Comprehensive Guide to Feeding Dogs Raw Food

Feeding your dog a raw food diet can be a rewarding experience, but you must do it right. If you're considering making the switch to raw food, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to feed your dog a healthy and balanced raw diet.

We'll explore the benefits of raw food, discuss raw food safety, and provide practical tips for feeding your dog raw. From choosing the best raw food for your dog's specific needs to understanding portion sizes and storage, we've got you covered.

Whether you're a seasoned raw feeder or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you make informed decisions to ensure your dog's optimal health and well-being. Let's dive into the world of raw feeding and discover why it's considered one of the best dog foods for gut health.

Introduction to the Raw Food Diet for Dogs

Raw food diets are becoming increasingly popular among dog owners who seek a more natural and nutritious approach to feeding their pets. By mimicking the ancestral diet of dogs, raw food provides a holistic approach to canine nutrition.

However, feeding a raw diet does come with a bit of a learning curve. After all, it’s vastly different from the kibble you’ve likely fed dogs your entire life. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about raw dog food.

What Is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?

A raw food diet for dogs is a diet that consists of raw meat, organs, and bones. It's designed to mimic the natural diet of dogs, providing them with a complete and balanced source of nutrition.

The Role of Diet in a Dog’s Health and Happiness

A dog's diet plays a pivotal role in its overall health and happiness. Proper nutrition fuels their energy, supports their immune system, and contributes to a shiny coat and vibrant spirit. By providing your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet, you're investing in their long-term well-being.

Is Raw Food Good for Dogs?

Yes, raw food can be an excellent choice for your dog's health. By understanding why raw food is good for dogs, you can make informed decisions about their diet. Raw food diets often lead to improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy levels, and stronger immune systems.

Core Principles of Raw Feeding for Canine Wellness

To ensure your dog thrives on a raw food diet, you must adhere to a few core principles. These principles focus on providing a balanced diet, safe handling practices, and a smooth transition to raw food.

Typical Raw Dog Food Ingredients

A well-balanced raw diet typically includes muscle meat, organs, bones, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. These ingredients provide essential nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.

We Feed Raw is nutritionally complete and balanced with the perfect proportions of muscle meat, organs, and finely ground bone along with a vitamin and mineral premix.

Homemade vs Commercial Raw Dog Food

While homemade raw diets can be tailored to your dog's specific needs, commercial raw dog foods offer convenience and ensure a balanced nutritional profile. We Feed Raw provides pre-portioned meals that are formulated to meet your dog's nutritional requirements with no weighing or measuring.

Key Ingredients in Raw Dog Food

A well-balanced raw diet for dogs should include a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients. Muscle meat provides essential protein, while offal offers vital vitamins and minerals.

To ensure complete nutrition if you do a DIY raw diet, you may need to supplement with additional vitamins and minerals, but We Feed Raw includes everything your dog needs and nothing they don’t.

Meat Is Key

Muscle meat is the foundation of a raw food diet, providing essential protein for building and repairing tissues. It's a rich source of amino acids, which are the building blocks of life.

We Feed Raw contains approximately 80% muscle meat in our recipes, along with about 10% organ meat, 10% finely ground raw bones, and added vitamins and minerals for a nutritionally complete, easy-to-feed diet.

Offal Is Crucial, Not Awful

Don't be fooled by the name–offal, which includes organs like liver, kidney, and heart, is packed with essential nutrients. These nutrient-dense foods provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that are crucial for your dog's health.

The Importance of Vitamins and Minerals

While meat and offal provide many essential nutrients, it's important to ensure your dog's diet is supplemented with additional vitamins and minerals. These micronutrients play a vital role in various bodily functions, including immune system support, energy production, and bone health.

One of the benefits of choosing We Feed Raw is that we add all the necessary vitamins and minerals to our pre-portioned patties. You never have to add anything to our food to ensure your pup gets all the nutrients they need.

Different Types of Raw Dog Food

Two of the most common types of raw dog food are frozen raw and freeze-dried raw. Each type offers distinct advantages and caters to different lifestyles.

Feeze-Dried Raw vs Frozen Fresh Raw

Both freeze-dried and frozen fresh raw diets offer unique benefits. Freeze-dried food is convenient and long-lasting, while frozen fresh food provides a more natural and nutrient-dense option.

Raw Food Diet vs. Kibble for Dogs: A Comprehensive Comparison

The debate between raw food diets and kibble continues to spark discussion among dog owners. While both options have their merits, understanding the key differences can help you make an informed decision for your furry friend.

Raw food diets offer a more natural approach to feeding dogs, mimicking their ancestral diet. They can provide numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, and increased energy levels. However, they require careful preparation and storage, especially if you opt for a homemade raw diet over the convenience of We Feed Raw.

Kibble, on the other hand, is convenient and easy to store, making it a popular choice for many dog owners. While kibble can provide essential nutrients, its ultraprocessed nature can affect the nutritional value, and your dog’s overall health may suffer.

You can combine raw and kibble to create a balanced diet that caters to your dog's specific needs. This approach can be particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those transitioning to a raw food diet. It’s also great for families who can’t afford to switch their pups to a fully raw diet.

Raw Dog Food Safety Measures

Safety is paramount when feeding your dog a raw food diet. We Feed Raw prioritizes food safety by using advanced technologies like High-Pressure Processing (HPP) to inactivate potential pathogens (including bird flu) without compromising the nutritional value of the food. This ensures that your dog receives a safe and wholesome meal.

Still, proper storage and handling of raw food are essential. Always store raw food in the freezer and thaw it safely in the refrigerator or using a cold water bath. Avoid thawing raw food at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Navigating Challenges and Drawbacks of Raw Diets for Dogs

While raw food diets offer numerous benefits, they also come with certain challenges. Preparing homemade raw food can be time-consuming and requires careful balancing of nutrients. Additionally, ensuring food safety is crucial, as raw food can harbor harmful bacteria.

We Feed Raw addresses these challenges by providing pre-portioned, nutritionally balanced meals that are safe and convenient. Our meals are produced in a state-of-the-art facility using high-pressure processing (HPP) to inactivate potentially harmful pathogens, including avian flue. By choosing We Feed Raw, you can enjoy the benefits of a raw food diet without the hassle of meal preparation.

Transitioning to Raw Food: A Step-by-Step Guide for Dog Owners

Introducing your dog to a raw food diet should be a smooth and gradual process.  We Feed Raw recommends a 10-day transition plan to allow your dog's digestive system to adjust comfortably.

To transition your dog to a raw diet, you should start by feeding 75% of your dog’s current food and 25% We Feed Raw for three days. Then, you should feed a 50/50 mixture for three days. Finally, feed 25% of your dog’s old food and 75% We Feed Raw for a few days before starting to feed a fully raw diet on the 10th day.

Success Stories: Real-Life Improvements From a Raw Dog Food Diet

If you’re still on the fence about switching to a raw diet in general or We Feed Raw specifically, check out these real reviews from We Feed Raw customers on Trustpilot:

• •“Our dog is 13 years old and did not have much interest in his kibble…We wanted to switch to raw for a healthier alternative…He LOVES the raw food. We had NO issues transitioning from kibble to raw and after a week are already noticing the smaller/less frequent poos. He seems to have an extra pep in his step already.” -Zellie

• •“I have 2 Golden Retrievers here and one of them needs more than a little convincing when it comes to eating, whether it’s adding cheese or treats. With the raw blends from We Feed Raw, he is excited when he hears me open the package and knows when a new package comes in! Their (pda) poops have actually changed a lot since getting on a raw diet, smaller, more round nuggets. BUT OVERALL, they seem genuinely happier, the custom meal plans have been successful here!” -Liam

• •“My dog Shadow absolutely loves his raw food and is thriving. His coat is healthier and he's finally gaining some much needed weight.” -Jase

How to Choose the Best Raw Food for Dogs

When selecting a raw food for your dog, it's important to consider several factors to ensure you're providing the best possible nutrition. Look for a brand that uses high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Avoid products that contain artificial additives or fillers. Additionally, consider your dog's specific needs, such as age, breed, and activity level.

We Feed Raw offers a range of pre-portioned meals tailored to your dog's individual requirements. Our meals are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are formulated to provide optimal nutrition. By choosing We Feed Raw, you can be confident that your dog is receiving the best possible nutrition.

Why Choose We Feed Raw?

We Feed Raw is healthy, safe, and convenient. We ship pre-portioned frozen raw patties to your door on a regular schedule. You don’t need to add anything to our nutritionally complete raw dog food, and you can mix it with kibble for a more cost-effective option if you can’t afford a fully raw diet.

Take our quiz now to get your dog started on the life-changing nutrition of We Feed Raw.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is raw food good for dogs?

Yes, raw food can be an excellent choice for your dog's health. It mimics their natural diet, providing essential nutrients and promoting optimal digestion, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

What should I consider when choosing raw dog food for dogs?

When choosing a raw dog food, consider factors like the brand's reputation, ingredient quality, and nutritional balance. Look for products that use high-quality ingredients and avoid those with artificial additives or fillers.

Additionally, consider your dog's specific needs, such as age, breed, and activity level. We Feed Raw offers pre-portioned meals tailored to your dog's individual requirements, ensuring they receive the optimal nutrition they need.

What's the best raw food for dogs?

The best raw food for your dog depends on their individual needs and preferences. However, choosing a high-quality, pre-portioned raw food like We Feed Raw can ensure that your dog receives a balanced and nutritious diet.

What is a raw food diet for dogs and how does it benefit them?

A raw food diet for dogs consists of uncooked meat, organs, bones, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. This approach mimics a dog's natural diet and offers numerous benefits, including improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy levels, and a stronger immune system.