The Ultimate Guide to Raw Feeding Your Dog: Everything You Need to Know
So, you’ve heard about the buzz around raw feeding for dogs and are wondering if it’s the right choice for your furry friend. Maybe you’ve seen pictures of dogs with shiny coats, boundless energy, and sparkling teeth, and you're thinking, “I want that for my dog!”
Well, you’re in the right place! Raw feeding can be a game changer for your dog’s health, and in this guide to Raw Dog Food for Beginners, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from the basics to tips and tricks that’ll make the transition smooth and simple.
Let’s dig in!
What is Raw Feeding?
Raw feeding is the practice of feeding dogs a diet that mimics the one their ancestors would have eaten in the wild. This means feeding whole, unprocessed foods like raw meat, bones, organs, and a variety of vegetables and fruits. The raw diet is designed to offer your dog a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that’s free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and overly processed ingredients.
Raw food diets generally include the following:
- Raw Meat
- Raw Bones
- Organs
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Supplements (optional)
The Benefits of Raw Feeding:
Switching your dog to a raw diet can offer some seriously pawesome perks. Here are some of the most common benefits that raw feeders rave about:
1. Improved Coat and Skin
Who doesn’t love a good shiny doggo? Raw diets for dogs are rich in healthy fats (from meat and bones), which help keep your pup’s skin moisturised and their coat shiny. You may even notice less shedding and fewer itchy spots!
2. Better Digestion
Raw food is generally easier for dogs to digest than other dog food that contains fillers and artificial additives.
3. Better Poos!
Healthier digestion can mean reduced bloating, gas, and even constipation, resulting in more solid stools! 85% of Big Dog Pet Parents have noticed better stool quality after transitioning to a raw food diet. Many pet parents reported that their dogs’ stools became firmer, more compact, and less smelly, with several also noting a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements.
4. Increased Energy Levels
Raw food provides natural, sustained energy without the sugar crashes that can come from processed foods. Many raw feeders noticed that their dogs become more energetic, playful, and just overall more vibrant once they transition to raw food.
5. Sparkling Teeth
Yes, you read that right, raw bones act like a natural toothbrush. They help scrape off plaque and tartar, keeping your dog’s teeth clean and breath fresher. No more worrying about stinky dog breath!
6. Better Weight Management
Raw food is typically lower in carbs and higher in protein and fats. This can help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Because raw food is more nutrient-dense, dogs tend to feel fuller and more satisfied, which can aid in weight management.
How to Get Started with Raw Feeding
Starting a raw food diet for your dog may seem overwhelming at first, especially for beginners feeding raw dog food, but it’s simpler than you think.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Step 1: Do Your Research
Before jumping straight into raw feeding, take the time to do some research. Understanding the balance of meat, bones, and organs is key to making sure your dog gets all the nutrients they need.
Here are some of our favourite communities we recommend joining for all things raw feeding Our Big Dog Facebook Family, Raw Feeding Australia and Fresh Food Feeding for Dogs.
Or you can head to our Education Centre for more resources!
Step 2: Choose a Feeding Model
There are two primary approaches to raw feeding, they both mimic natural diets of dogs ancestors.
The Prey Model: This is all about feeding whole animals or parts of animals. It follows the 80/10/10 rule. 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs (half of that being liver). Think of it as the “wild” way of feeding your dog.
BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): This approach mimics the natural diet of wild dogs. BARF diets are a little more flexible and often incorporate more variety, including vegetables, fruits, and dairy, in addition to meat and bones. The ratios can vary, but a typical BARF diet may consist of 60-70% meat, 10-20% vegetables, and 10-20% organs.
Big Dog’s core range of raw dog food is based on the BARF diet feeding model. You can learn more about BARF diets here.
Whether you choose the Prey or BARF diet, it will all depend on your dog’s needs and preferences, but both models are great!
Step 3: Start Slowly
The transition to raw food should be gradual. Begin by mixing small amounts of raw food with your dog’s current diet and slowly increase the proportion of raw food over a 1-2 week period. This helps your dog’s digestive system adjust to the new food.
Check out our transition guide here for a more in depth explanation on how to transition to raw food.
Don’t rush the transition! It’s a good idea to gradually introduce raw food into your dog’s diet over a week or two. Start with small portions of raw food mixed with their regular food, and then slowly increase the raw food portion as their tummy adjusts.
Step 4: Find Quality Ingredients
Look for high-quality, fresh, human-grade ingredients. Some people choose to buy pre-packaged frozen raw food from trusted suppliers, like Big Dog, other pet parents prefer to DIY. Just make sure whatever you choose is safe and high-quality.
Step 5: Create A Balanced Meal
It’s essential to make sure your dog’s raw diet is balanced. While some dogs do great on an “all-meat” diet, others may require additional supplements or a broader variety of fruits and veggies. You can consult with a canine nutritionist to ensure your dog is getting the correct ratios of protein, fat, and other nutrients. Big Dog Pet Foods core range of products are all complete and balanced by nature, providing your dog with everything they need. However, some dogs still benefit from additional bones or fruit and veggies. If your dog thrives off a Prey Model, our Wild and Free, DIY friendly rolls may be a great option for you.
Tips and Tricks for Raw Feeding Success
Making the switch to raw feeding doesn’t have to be hard, just keep these tips in mind to make things even easier!
Keep It Simple
You don’t need to overcomplicate raw feeding, especially if you're a beginner to raw dog food. Stick to basic ingredients and aim for balance, not perfection. Variety is important, but you don’t need to obsess over each individual meal. As long as you mix things up over time and get the right balance, your dog will thrive.
Rotate Proteins
Dogs, (like us) benefit from variety in their diet. Try rotating different types of meat: beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, etc. This not only keeps things interesting for your dog, but it also ensures they get a broad range of nutrients and will help prevent food sensitivities.
Avoid Cooked Bones
While bones are essential to a raw diet, never feed your dog cooked bones (such as leftover chicken bones from your meal). Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or serious injury. Stick to raw, meaty bones.
Handle Raw Food Safely
Just like with human food, hygiene is important when handling raw meat. Wash your hands, bowls, pet’s food bowl and utensils thoroughly after preparing your dog’s food. Make sure to store raw meat in the freezer to keep it fresh and safe. Thawed Big Dog food can last in the fridge, in an airtight container for 48 hours.
Monitor Your Dog’s Health and Make Changes
Raw feeding may cause some temporary digestive upset (like loose stools) during the transition period. Always keep an eye on things like: their coat, energy levels, and stool quality, and consult with a vet if needed. If you ever have questions on which Big Dog products are the right fit for your pup, reach out to our team!
Is Raw Feeding Right for Your Dog?
We hope this helps you understand why more and more pet owners are embracing the raw food movement and makes you more confident in feeding a raw diet to your dog.
By doing your research, starting slow, and being consistent, you can enjoy the process of feeding your dog a natural, balanced diet that supports their overall health and well-being.
If you’re ready to give raw feeding a try, remember:
- We’re here to help, every step of the way.
- Raw feeding is an amazing option for many dogs, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Every dog is unique, and it’s important to listen to your pup’s needs.
- If you dog is experiencing any health issues, contact your vet.
- Your dog thinks you’re amazing!
So, are you ready to give raw feeding a go?