Raw Food Diet for Dogs: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide

If you’ve been thinking about switching your pup to raw dog food, you may have a lot of questions, like what is a raw food diet for dogs? Is raw meat good for dogs? What are the benefits of a raw diet for dogs? Is raw meat for dogs safe? Can puppies eat raw meat?

Here’s everything you need to know about raw dog food for beginners.

What Is Raw Dog Food?

Raw dog food is an uncooked diet for canines that features a mixture of raw meat (and associated connective tissue and fat), organs, bones, and sometimes fruits and vegetables.

While humans need to cook meat before consuming it to remove pathogens and properly digest it, dogs are still designed to safely eat and digest raw meat, just like their wild wolf ancestors. Unlike humans, dogs have strong stomach acid, bile, and digestive enzymes that are specifically designed to kill pathogens and break down raw meat, making raw food dog diets safer than you might expect.

Additionally, We Feed Raw sources high-quality ingredients and uses high-pressure processing (HPP) to inactivate potential pathogens, making both our frozen and freeze-dried raw foods safe.

Is Raw Meat Good for Dogs?

Yes! Raw meat is the diet nature intended for dogs, as long as it’s nutritionally balanced. Just giving your pup muscle meat without including any organs or bones would cause nutritional deficiencies, so it’s crucial to provide food (like We Feed Raw) that is nutritionally complete and balanced.

Our six frozen raw dog food recipes are approved for dogs of all life stages, while our two freeze-dried recipes are formulated for adult dogs only.

Benefits of a Raw Food Diet for Dogs

Raw food has a wide variety of benefits for dogs of all ages. Here are some of the reasons people are switching their dogs to raw diets.

Smaller, Firmer Stool

Since raw food for dogs isn’t packed with species-inappropriate grains, fillers, or other ingredients your pup can’t digest, your dog will have smaller, firmer poops on a raw diet. That’s because your dog is actually digesting and absorbing more of their food, so less comes out as waste.

Additionally, studies have shown that puppies who eat a raw diet are less likely to develop chronic enteropathy (persistent digestive issues) as adults.

Improved Skin and Coat

With its increased moisture and healthy fats, dogs fed a raw diet tend to have healthier skin and coats than dogs on other diets. Additionally, with fewer ingredients, raw diets may be less likely to cause allergies. A study at the University of Helsinki showed that puppies fed raw food are less likely to grow up to suffer from canine atopic dermatitis (skin allergies) compared to puppies fed kibble.

Since gut health affects skin health, it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that dogs fed a species-appropriate raw diet have healthier skin and shinier coats than dogs fed kibble or canned food.

Weight Control

Packed full of carbohydrates that dogs can’t properly digest, kibble is one of the leading causes of the pet obesity crisis, and obesity causes many of the same health issues in animals as it does in people.

Switching to a raw diet and cutting out certain treats may help your dog lose excess weight and maintain a healthy figure. 90% of our customers said their dogs maintained a healthy weight after switching to We Feed Raw.

Better Dental Health

Highly processed foods like kibble contain high levels of starches and sugars that can cause unhealthy bacterial growth. As much as dry dog food manufacturers want you to believe that kibble is good for your dog’s dental health, it’s about as effective at cleaning your dog’s teeth as eating crackers would be at cleaning your teeth.

On the other hand, raw dog food contains naturally occurring enzymes that do help protect gums and teeth. We also recommend feeding recreational raw bones a few times a week to naturally clean plaque and tartar from the teeth while also providing jaw exercise and mental stimulation.

Fewer Ear Infections

Studies have shown that puppies who ate a raw diet from the ages of two to six months of age and whose mothers ate raw while pregnant are less likely to have problems with chronic ear infections as adults.

More Mealtime Excitement

Would YOU be excited to eat brown pellets for every meal? Since dogs were designed to eat raw meat, they naturally get more excited about the scent and taste of We Feed Raw than they do about highly processed kibble or canned food.

Stronger Immune System

When your dog’s body doesn’t have to work as hard to digest their food and extract nutrients from it or fight off inflammation caused by species-inappropriate ingredients, the immune system can better do what it’s meant to do: fight off illnesses and keep your dog healthy.

Potential Concerns About a Raw Diet for Dogs

Pet food companies want people to be afraid of a raw meat-based diet for dogs, so there’s a lot of misinformation out there about raw feeding. Let’s talk about some of the potential concerns you may have about feeding a raw diet for dogs.

Safety

Since raw and undercooked meat can make humans sick, it’s natural to worry. However, with some basic food safety precautions and We Feed Raw’s high-pressure processing (HPP), you and your entire family can stay safe while your pup enjoys the diet they were built to eat.

Here are the steps that we take and that you should take to keep your dog and your family safe:

• •High-pressure processing (HPP): Also used on food for human consumption such as baby food, salsas, and juice, high-pressure processing (HPP) uses cold water and high pressure to inactivate potentially harmful pathogens–including avian flu–without affecting the integrity of the food itself.

• •High-quality ingredients: We Feed Raw uses USDA-certified human-grade meats with strict compliance requirements of BRC-safe quality food manufacturing, so you can be sure your pup isn’t eating diseased animals that could make them sick.

• •Safe handling tips: You likely wash your hands and disinfect surfaces after handling raw meat when you do your own cooking, correct? Taking these same precautions after handling raw meat-based diets is simply the final step in ensuring your entire family stays safe.

Cost

There’s no getting around the fact that raw dog food is more expensive than kibble because it isn’t filled with cheap ingredients that bulk it up without adding any nutritional value. However, you may save money in the long run by having fewer vet bills thanks to having a healthier pup. Also, you don’t need to commit to feeding your dog a fully raw diet to reap its benefits.

It’s totally safe to mix raw dog food and kibble. Your pup will still get some of the benefits of a raw diet even if it’s not the only thing they eat.

Time

Trying to create a perfectly balanced raw diet yourself can be extremely time-consuming. From measuring the ingredients to ensure your dog gets the right proportions of everything they need to sourcing things like organs and bones, raw diets can be a time suck—but they don’t have to be.

• •Frozen raw dog food: Made from approximately 80% meaty meat (muscle meat and associated connective tissue and fat), 10% organs, and 10% finely ground bones,our frozen raw patties provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all ages. All you need to do is thaw, portion, and serve.

• •Freeze-dried raw dog food: To make raw feeding more convenient than ever before, we now also offer two freeze-dried recipes for adult dogs. Simply serve as-is or add water to rehydrate. No freezer required!

Disapproving Vet

Unfortunately, most vets are given little education about pet nutrition in vet school, aside from what they learn from kibble-funded studies. Most veterinarians only spent a few hours in college learning biased information about the best food for dogs or cats.

You should reassure your vet that all We Feed Raw meals have been formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist with 30 years of experience. All of our frozen raw recipes are complete and balanced and comply with AAFCO recommendations for dogs of all life stages, and our freeze-dried recipes are complete and balanced for adult dogs.

Finally, inform your vet that We Feed Raw uses high-pressure processing (HPP), a USDA-approved pathogen-reduction step that is effective at neutralizing Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and bird flu.

Which Is the Best Raw Meat Diet for Dogs?

Determining the "best" raw meat diet for your dog depends on individual needs and lifestyle, as each option offers unique benefits:

• •Frozen raw dog food provides minimally processed, nutrient-rich meals, retaining natural moisture and enzymes.

• •Freeze-dried raw offers unmatched convenience with its shelf-stable, lightweight format, ideal for travel and easy storage.

• •Air-dried raw, while also shelf-stable, undergoes a gentle drying process that preserves nutrients without high-heat cooking, offering a palatable and convenient alternative.

All three options provide the benefits of raw feeding, but frozen requires freezer space, freeze-dried might be more expensive (although not with We Feed Raw), and air-dried has a unique texture that some dogs dislike.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your dog's preferences and your practical considerations.

Choosing the Best Raw Dog Food Diet for Your Dog

How do you pick the best raw food for your dog? There are many factors to consider. Do you have the time and expertise to do it yourself? Are you looking for a commercial diet?

A few things you should keep in mind when selecting raw dog food meals include:

• •Is the diet complete and balanced?

• •What steps does the company take to protect the food?

• •Do you need to add anything extra to make sure your dog gets the proper nutrients?

• •Do they deliver directly to your door?

• •Where do they source their meat?

If you still have questions about We Feed Raw, check out our FAQ page.

How Much Raw Dog Food to Feed Your Dog

A wide variety of factors go into determining how much raw food to feed on a raw dog diet, but a general rule of thumb is to feed 2-3% of their body weight each day. What does that look like?

• •100-lb dog = 2-3 pounds of food per day

• •50-lb dog = 1-1.5 pounds of food per day

• •25-lb dog = 0.5-0.75 pounds of food per day

When feeding dogs a raw diet, it’s sometimes easier (especially with smaller dogs) to convert their weight to ounces. Simply multiply your dog’s weight by 16 to get their weight in ounces; then use that number to find out how many ounces of raw food they should get per day. For example:

• •A 25-lb dog weighs 400 oz and should get 8-12 ounces of food per day

• •A 15-lb dog weighs 240 oz and should get 4.8-7.2 ounces of food per day

• •An 8-lb dog weighs 128 oz and should get 2.56-3.84 ounces of food per day

Keep in mind that dogs who are younger, more active, or need to gain some weight may need more than 3% of their weight in raw food per day, while senior, inactive, or obese dogs may need less than 2% of their weight in raw food per day.

We Feed Raw makes it easy. When you take our quiz and tell us about your pup, we tell you exactly how many ounces of We Feed Raw you should feed your dog each day. You decide how many meals to split that amount into.

Can Puppies Eat Raw Dog Food?

Yes! Puppies can begin eating raw food as soon as they start weaning off their mother’s milk. We Feed Raw’s frozen raw recipes are an excellent choice for puppies because our food goes through high-pressure processing to neutralize pathogens, making it a safe, natural choice.

Please keep in mind that our freeze-dried raw food is formulated for adult dogs only and should not be given to puppies.

How to Transition Your Dog to Raw Food

Many dogs are prone to stomach problems when switched to any new diet suddenly, so it’s best to transition your pup to raw food gradually. We recommend adding 25% raw food to 75% of your dog’s current food for 3 days, then feeding a 50/50 mix for 3 days, then feeding 75% raw and 25% of their old diet for a further 3 days before transitioning fully to We Feed Raw on Day 10.

Get Started With We Feed Raw Today

Hopefully, we’ve managed to answer all your questions about raw feeding. Take our quiz now to find out how much We Feed Raw your pup will need each day and make the switch to our balanced and complete, easy-to-feed frozen or freeze-dried raw food diet for dogs today.

FAQs

What is raw meat for dogs?

Raw meat for dogs is an uncooked diet that consists of a mixture of raw meat (including connective tissue and fat), organs, and bones. It is based on the natural diet of their wild wolf ancestors and provides the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

Is feeding dogs raw meat safe?

Yes, feeding dogs raw food is safe when it is nutritionally balanced and handled with proper food safety precautions. Dogs have strong stomach acid and digestive enzymes designed to kill pathogens and break down raw meat, unlike humans.

What is raw dog food?

Raw dog food is a diet consisting of uncooked animal parts, such as meat, organs, and bones, which is designed to mimic the natural diet of dogs' wild ancestors. Some people also choose to add fruits and vegetables to their dog's raw food diet, although these are not typically necessary.

What is a raw dog food diet?

A raw dog food diet is an uncooked, species-appropriate diet for dogs that features a mixture of raw meat, organs, and bones. This type of diet is based on the natural feeding habits of wild canines and provides numerous health benefits for domesticated dogs.

What is feeding raw meat to dogs?

Feeding raw meat to dogs involves providing them with a diet of uncooked animal parts, such as meat, organs, and bones. This type of diet is designed to closely mimic the natural feeding habits of wild canines and offers numerous health benefits for dogs.

Should dogs eat raw meat?

Yes, dogs should eat raw meat as long as it is part of a nutritionally balanced diet. Raw meat is a natural and species-appropriate diet for dogs, providing them with the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

What is raw feeding dogs for beginners?

Raw feeding for beginners is a guide for those who are new to the concept of providing their dogs with a raw food diet. It covers essential information, such as the benefits of a raw diet, potential concerns, how to choose the best raw dog food, and how to transition your dog to a raw food diet.