefits to a raw diet?
A dogs digestive system is identical to its ancestors. They didnt lose the ability to digest their evolutionary diet just because kibble was invented mere seconds ago in geologic time. Therefore, isnt it prudent to imitate what nature provided as a guideline?
As for specific studies, were excited about the work being done at the University of Helsinki on the benefits of a raw dog food diet. Led by veterinary scientist Dr. Anna-Hielm Bjrkman (DVM and PhD), The Dog Risk Study is a university-led, cruelty-free study using 16,000 dogs of all breeds and ages.
The program has already proven that puppies fed raw (vs kibble) have fewer environmental allergies as adults and a reduced risk of developing IBD later in life. Some of the other specific studies its exploring include hip dysplasia, GI issues, chronic ear infections, cancer and tumors.
How do I transition my dog to raw food?
Our intro plan helps to gradually introduce dogs to raw food over a 10-day period. The detailed directions instruct pet parents on how to mix their pups current food with We Feed Raw and increase the percentage of We Feed Raw over the course of 9 days until theyre feeding 100% raw.
What are the best raw dog foods?
Will there be side effects?
While some dogs transition to raw with no issues, other dogs with sensitive stomachs may require a bit more TLC and time. Its all normal. The long-term effects of a healthy, species-appropriate diet make it all worth it: smaller, less smelly stools, shiny skin and coat, cleaner teeth, improved digestion, stronger immune system, better weight control the list goes on.
Can I mix raw food with cooked food?
Yes, absolutely. We encourage pet parents to feed what works for their budget and lifestyle. Adding even 25% raw food to your dogs diet can have life-changing health benefits. Raw feeding isnt an all-or-nothing approach. Using it as a base, mixer, or topper with cooked food or kibble can still have amazing overall health benefits.
Why are some vets anti-raw food?
Were seeing a real shift with conventional vets becoming more raw-friendly. In fact, we work with many conventional vets who not only recommend raw to their clients but feed it to their own pets.
So while the tide is changing, here are some reasons that conventional vets may not be pro-raw: 1) Theyre not taught about raw diets in vet school; 2) Theyve seen homemade raw diets go wrong (imbalanced, missing important nutrients, incorrect ratios); 3) They think its a danger to the humans feeding it. However, serious and reputable raw brands in the U.S., like our company, use HPP to neutralize pathogens for safe feeding in the home.
Is raw dog food human-grade?
Raw dog food is meant to be fed raw and usually contains bone, and therefore cannot technically be labeled human-grade as a whole. So while our food is sourced from high-quality human-grade meats and produced in a USDA-certified facility, we do not make the human-grade claim on our labels.
Are bones and offal actually good for dogs?
Not only are they good for dogs, theyre essential to a complete and balanced raw diet. Organ meats, particularly liver, are packed with vitamins and minerals. Bones are an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus.
Raw Dog Food Calculator
Many dog owners advocate raw feeding as a natural way to avoid added sugars, carbohydrates, and preservatives in commercial kibble. Whether youre new to the world of raw feeding or have been rustling up raw meals for years, a calculator will come in handy to help you create balanced meals.
All raw feeding guidance is based on body weight. As a general rule, sustaining an adult dogs ideal body condition will require feeding around 2-3% of their ideal body weight in raw food per day. This number can be adjusted based on your dogs age, activity level, metabolism, and other factors.
Dog owners preparing raw food from scratch may have questions about the best way to formulate healthy meals. What feeding model best meets your canines nutritional requirements? Which raw meaty bone (RMB) types are safe and appropriate for your dog? How will you factor the RMB meat content into your muscle meat portion? Our calculator will help you out with these questions.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser for the calculator to function
1. Your dog's raw feeding requirements
% What should I enter here?What percentage of bodyweight should I feed?
| Weight loss / low activity | 2% |
| Weight maintenance | 2.5% |
| Weight gain / high activity | 3% |
Start at 2.5% of current bodyweight and adjust as required. Always consult your vet if you're concerned about your dog's weight or diet.
| 7 - 10 weeks | 10% - 8% |
| 10 - 16 weeks | 8% - 7% |
| 4 - 5 months | 7% - 6% |
| 5 - 6 months | 6% - 5% |
| 6 - 9 months | 5% - 4% |
| 9 - 12 months | 4% - 3.5% |
| 12 - 18 months | 3.5% - 3% |
Total Daily Amount 0 oz First, enter weight and feeding percentage. Raw food required per day.
2. Nutrition and meal planner
Preferred raw diet ratio
Enter preferred percentages, or start from a popular preset.
Remaining % to allocate: 0.
Raw meaty bone (RMB)
Choose a common cut, or select 'Custom' to enter a percentage.
Choose a RMB with a higher bone content to meet your dog's bone intake requirements.
Daily Serving Breakdown First, complete previous section.| Boneless meat | 0 oz |
| Raw meaty bone (60%) | 0 oz |
| Liver | 0 oz |
| Organs | 0 oz |
| Veg | 0 oz |
| Total per day | 0 oz |
How much raw food should I feed my dog?
Raw food portions are calculated as a percentage of your dogs body weight. The general advice is to feed adult dogs between 2.5% and 3% of their healthy weight, but remember that an adult dogs calorie requirements are affected by many factors, including the following:
- Activity level: Working dogs, such as sheepdogs or terriers, will burn considerably more calories (i.e., perhaps more than 3%) than a household pet, while senior dogs or those with joint problems may need less (i.e., closer to 2%). Check out our dog calorie calculator to help you determine your dogs energy requirements based on their activity level.
- Neuter status: Dogs have a reduced basal metabolic rate and failing to account for this can lead to weight gain or obesity.
- Your dogs breed: Some breeds are simply more energetic, while others are genetically predisposed toward obesity.
To calculate energy requirements for puppies, youll need to take into account their exact age. Puppies grow quickly and have significantly higher energy requirements than adult dogs. With our calculator, you can use these figures as a starting point:
| Puppy Age | Daily Portion |
| 7 - 10 weeks | 10% - 8% |
| 10 - 16 weeks | 8% - 7% |
| 4 - 5 months | 7% - 6% |
| 5 - 6 months | 6% - 5% |
| 6 - 9 months | 5% - 4% |
| 9 - 12 months | 4% - 3.5% |
| 12 - 18 months | 3.5% - 3% |
Whats the difference between BARF and PMR models?
If you opt for a DIY approach to raw feeding, youll soon encounter the various popular diet ratios. Two of the most well known are BARF and PMR:
- Prey Model Raw (PMR): This model is based on the assumption that dogs are ultimately domesticated wolves, so the ratio reflects the approximate percentages of a whole prey animal: 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% secreting organs (typically half liver).
- Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF): An unfortunate acronym, but a popular ratio! This is an omnivorous diet that is similar to PMR and traditionally includes 10% fruit and vegetables, which are beneficial to some dogs. Some dog owners also opt to include nuts, seeds, or dairy products.
Each of these models has an extremely vocal and enthusiastic following and equally vocal detractors. There are also variations of these models, each attempting to provide a more nutritious, wholesome, or natural ratio for dogs. Some owners eschew ratios completely and instead prefer to feed whole prey, or an assembled frankenprey, insisting that this is the most natural and nutritionally appropriate meal. Ultimately, youll have to decide whats best for your dog based on the advice of your veterinarian and licensed veterinary nutritionist.
What are raw meaty bones?
Bones are absolutely essential in any raw diet. They not only provide the necessary calcium and nutrients for your dogs wellbeing, but are also important to create firm stools. Chewing bones can also help to maintain dental and gum health.
Raw meaty bones (RMBs) are edible bones covered in raw muscle meat and other connective tissue. Youll need to choose a bone that is suitable for your dogs size and age, and not so hard that they will damage their teeth. For help with this, check out the resources listed at the end of this page. Popular options include wings, necks, feet, and rib cages from small birds like chickens and ducks.
Remember that different RMBs contain different percentages of bonechicken wings are only around 40-50% bone, whereas a chicken head is closer to 75%. *You must account for this when you create your dogs meal to avoid risky nutrient imbalances. *
Here is a sample RMB calculation. Your dog needs three ounces of pure bone, and your chosen RMB is only 50% bone. Youll need to double the weight and give them six ounces of your chosen RMB to meet their intake requirements. Youll also need to subtract the muscle meat contained in your RMB from their calculated meat portion. The math can get quite complicated, but our calculator can help. Simply enter your RMB percentage, and the daily serving will adjust accordingly.
Finally, as with all areas of raw feeding, safety is paramount. Always avoid the following:
- Cooked Bones: Regardless of the cooking method, any cooked bone will be dry and brittle. The lack of moisture can cause them to splinter, which can cause serious injury, such as perforation or obstruction of gastrointestinal tissues. Cooked bones can also cause tooth fractures.
- Machine-cut bones: Machine-cut bones are found in many human-grade foods, but may have sharp edges that can injure your dog.
- Weight-bearing bones: Bones from large grazing animals, such as cows, can be very dense, which can cause tooth fractures.
- Bones likely to splinter: This includes bones like turkey drumsticks (i.e., legs).
How safe is a raw diet for dogs?
The CDC does not recommend feeding raw food to dogs and cats because raw meat can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Kibble, canned, and fresh dog foods are typically cooked to a sufficient temperature to kill these pathogens before sale.
Meat purchased from the store for use in a DIY raw diet can carry dangerous bacteria because it is intended for cooking and human consumption. A quality butcher can tell you where meat is from and how it has been handled, but any raw meat has the potential to carry harmful germs. Commercially prepared raw diets go through strict safety checks, but many are still contaminated. Studies show that 30% to 50% of commercially prepared and home-prepared raw diets contain harmful pathogens.
Good sanitation is crucial if you choose to feed a raw diet, especially if anyone in your household has a compromised immune systemincluding young children and seniors. Up to 30% of pets fed a raw diet can shed harmful bacteria in their stools that can make people or other pets sick, even if the pet eating the food does not appear sick themselves. To keep you and your family members safe, thoroughly wash your hands and all surfaces and utensils after touching any raw food. Follow all necessary precautions when storing your dogs raw food or any ingredients intended for their meals.
Because of the large number of scientific studies that show raw-fed pets can spread serious diseases, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) advise against raw feeding in pets. Instead, they recommend feeding commercially made dry or canned food or working with a nutritionist to formulate a safe, balanced, home-cooked diet.
Most healthy pets are not adversely affected by bacteria contained in raw diets, but those with medical conditions are more susceptible to serious infections. If you choose to make your own raw diet, your dog could face problems related to long-term nutrient imbalances. The decision to feed a raw diet is entirely up to you as a pet owner, but you should carefully consider the risks to your household and your pets and speak to a veterinary professional before making your choice.
