How to Start Raw Feeding Your Dog the Right Way

by We Know Pets February 06, 2023

How to Feed Dogs & Puppies Raw Diets

Raw Dog Food How to Start Feeding your Dog

Feeding a raw diet to your dog or puppy is an excellent way to provide them with the natural nutrition they need. When planning meals for your pup, make sure you include lean meats, raw eggs, and bone, as well as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Supplement the meal with probiotics and digestive enzymes to ensure optimal digestion.

Raw meat is the base for all raw diets and serves as an excellent source of protein. Meat should be grass-fed, and preferably wild-caught to limit exposure to toxins and hormones. Additionally, raw meats are a great source of amino acids and Omega-3 fatty acids which have numerous health benefits for dogs including reducing inflammation and promoting joint health.

Deciding to raw feed is the easy part, if you are prepared to make them yourself, consult your vet to ensure that you are providing the correct levels of nutrition required for your dog according to their breed, age, activity levels, and weight. This task is a big commitment in time, expense, and energy.

What Ingredients Should go into a Raw Meal for My Dog?

1. Raw meat

As mentioned previously is the foundation of their meal and should be the hero of the dish! Of course, there can be a variety of meat proteins you can choose from including beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, kangaroo, or rabbit. Each protein contains healthy fats for your dog but you may need to do your research if your dog tends to gain weight, as some meats are higher in fat than others.

2. Organ Meats
Organ meats such as hearts or livers provide extra minerals Like iron or zinc that are essential for growing puppies or pregnant/lactating dogs. They also provide valuable energy from their high-fat content that fuels puppies’ growth spurts.
3. Bones
Raw bones offer extra nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium as well as healthy fats needed for balanced nutrition. Special caution should be taken when choosing bones; they must never be cooked since cooked bones can splinter into shards which might cause serious harm to your dog’s digestive system.
4. Eggs
Eggs are rich in B vitamins, fats, proteins and also contain lutein which supports healthy brain tissue development in puppies. In addition to being a good food source eggs can act as a vehicle to mix more ingredients into one meal such as adding sweet potatoes or apples with them without having to worry about nutritional balance! Just crack off the top of the egg shell when feeding it and discard the rest – minus the yolks if you want to avoid excess fat content!

5.Complex carbohydrates and grains
Complex carbohydrates provide pups with energy while keeping them feeling full between meals by slowly releasing glucose into the bloodstream over time (instead of sugary simple carbohydrates that cause spikes in blood sugar). Try adding brown rice or oatmeal to their meal plan if they tolerate grains well!
6. Fruits & Vegetables
Adding fruits and vegetables such as carrots or apples offer your pup essential nutrients that are not found in other animal products like antioxidants ,fiber, and vitamins A & C . Their presence in a diet allows for less reliance on heavily processed foods like kibble or canned dog food. For instance blueberries, act as an anti-inflammatory agent which helps support proper digestion & immunity building!

Benefits of Raw Diets for Dogs

Feeding your dog as close to what they would have eaten naturally as wolves is enriching for your dog. You are filling them up with real food and less processed dog food that may contain fillers and ingredients such as grains that some dogs build up an intolerance to. Feeding your dog a raw diet can result in a variety of positive health benefits for your pet. Generally, you should see improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy levels, and improved overall health. You may also notice a decrease in allergies and an increase in the overall quality of life for your pet.

Why Not Buy Prepared Raw Dog Food?

If you're busy or unsure about making homemade balanced meals for your pooch then consider using ready formulas. The solution of raw pet food meals is a safe bet as you know that the meals are veterinary nutritionist approved, nutritionally balanced, and designed specifically for young pups or transitioning adults. The variety available today will let you create a perfect nutritional plan customised just right, and specifically tailored towards your specific dog! Our knowledgeable staff can help you make the right choice for your dog's life stage.

Best Prepared Raw Dog Food Australia Available in-store (as reviewed by dogs!) include the following:

The Butcher's Dog range This Aussie made range includes all life stage formulas as well as a fruit, vegetable and organ supplement. You can also purchase their storage container that fits each disc and allows you to
thaw safely in the fridge.
The Right Start Pet Food Turkey Drumsticks are a meaty thigh bone of the bird. Packed with amino acids, these drummies are an excellent source of calcium and a great bone for your dog to chew to maintain healthy teeth and gums! Turkey is rich in amino acids, protein, calcium, glucosamine and is highly desirable for dogs with sensitivities.
Perfect Bowl Dog Food Meals are another complete and balanced dog food meal in 3 great tasting recipes! Although these meals have been cooked, they are worthy of mentioning as they are a great way to transition your pet onto a raw diet. Some dogs take a while to transition from dry to raw dog food. Introducing Perfect Bowl as a meal topper is a 'perfect start'! Each portion is quick-frozen after being prepared to lock in all the nutritious goodness.
Use as a complete diet or as a meal topper mixed with dry kibble.

Can I Mix Feed Dry Dog Food With Raw Dog Food?

Yes, you can mix feed dry dog food with raw dog food. This is a great option for owners who want to transition their dog to a raw diet, as it allows you to slowly introduce new foods to your pet. When mixing raw and dry dog food, it is important to make sure that the meals are balanced and provide all the essential nutrients for your dog. The majority of dry premium dog foods available mix well with raw food. If your dog is reluctant to eat raw food, start by feeding some cooked meals such as Perfect Bowl to allow them to become accustom to the texture. Alternatively, you can warm the raw food to allow your dogs olfactory senses to kick in!

What are Some of the Risks of Feeding My Dog a Raw Diet?

Although feeding your dog a raw diet can have many positive benefits, there are also potential risks. If not done properly, raw diets can lead to nutritional imbalances and deficiencies, which can cause serious health problems. Additionally, feeding your dog raw food increases the risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to food poisoning.

The same food safety practices that apply to human grade food preparation also apply to preparing raw dog food meals. When feeding and preparing your dog raw food, it is important to follow these precautions. Always wash your hands before and after handling raw food, and ensure that all surfaces and utensils are clean. Additionally, store raw food in the refrigerator or freezer and dispose of leftovers after two hours. Remember, dogs can also fall sick to food poisoning if meals are not prepared safely. When serving raw food, make sure it is served at room temperature, as eating cold food can cause digestive upset for some dogs.

Dry dog food assist's with cleaning your dog's teeth, for some dogs a raw diet

can see their dental health suffer. If your dog is prone to dental disorders, consider mix feeding them with a dry dental formula premium dog food and provide plenty of fresh bones for the to chew. Chewing on fresh bones can help to scrape away plaque and tartar, which can reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, chewing on bones can also help to exercise your dog’s jaw muscles and keep their teeth clean. When feeding bones to your dog, it is important to choose bones that are appropriate for their size and age and to supervise them while they are chewing.

For these reasons, it is important to consult with a canine nutritionist before beginning a raw diet for your pet.