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Raw feeding is a big topic. But most people aren't looking for every answer under the sun, they want to know how to get started, so this blog post will cover how to get started.
Why I Feed My Dogs a Raw Food Diet
If you've come across this blog post, you probably know why I believe it's a good idea to feed a dog a raw food diet. I switched to raw because of Rodrigo's allergies (food and environmental) and digestive issues. But now, more than seven years later, I see raw as a healthier diet for my dogs. I feed raw because…
- raw food is easier for my dogs to digest
- the nutrients in a raw food diet are easier to absorb
- raw food alleviates inflammation, supports an improved immune system
- raw food improves skin and coat health, joint health, and digestive health
- raw food promotes healthier teeth and gums, fresher breath
- when fed correctly, raw food promotes a healthier weight and improved muscle mass
- I control the ingredients and sourcing in my dogs' diet and can avoid sensitivities
What I Feed to My Dogs
I feed proteins and vegetables to my dogs. The proteins include muscle meat, organs, and bones. And I feed vegetables for the additional nutrients, a source of fiber, and food for the gut microbiome.
Proteins I Feed to My Dogs
The following proteins are based on what I can afford/source):
- beef
- turkey
- quail
- duck
- rabbit
- lamb
- emu
- alpaca
- venison
And I reach for the following vegetables when I'm shopping; I don't always buy each vegetable:
- collard greens
- spinach
- zucchini
- yellow squash
- celery
- parsley
- kale
- green beans
- asparagus
- dandelion greens
- broccoli
- bell pepper
- mushrooms (button, crimini, shiitake, oyster, porcini)
Choosing a Raw Feeding Model
I've gone back and forth on what to feed my dogs and which raw feeding model to follow. I learned that every dog is different, and we should focus on what's best for our dogs and not allow the pressure of well-meaning people to stress us out when learning about raw feeding. I feed my dogs a diet based on the 80/10/10 Plus model, which means that I start with a base of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ meat. I don't use a calculator or software program when figuring this out – it's all by sight and doesn't have to be exact.
Two or three times a month, I mix up food in large batches (50+ lbs) called “meal prep,” and this is what I feed to my dogs:
- 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ meat (half of which is liver)
- Dr. Harvey's base mix (Paradigm or Raw Vibrance)
- Supplements specific to each dog
Where I Buy Ingredients for Raw Feeding
I belong to a raw food co-op here in the Pacific Northwest, and it allows me to place orders for everything I need from one location. I also shop at local ethnic markets for more variety, and get organ meat from local homesteaders.
How Much Raw Food to Feed per Meal
I use an online raw food calculator to determine how much to feed each dog. I then adjust everyone's meals based on their individual needs. If they start gaining, I cut back; I add more if they start losing weight. Please remember that these steps are made for healthy adult dogs.
Have Meals Formulated for Your Dog
So, with all that said, if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed and you'd like to have someone formulate a meal or two for you to get started, then I recommend the following professionals:
- Dr. Laurie Coger, Healthy Dog Workshop
- Ronny LeJeune, Perfectly Rawsome
- Scott J Marshall II, Raw Feeding 101
With a raw meal plan service, you can receive a “recipe” for your dog that includes the proteins you have access too, making DIY raw feeding easier. Plus, a meal plan will save you from wasting money on ingredients you don't need, which makes DIY raw feeding more affordable.
Ordering a custom meal plan is also recommended for pet parents who are switching a puppy to a raw food diet. To ensure that your puppy grows into a healthy dog, you want to make sure that you're balancing their diet daily and not overtime (which is how I feed my adult dogs).
Animal Diet Formulator
If you are more interested in diving into formulation, I've been having fun with the Animal Diet Formulator. They do offer a free trial, and they have an app as well.
Raw Feeding Resources
This post will get you started on transitioning your dog to a raw food diet. Here are a few more resources that you may find helpful.
- A Novice's Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs (my book)
- Raw Feeding 101 Online Course
- Facebook Group: Raw Feeding 101, Learn to Feed Raw
Please check out the Resources Page of my website for more raw feeding resources.
