what to feed my dog raw diet

A raw dog food diet typically consists of:

• Muscle meat, often still on the bone
• Bones, either whole or ground
• Organ meats such as livers and kidneys
• Raw eggs
• Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery
• Apples or other fruit
• Some dairy, such as yogurt

Full Answer

Why do you need to feed your dog a raw food diet?

Owners who feed their dogs a raw food diet also see the immediate and noticeable dental health benefit of better breath . This is likely due to the scrubbing action that meat and bones can have on canine teeth .

How to switch your dog to a raw food diet?

The Gradual Switch

1. Raw treat first switch
2. Combined switch
3. Separate meals switch
4. Cook before raw switch. The raw treat first approach is for persons who want to eventually switch to a raw diet but want to test their dog with a ...

How to start feeding my dogs a raw diet?

• 1 – 2 cups of raw cut meat that includes some on the bone
• ½ – 1 cup raw vegetables and fruits (finely chopped or ground) – a combination of apples, carrots, and celery
• 2 – 3 teaspoons of fish oil
• Supplements from herbs, fruits and vegetables, as needed
• Clean and fresh water

Would your dog benefit from a raw food diet?

Top 7 Benefits For Feeding Raw Food For Dogs

1. Improved Digestive Track. One of the main benefits of feeding raw food diets is that it will improve the overall condition and wellness in your dog’s digestive track.
2. Bonding Experience. There is a unique bonding experience between you and your dog once you start feeding them raw food diet.
3. Healthy Skin and Coat. ...
4. Smarter Dogs. ...

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What should I feed my dog on a raw diet?

Raw Diet. Raw dog food can be homemade, store-bought, freeze-dried, or dehydrated. A raw diet usually includes organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and a dairy product such as yogurt.

How much should I feed my dog on a raw diet?

How Much Raw Food to Feed a Dog? Feed approximately 2-3% of your dog's weight daily and split this between two meals. For example, a 50 pound dog would need ½ to ¾ of a pound raw dog food per meal. Very active or working dogs may need more and less active "couch-potato" dogs may need less.

Can I feed my dog raw food everyday?

That's a large part of it, but the best raw diet for dogs must contain all of their essential nutrients, so muscle meat, organs, bones, and even a little vegetation may be required to help them thrive. You can't feed your dog a raw steak and call it a day; you have to ensure that the diet is nutritionally balanced.

Do vets recommend raw diet for dogs?

Raw diets, especially raw meat diets, are not recommended because of the risk for salmonellosis and other infections that can affect pets and their owners.

Can I feed my dog raw chicken everyday?

This begs the question, can dogs eat raw chicken? No, dogs should not eat raw chicken. The only exception to this rule would be raw chicken contained in a high-quality raw dog food that follows AAFCO standards and has gone through a pathogen reduction treatment. Never feed your pet raw chicken from the grocery store.

Is raw chicken good for dogs?

In fact, it's a good source of protein, and cooked chicken can even be substituted for or added to his regular meal. Most sources recommend against raw chicken, due to the risk of salmonella or bacterial infections, although the movement toward raw food, including raw chicken and raw chicken bones, is growing.

What vegetables can dogs eat raw?

Raw vegetables that are safe for dogs, according to the American Kennel Club, include:Broccoli.Brussels sprouts.Carrots.Celery.Green beans.Peas.Spinach.

Are raw eggs good for dogs?

Salmonella — Dogs are at risk of contracting salmonella. Owners who feed raw eggs to dogs could also be exposed to salmonella. If a dog eats an egg contaminated by salmonella, they could get an infection called Salmonellosis. The symptoms of Salmonellosis includes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

What meat should dogs not eat?

Bacon, Ham and Fat Trimmings Bacon, bacon grease, ham, and fat trimmed off meat or bones contains a lot of salt and/or fat and at the least can cause indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea in both dogs and cats. These foods can also cause pancreatitis, a serious, potentially deadly inflammation of the pancreas.

Is it OK to mix raw food with kibble?

Here's the truth about mixing the two foods: yes, you can absolutely do it! In fact, it is highly encouraged that you try to incorporate raw in any way you can, even if it is in small doses.

How do I switch my dog to a raw diet?

Slow Switch The most successful slow transition method to a raw food diet is to begin switching your dog gradually over 7 day period. You may find your dog may need anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks to make the full transition, depending on age, weight and activity level.

Is frozen raw food good for dogs?

“If raw dog food is contaminated before it's frozen, it will still be contaminated after it is frozen. Cooking is the best way to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.” Raw foods especially can be harmful for animals (and people) who are very old, very young or immunocompromised, adds Dr. Coates.

How much raw food should a 30 pound dog eat?

Feeding InstructionsDog's CurrentMaintainGrowth208 oz1+ lb2510 oz1.25+ lbs3012 oz1.5+ lbs3514 oz1.75+ lbs18 more rows

How much food should I feed my dog chart?

These charts are a required part of every dog food package, and they can help you determine the daily amount you should be feeding....Dog Feeding Chart: How Much & How Often to Feed.Adult Dog Size (lbs.)Dry Food Feeding Amount (Cups)13 to 201 to 1-1/321 to 351-1/3 to 226 to 502 to 2-2/351 to 752-2/3 to 3-1/33 more rows

How much should I feed my dog calculator?

What are Dog Feeding Charts?Adult Dog Size (lbs)Dry Food Feeding Amount (Cups)26 to 502 to 2-2/351 to 752-2/3 to 3-1/376 to 1003-1/3 to 4-1/4100+4-1/4 plus 1/4 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs3 more rows

How do you calculate dog food portions?

Depending on the dog's age and how active it is, the food requirement ranges from 0.05 – 0.36lb meaning 1/3 to of a standard 8-ounce cup per day will do the trick. Puppies, of course, will feed 2-3 times more than the adult.

What is the best raw food for dogs?

Other Raw Foods For Dogs. Vegetables . In addition to raw meaty bones which should make up about 60 percent of your dog’s raw diet, you will need to provide raw vegetables which are broken down for your dog. You can do this by using a food processor, blender, or juicer.

What do dogs eat?

Dogs are opportunistic animals and will eat just about anything that contains meat, but wild dogs also eat plant matter such as occasional fruits and vegetables. They eat eggs and fish when they have the chance. They also eat partially-digested vegetable matter in the stomach and intestines of their prey.

How long does it take for a dog to adjust to raw food?

Some dogs will adapt to the raw diet immediately while others will take several weeks to adjust. Typically, the longer the dog has been on kibble the longer the adjustment period will be. During this adjustment period, you can expect some diarrhea, constipation, and sometimes occasional vomiting.

What percentage of raw meat is good for dogs?

Ian Billinghurst, a pioneer in feeding raw food to dogs, recommends that people following a BARF (biologically appropriate raw food or bones and raw food) diet feed about 60 percent raw meaty bones (RMB) and 40 percent vegetables and other food (eggs, organs, and so on).

Can dogs eat raw bones?

Most raw bones are soft enough for a dog to consume and they provide great nutritional value to them. Some raw feeders grind bones for their dogs with a meat grinder but this is usually done only when a dog has a health issue that prevents them from being able to chew and digest raw bones. Other Raw Foods For Dogs.

Is raw food safe for dogs?

Preparing raw food for dogs can be a scary step to make for most dog owners. The health benefits to your dog, however, can be amazing. This is a must read. Author.

Is fish oil good for dogs?

Fish oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids which are good for his skin and coat. Some people add flax oil seed for this purpose but fish oil is a better source. Supplements. You can add other supplements to your dog’s diet when you feed a raw diet but that’s really up to you.

What minerals do dogs need?

Bone is about 65% minerals, including phosphorus, magnesium and zinc … and most importantly, calcium. Calcium and phosphorus work synergistically in your dog’s body to move his muscles and control all of his body functions. So your dog needs a steady supply of these minerals.

What would a dog eat if it was a wolf?

If your dog were a wolf in the wild, he would eat whole animals like deer and rabbits. This type of wild prey averages about 12% bone with little variation. In fact, even eggs are 12% shell (another source of calcium). So 10% to 15% of your dog’s total diet needs to be bone.

How much bone do dogs need?

10% to 15% of your dog’s total diet needs to be bone. Puppies need at least 12% and up to 15% bone. Your dog needs a steady supply of minerals and trace minerals. Along with enzymes from proteins, minerals are important cofactors that fire all of the metabolic processes in your dog’s body.

What happens if a dog swallows a bone?

Dogs have a built-in mechanism for bone safety. If your dog swallows a piece of bone that’s too large to digest , he’ll often just throw it up for a second pass!

How to figure out percentage of bone in dog food?

But if you like hard numbers, then here’s some simple math to determine the percentage of bone in your dog’s raw diet: Adult dogs: 12/ Percentage in food = % of diet. Puppies: 15/ Percentage in food = % of diet.

What happens if my dog eats too much fat?

This presents a challenge if the diet is too high in fat. If your dog’s diet contains more than 20% fat, it will cannibalize his vitamins and minerals.

How to tell if my dog has fat?

If the fat dips much below 10%, you’ll start to see dry, itchy skin in your dog. This is one of the first signs of fat deficiency. So try to stay within the 10% to 20% range most days.

How much should I feed my puppy raw?

Most dogs eat around two to three percent of their ideal adult weight per day. Initially, when switching your dog to raw, we recommend starting with 2% of body weight and splitting the daily amount as follows: over 6 months old – split into 2 meals per day. for 4-6 months old – split into 3 meals per day.

How old do puppies have to be to eat raw?

Puppies adapt quickly and can be weaned onto raw straight from the dam – from about three weeks of age they start to take an interest in what their mother is eating, by six weeks of age they can eat chicken carcasses, rabbits and fish.

What is the best food for dogs to get high in calcium?

Meats are high in phosphorus, bones are high in calcium. When meat is fed with 10% bone you have the exact ratios of calcium to phosphorus required by a dog. Whole prey, fish, eggs and tripe have a balanced ratio.

How to feed goats to puppies?

It can be fed 1:1 i.e. 50% whole raw goats milk/ 50% pure water (such as spring, filtered, or pre-boiled water) or whole raw goats milk can be fed without diluting it – it really does depend on the health of the puppies. Some will find undiluted goats milk too rich and give them diarrhoea, others are fine with it. We recommend to start with diluted, check the stools and over time work up to whole milk. Whichever you choose, diluted or whole milk, add one egg to 1 litre of milk (or milk dilute) once the pup is happily established on the goat’s milk.

Why does my dog have diarrhoea after eating raw food?

This is a myth and is solely caused by an over-zealous approach to the switch to raw food which can cause diarrhoea and/or constipation.

What is a whole prey dog?

Whole prey, as the name suggests, is the whole ungutted animal or bird. Depending on the size of the dog, this could be anything from small birds to a rabbit or hare.

How often should I feed my liver?

Feed liver once a week (or several small servings per week) and try to find an organic, free range source if possible because the liver is responsible for filtering toxins out of the body. If feeding pork or salmon, be certain to freeze the meat for two weeks before feeding to reduce the small risk of parasites.

What to do if my dog eats raw meat?

If your dog will not eat the meats raw or develops a loose stool, then resume cooking the meats. You should consult with the doctor if this occurs. You can try giving your dog supplements, like probiotics or enzymes to correct the problem, but not all dogs are cut out for a raw diet.

Who developed the dog food diet?

Homemade dog food diet developed by Dr. Liz Hassinger, a Holistic Veterinarian at Wolf Rock Animal Health Center. List of what to feed, how much & how to transition your dog to a homemade diet.

Is chicken bad for dogs?

Warning: Pre-ground meats and commercial chicken may harbor dangerous bacteria. Organic meats and whole cuts of meat are less likely to harbor bacteria. Most healthy dogs have no problem with raw meats, but there is a higher risk of problems if your dog is very ill or aged.

Is raw meat good for dogs?

Dr. Liz Hassinger states that while a raw meat diet is optimal for most dogs, it is not right for every dog. It may not be something that you are comfortable with either. She suggests that it is best, to begin with fully cooked meats.

Is it okay to feed raw dog food?

From a food volume perspective, you may be feeding less raw than dry dog food – and that’s okay. Remember why you chose to feed raw. Now that your dog is eating real, quality foods, expect there to be some differences in how their food bowl appears.

Can raw dog food cause weight loss?

Common Questions on How Much to Feed. Raw dog food may cause your dog to lose weight – even if it’s not your intention. Especially if you’re switching your dog from processed pet food to 100% raw. This is because raw foods are assimilated differently than starch-based pet foods.

What are some good foods for dogs?

Organ Meat: Another ingredient to add is organ meat. Organs like liver, kidneys , and tripe are delicious to dogs and also provide a range of healthy nutrients like amino acids, trace minerals, and B vitamins.

What vitamins are in a raw food diet?

They also contain vitamins A, E, and B6 which help support a healthy skin and coat as well as extra energy. Vegetables: Vegetables can be added to a raw foods diet to provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

What are the nutrients in bones?

Bones get loaded with calcium and magnesium. Bones also support healthy digestion. Eggs: Raw eggs are a great addition to any raw foods diet, just make sure you get them from a trustworthy source since they can often carry harmful bacteria.

Can dogs eat raw food?

Under veterinarian supervision, you can ensure that you are making the healthiest dietary choice for your dog. The Best Raw Food Ingredients For Dogs. These are some of the more nutritious raw food ingredients for dogs you can consider adding to your dog’s raw foods diet. Each of these ingredients adds a range of significant nutritional benefits ...

Can dogs eat cooked bones?

However, it is crucial you never feed your dog cooked bones. Cooked bones are hardened and can break into slivers that can cut your dog’s throat and digestive tract. Raw bones, however, are flexible and soft so your dog can eat them without worry.

Can dogs eat rhubarb?

Many dogs have grain intolerances, so you should have your dog tested for allergies before including grains into their diet. However, grains can benefit some dogs, especially dogs that need a little more carbo hydrate energy like senior dogs.

Can you freeze meat before eating?

However, since meat can often contain biological hazards like bacteria and parasites, it is recommended that you freeze the meat before feeding to make sure that it does not contain these contaminants. You can also cook the meat if you are concerned; however, that isn’t typically part of the raw foods diet.