Vanessa Truswell
Switching to a raw diet for your dog might seem like a big step ... but it’s all about giving her food that’s closer to what nature intended. Unlike processed kibble loaded with additives, raw feeding focuses on real, whole ingredients that can keep your dog feeling and looking their best.
Of course, it’s normal to worry about things like your dog choking on bones or making sure their meals are balanced. These are valid concerns, but with the right approach, you can easily handle these challenges and feel confident about what’s in your dog’s bowl.
Ready to give raw feeding a try but not sure where to start?
These seven simple steps will guide you through the process, making sure your dog gets all the good stuff she needs without any of the guesswork. Here's your ultimate checklist for starting a raw food diet:
1. Balance Protein And Fat
Protein and fat are the power duo in your dog’s diet—they keep your pup’s energy up and hermuscles strong. Protein helps build muscle, while fat gives them long-lasting energy and helps absorb vitamins that keep their coat shiny and healthy.
You want to keep the fat in your dog’s raw dog food diet between 10% and 20%. Too much fat can crowd out other important nutrients, and too little can leave your dog’s skin dry and itchy. A balanced approach ensures she stays energetic without missing out on the vitamins she needs.
Finding the right raw meat makes it easy to get that balance. Ground beef (80% lean) hits around 20% fat, perfect for a richer meal, while ground turkey without the skin is leaner, at about 8%. Mixing options like chicken thighs (15% fat) with leaner choices like venison or rabbit (2-9% fat) can help you tailor meals to your dog’s needs.
2. Ensure Adequate Calcium And Minerals
Calcium is like the building block of your dog’s bones, helping keep her skeleton strong and her muscles working properly. Puppies need it to grow strong bones, while adult dogs rely on it for muscle function and overall health.
You can add calcium to your dog's raw pet food diet with raw, bone-in meats like chicken necks, wings, or turkey necks. If whole bones aren’t an option, try using bone meal powder—it’s a simple way to ensure she's getting the calcium she needs without the risk of choking.
Always stick with raw bones to prevent splintering, and choose sizes that match your dog’s jaw power—tiny breeds might do well with chicken necks, while bigger dogs can handle beef ribs or turkey necks. Steer clear of cooked bones, which can break into sharp pieces. Weight bearing bones can break teeth or get stuck in the digestive tract. Aim for softer, jointed bones like necks and tails that are easier to chew.
3. Include Organ Meats For Vital Nutrients
Organ meats are like nature’s multivitamins for your dog. They’re an amazing food packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, B-complex, and minerals such as iron and zinc—things that muscle meat alone just can't provide.
Liver should make up about 10% of your dog's natural diet since it's rich in vitamins, while heart (around 5%) is packed with taurine, an amino acid important for heart health. Kidney and other glands like spleen or pancreas can round out the diet, offering additional trace minerals that help keep everything running smoothly.
Since organ meats are so nutrient-dense, it’s best to start small to avoid stomach upset. Introduce organs slowly, starting with just a bit mixed into her regular meals, and increase the amount gradually until you reach about 15-20% of her overall diet.
4. Manage Fat Balance For Optimal Health
Not all fats are created equal. Saturated fats, found in meats like beef and pork, provide energy, while polyunsaturated fats, like those in fish, help with cell health and hormone production. A balance of these fats keeps your dog active and supports her overall wellness.
Getting the right mix of omega-3s and omega-6s is key to a healthy immune response. Omega-3s, from sources like green-lipped mussels or fish, help support a balanced inflammatory response, while omega-6s, found in poultry, are important but should be moderated. Balancing the two ensures that your dog gets the benefits without any unwanted side effects.
Trim excess fat off meats like chicken and beef if they seem too rich and mix in leaner cuts like venison or rabbit to keep the diet balanced. You can also add omega-3-rich supplements like fish oil or hemp oil to ensure your dog gets those essential fatty acids without overloading on saturated fats.
5. Add Fruits And Vegetables For Immune Support
While dogs don’t need carbs, adding fruits and vegetables to their meals can provide polyphenols—natural compounds that act as antioxidants and support immune health. These plant-based nutrients can help your dog stay healthy and maintain a balanced gut.
Opt for low-sugar fruits like blueberries, which are packed with antioxidants, and veggies like kale or broccoli that are rich in vitamins and minerals. These choices are great for boosting your dog’s overall health without adding unnecessary sugars to her diet.
Skip the grains and starchy vegetables like potatoes, which can mess with your dog’s digestion and lead to unwanted weight gain. Instead, focus on leafy greens and low-glycemic options that won’t upset her gut balance.
6. Fine-Tune Those Vitamins And Minerals
A raw diet can sometimes fall short on certain nutrients, like vitamin D and manganese, which are crucial for bone health and metabolic functions. To keep these levels in check, try adding foods like egg yolks, vitamin D-rich mushrooms, and green-lipped mussels to your dog's meals—they’re natural sources that pack a nutritional punch.
Instead of reaching for synthetic supplements, choose whole foods like fatty fish, eggs, and mussels that provide these key nutrients in a form your dog’s body can easily absorb. This way, you ensure your dog’s diet stays as natural as possible while meeting her vitamin and mineral needs.
Variety is the secret sauce for a balanced raw diet. By rotating different types of meats, organs, and even seasonal fruits and veggies, you can help cover all the nutritional bases and keep mealtime interesting for your dog.
7. Adjust Portions For Adult Dogs And Puppies
For adult dogs, a good rule of thumb is to feed about 2-3% of their ideal body weight in raw food each day. Adjust this amount based on activity level—a couch-loving pup might need less, while a high-energy dog may require a bit more to keep up with their needs.
Puppies grow fast and need more calories to support their development. Aim to feed them about 5-10% of their current weight, adjusting as they grow, and remember to include a bit more calcium-rich bones to support healthy skeletal development.
Keep an eye on your dog’s weight by running your hands over her ribs; you should be able to feel them without seeing them. Regularly checking her weight and overall energy levels will help you fine-tune her portions, ensuring she stays fit and healthy as she thrives on her raw diet.
FAQ
Is raw food actually good for dogs? Yes, raw food can be an excellent choice for dogs as it provides fresh food with all-natural, quality ingredients, avoiding artificial ingredients found in many processed options. Pet owners often see improvements in coat condition and energy levels when switching to a raw diet.
What is the best raw to feed dogs? The best raw food for dogs often includes a mix of human-grade beef liver, muscle meats, and bone, tailored to the dog’s life stages for balanced nutrition. Look for products that offer the best quality, and consider buying single-ingredient treats with free ground shipping, or making your own.
What raw food is good for dogs joints? Raw food that includes beef liver and green-lipped mussels is particularly beneficial for dogs’ joints, providing nutrients that support mobility. These quality ingredients are great for dogs of all life stages, helping to keep joints strong and healthy.
What does Joe Rogan feed his dog? Joe Rogan is known for feeding his dog a raw diet with fresh food that includes human-grade meats. This approach aligns with his philosophy of providing the best quality and all-natural nutrition for his pets.
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