Unlocking Canine Wellness Fueling Your Dog s Health with Raw Food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 20, 2024

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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 dont know where to start? Whether you are preparing a raw diet for dogs at home or buying commercially available raw dog food, Ive 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 dogs unique needs, why everyone is so obsessed with raw feeding, and why some people are opposed to raw feeding dogs. Heres everything you need to know about raw dog food and why you might want to switch. Lets dive right in!

Table of contents

In This Article:

Table of contents

In This Article:

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 dogs 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.

The majority of commercial raw dog foods are based on the BARF model. Each brand adjusts the BARF ratios depending on the nutritional content of its ingredients.

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 dogs 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 dogs 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 pets health. However, some pros of raw homemade mealsallow you to source ingredients safe for your dog. Plus, its 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

Increased lifespanThe most extensive study on raw-feeding dogs concluded that a raw diet could add as much as32 months (almost three years) to a dogs life.^[1]Dr. Peter Dobias, who has 30 years of veterinary experience and has advocated for raw pet diets since 1995, says, A raw diet will increase a dogs lifespan by 25 percent. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound.^[2]Balanced without supplementationA study showed its possible to make balanced raw dog food that meets the European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF and Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelineswithout additional synthetic supplementation.^[4]Sick dogs got better after switching to a BARF diet632 owners reported that their dogs, suffering from skin-related problems, gastrointestinal issues, eye-related problems, urinary tract issues, and various other diseases, experienced significant recovery from these conditions after switching to a raw dog food diet.^[6]Cancer preventionRaw dog food removes the highly processed foods from a dogs diet, which is often linked tocancer issues in dogs. Food processing has been shown to cause free radicals and carcinogenic chemicals to be released. With raw recipes, you dont have to worry about oxidative stress due to processed food.^[9],[10] There is also evidence that raw food decreases the odds of neoplasia development (abnormal growth of cells, cancer) when provided at a young age.^[11]Easy digestionHomemade raw dog food is easier to digest than those hard-kibble mystery balls. Feeding your dog freshly made food puts less stress on their digestive system and liver, reducing the likelihood ofbloating or other digestive issues.Deemed healthyA study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that 98.7% (where 16.2% of 98.7% feed bones or raw food to their dogs) deemed their pet healthy.^[3]Health beneficialLisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, attributes the benefits of a raw dog food diet, such as ashinier coat,to the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Furthermore, For most animals,[raw diets] are more beneficial than processed foods, says Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, of the Beaver Animal Clinic in Beaver, PA^.[5]Fewer allergies and skin problems A study revealed that dogs fed a raw diet during puppyhood showed significantly less allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms in adulthood.^[7] Feeding raw bones and cartilageto puppies has been associated with less chronic enteropathy (CE) in later life.^[8]Hip dysplasiaBARF diet showed a protective effect against canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and even if only a part of the dogs diet is raw food, it could still help protect puppies from CHD.^[12]Avoid unsafe commercial dog foods BARF dog food recipes ensure your dog always eatsfresh, wholesome, and chemical-free foods without additives, fillers, high-glycemic carbs, or colorants commonly found in kibble. Excellent taste, smell & varietyDogs love the taste, smell, texture and variety of fresh ingredients.

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 wont trigger allergies.

How to Reduce Raw Dog Food Risks

Washing. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients thoroughly.
Sourcing. Purchase human-grade, ethically sourced raw ingredients from reputable grocery stores or butchers known for high sanitary standards.
Raw bones. Feed only small or ground bones, avoid large or heavy ones, and never provide cooked bones as they can splinter when chewed. Remove any bones that may splinter, though this may become unnecessary as your dog grows accustomed to eating raw bones.
Freeze meats for at least 2 to 3 weeks to kill any parasites. Research found that Salmonella is highly sensitive to freezing and showed survival of 1% or less after 48 hours. E. coli proved less sensitive, showing a survival rate ranging from 10% to 30% during the first week of storage. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae.^[13]

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 areoptimized 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

Chicken
Beef
Lamb
Turkey
Pork
Duck
Rabbit
Fish
Bison
Quail
Kangaroo

Safe Organ Meats For Dogs

Kidney
Liver
Heart
Spleen
Lungs
Pancreas
Brains
Testicles
Eyes

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 its 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 dogs diet to monitor for any adverse reactions, such as gastrointestinal upset. Vegetables should comprise 8% of your dogs raw diet.

Safe Raw Vegetables For Dogs

Carrots
Cucumbers
Celery
Green beans
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Spinach
Pumpkin
Sweet potatoes
Zucchini Peas
Lettuce
Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower

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

Apples (without seeds or core)
Bananas
Blueberries
Strawberries
Watermelon (without seeds or rind)
Cantaloupe
Mango (without the pit)
Pears (without seeds or core)
Raspberries
Blackberries
Cranberries
Peaches (without the pit)
Pineapple
Oranges
Kiwi

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.

Week 1:25% new food and 75% old food
Week 2:50% new food and 50% old food
Week 3:25% new food and 75% old food
Week 4:100% new food

Dont change your dogs food abruptly. It can cause anupset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. Monitor your dogs 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

11. Best Raw Dog Food For Beginners

We Feed Raw

Who Its For: Our top pick for the best raw dog food recipes for beginners. They personalize your raw diet based on your dogs needs.

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, its beneficial to start with commercially prepared raw diets that are formulated to meet all of a dogs 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

The Prey Model Raw Diet. Brands like We Feed Raw, Raw Wild, and Raw Pets offer complete and balanced meals in frozen form.
The BARF Diet. Brands like BARF World, Darwins & Instinct Raw offer complete and balanced meals in frozen form.
The Freeze-Dried Diet: Brands like Orijen, TruDog, and Vital Essentials offer top-quality freeze-dried dog food.

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 dogs daily raw food intake, multiply his weight by the percentage below that best fits him.

Weight maintenance: Feed 2% 2.5% of their current weight in pounds daily
Active dogs (canine athletes, sport dogs, or highly active dogs): Feed 3% 4% of their current weight in pounds daily
Senior, less active, or overweight dogs (weight loss): Feed 1.5% 2% of their current weight in pounds daily
Underweight dogs (weight gain): Feed 3% 3.5% % of their current weight in pounds daily

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

Adult dogs typically eat two meals per day. So, break the total amount into two meals per day.

13. How to Defrost Raw Dog Food (Video)

Never feed raw food when still frozen. Its 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 AAFCOs 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 youve 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 likeZesty Paws Multivitamin Chewscan also ensure your dog gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. For more advice on BARF diet nutrition and benefits, check outGive Your Dog a Boneby Ian Billinghurst. This book is considered the Bible of healthy raw dog nutrition.

Before adding supplements to your dogs diet, consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your recipe covers all your dogs dietary needs.

15. Feeding Raw Food to Puppies

A puppys 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.

6 weeks to 5 months puppies. 3-6 meals a day
6-12month puppies. 2-3 times a day
Do not skip meals. Skipping meals is not advisable during your puppys growth and development
Puppy feeding needs are unique. The science isntexact. Fine-tune their diet. If your puppy is getting chunky, cut back a smidge and vice versa.

How Much Raw Food Should Puppies Get?

Puppies need more calories than adult dogs and should eat about5% to 10%of their weight to support their growth.

General raw feeding guidelines for puppies:

Puppies 2 to 3 months: 8% to 10% of body weight daily
Puppies 4 to 5 months: 6% to 8% of body weight daily
Puppies 6 to 8 months: 4% to 6% of body weight daily
Puppies 9 to 12 months: 3% to 4% of body weight daily

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 isnt 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, its essential to maintain the foods 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 youre 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, its 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 Shouldnt Eat Raw Dog Food

Raw diets are not suited for all dogs. Dogs withkidney 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 Natures 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 dogs 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 dogs health and nutritional needs, and by seeking guidance, youre setting the stage for a healthier, happier canine companion.

In conclusion, feeding raw dog food presents an opportunity to enrich your dogs 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 dogs physiological makeup can make this journey incredibly rewarding. As with any significant change in your dogs 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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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processand 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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