Raw Feeding

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What is Raw Feeding?

Raw feeding is an attempt to replicate a natural and biologically appropriate diet for dogs.  I’m not under the misconception that my dogs are wolves and that I need to feed them like wolves, despite what the Internet says about raw feeders.  My dogs are domesticated canines, they are facultative carnivores, and while they were surviving on a kibble diet, they are thriving on a diet of fresh food.

Facultative Carnivores – Dogs are identified as facultative carnivores (not omnivores) because while they can survive on a plant-based diet, they thrive on a carnivorous diet.

Dogs ARE NOT Omnivores – There are people who will tell you that dogs have evolved to eat a high carb (most kibbles are at least 40% carb). After years of study and speaking with veterinarians and animal nutritionists, I've come to realize that this believe is a cop out by brands that want us to continue feeding our dogs a processed diet (aka fast food).

Benefits of Raw Feeding

I switched to a raw food diet for the promise of healing my dog's gut and improving his immune system. Over the years, I've witnessed more benefits with my dogs:

• the improved immune system leads to fewer infections, rashes, allergies, sensitivities

• the healthy gut leads to better nutrient absorption and solid stool

• healthy skin and coat, less of that doggy smell (fewer baths for my pack)

• smaller, less smelly stool due to feeding fresh food instead of a high carb, processed diet

• improved metabolism, healthier weight, more energy

• decreased inflammation, improved  joint health and mobility

• healthy teeth and gums thanks to raw meaty bones

 Every dog is different, so while these benefits are legit, each dog will experience varying levels of success. For instance, raw feeding supports clean teeth and healthy gums, but some dogs require additional support for better oral health.

Feeding a Balanced Diet

There are a lot of people who are concerned about balancing a raw food diet. I don't believe that this is a concern because (1) there isn't one way to feed dogs; every dog is different and (2) there hasn't been a long-term study conducted to show us what is necessary for raw fed dogs.

That being said, I worked with a friend to create a spreadsheet using NRC figures. The spreadsheet helps me better understand the nutrients in my dogs' diet.

I also play around in the Animal Diet Formulator software; this is software used by meal formulators and raw food brands.  It has helped me better understand many of the ingredients I add to my dogs' diet, teaching me how much to add.

Balance Over Time

I choose to balance my dogs' diet over time because this makes sense to me – I don't eat a balanced meal three times a day every day (nor do wild dogs), so why would I feed my dogs this way?

Keep in mind that I have adult dogs.  I believe that puppies need their diet balanced daily, which is why I recommend starting puppies off with a reputable raw food brand like Darwin's Pet or working with a meal formulator to help balance your DIY diet.

How I Feed 80/10/10 Plus

I don't use a calculator. Instead, I estimate the 80/10/10 because that's an estimate.  I mix the meat/organs/bone with Dr. Harvey's Paradigm base mix and other nutrients. I supplement to promote overall wellness and address individual health issues.

Raw Feeding Models

BARF Model

BARF (biologically appropriate raw food) Model Raw Feeding is a raw food diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and supplements.  BARF Model raw feeders believe that vegetables are an important part of a dog's diet and provide many nutrients that are beneficial to our dogs' health.

Prey Model

Prey Model Raw Feeding is a raw food diet that includes meat, organ meat, and bone.  This model more closely resembles what wolves eat in the wild.  Prey Model raw feeders believe that vegetables and fruit aren't necessary for a dog's diet and only serve as fillers.

80/10/10 Plus/FrankenBARF

This is the model that I now feed to my dogs. It starts with a base of 80% muscle meat 10% bone 5% offal 5% liver and I add vegetables, raw goat's milk, raw eggs, and supplements – all added to build a nutritious diet and satisfy each dog's specific needs.  Read: The FrankenBARF Model of Raw Feeding for Dogs

NRC / Science-Based Model

NRC is a guide that many commercial pet food companies use (in part) to make sure that the food they produce is nutritionally balanced.  There is a growing group of raw feeders who also follow the NRC guidelines because they believe this is the most accurate way to feed a nutritious diet.

All of these models have merit, but I've learned that however we approach feeding our dogs a raw food diet, it's important that we're meeting our dogs' nutritional needs.  So I have my dogs nutrient tested to make sure that the diet I'm feeding is balanced for them.

Transitioning to Raw

I transitioned two of our dogs to raw via a Hybrid Diet, meaning I fed my dogs raw in the morning and kibble in the evening. I did this to make sure my dogs did well on the new diet, and it gave me time to figure out my budget. Premade raw isn't cheap.

All of our other dogs were transitioned cold turkey during their puppy years. I would only slow the transition if a dog began to experience digestive issues or if I were transitioning an adult rescue (due to the stress of the new home).

Is Budget a Concern?

Check out the blog post to the left, 30 Ways to Save Money on Raw, for ideas on how to cut your shopping bills.  Let's be real: raw feeding can be expensive for some, but that doesn't mean your dog can't enjoy the benefits of adding fresh food to a bowl of kibble – canned sardines, vegetables, bone broth, and more.

Raw Paws Pet Food

Raw Paws Pet offers something free shipping and regular sales.  Raw Paws also has something for everyone – premade raw, supplemental raw (for DIY'ers), bones, treats, raw goat's milk, kibble, and more.

If you're new to raw and would prefer to transition slowly or feed a hybrid diet of kibble and raw – you can do this with one high-quality source – Raw Paws Pet Food.