Raw feeding is one of those topics that sparks passionate debates in the pet world. Some pet parents swear by it, while others worry about the risks. So what's the deeper truth? Here's what science says, what vets recommend, and how to get started safely if you decide to go this route.

What Are The Raw Dog Food Benefits?

The Basics

Raw feeding involves providing your dog with uncooked meat, bones, and organs—similar to what their ancestors might have eaten in the wild as hunters and scavengers. This diet can also include fruits, vegetables, and eggs but typically excludes fillers, grains, or processed ingredients. There are two main approaches:

  • Commercial raw dog food: Pre-made by companies that specialize in raw diets

  • Homemade raw dog good: Prepared from scratch by pet parents

Common Raw Feeding Models

There are a few ways that raw food is commonly made accessible in a meal, but the direction is more of a philosophical decision, though still influenced by the level of convenience.

  1. BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): Focuses on replicating a natural diet with meat, bones, and organs

  2. Prey model: Mimics whole prey animals to provide a complete meal in one sitting

  3. Commercial pre-made raw: Available frozen or freeze-dried for convenience (our own options are based on freeze drying for freshness and longevity)

Within the commercially-prepared options for raw diets, ingredients can differ significantly from homemade ones, both in preparation and nutritional balance, so be sure to read labels carefully.

Potential Benefits of Raw Dog Food

What Supporters Report

Many pet parents who choose a raw diet report observing several positive changes in their dogs that can include:

  • Shinier coats and healthier skin

  • Smaller, firmer stools

  • Improved energy levels

  • Cleaner teeth and fresher breath

  • Better weight maintenance

What Science Says

While there are a limited number of peer-reviewed studies about raw feeding, the anecdotal evidence supporting its benefits is strong. Some of these perceived advantages may be due to higher protein content and better control over meat quality rather than the food being raw itself. It's also important to recognize that results can vary widely among individual dogs.

But let's be realistic: not every dog will show dramatic changes when switched to a raw diet. Many benefits are subtle and depend on various factors, including the specific formulation of their meals. We recommend raw food as part of a balanced diet, but not as an exclusive replacement for high quality, high protein foods that are dry or wet.

Risks and Considerations

Bacterial Contamination

There are risks of Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria when food of any kind is not cooked, so raw dog food should be handled the same as raw food you would cook yourself. Proper hygiene, storage, and handling practices are critical to minimize these risks. And in general, immunocompromised individuals and their households should avoid preparing or serving raw diets as a precaution.

Nutritional Imbalance

Homemade raw diets can easily become nutritionally unbalanced if not carefully formulated as a raw diet does not necessarily contain the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your dog needs. An incorrect calcium-phosphorus ratio, for example, could lead to long-term health issues. Commercially prepared raw foods are generally designed to be complete and balanced, and are tested to benchmark the actual nutritional value.

Bone Hazards

If you’re planning on feeding whole bones as part of a raw dog food program, know that bones can lead to dental fractures or internal damage from splintered bone fragments. Cooked bones especially should never be fed as they splinter easily. Even with raw bones, supervision is essential during any feeding, and alternatives like marrow bones might be safer options.

Pro Tip: If you're nervous about handling raw meat, consider starting with freeze-dried raw dog food, which offers similar nutritional benefits but poses fewer risks related to any contamination.

Is Raw Food Safe for Dogs?

Yes, it certainly can be with proper handling and formulation, but it's not suitable for every household or dog.

Who Should Avoid Raw

  • Households with immunocompromised individuals

  • Homes with very young children

  • Dogs with compromised immune systems

  • Multi-pet homes where some of the pets cannot have raw food

How to Start Raw Feeding (Safely)

To ensure safety when feeding raw, follow these best practices:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any raw food

  • Clean all surfaces and bowls immediately

  • Store raw dog food separately from human foods

  • Avoid letting dogs lick faces after eating raw to prevent cross-contamination

  • Freeze the raw ingredients until you're ready to use them

Step 1: Talk to Your Vet

Before starting a raw diet, consult with your veterinarian. Discuss your dog's specific health needs and assess if there is a need to get baseline bloodwork done to rule out any contraindications for a raw diet.

Step 2: Choose Your Approach

Select from the following options:

  • Commercial raw: Easiest option plus it’s nutritionally balanced

  • Freeze-dried raw: Convenient with lower risk due to pre-cooking

  • Homemade: Requires thorough research and potential supplementation for balance

Step 3: Transition Slowly

To minimize digestive upset, transition your dog gradually over four weeks:

  1. Week 1: 25% raw, 75% current food

  2. Week 2: 50% raw, 50% current food

  3. Week 3: 75% raw, 25% current food

  4. Week 4: 100% raw

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

Keep an eye on:

  • Stool quality (should be smaller and firmer)

  • Energy levels

  • Weight changes

  • Any digestive upset

Many dogs transition smoothly with no issues when done gradually, but always monitor closely during and immediately after the transition period.

Common Raw Feeding Mistakes

Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Starting with homemade recipes without proper knowledge or supplementation

  • Not transitioning slowly enough to allow the dog's system to adjust

  • Ignoring food safety protocols, leading to contamination risks

  • Feeding only muscle meat; dogs need a balanced diet that includes organs and bones too

  • Overfeeding due to raw being more calorie-dense than kibble

How Much Raw Dog Food to Feed

General Guidelines:

  • Adult dogs: 2-3% of body weight per day

  • Puppies: 5-10% of body weight per day

  • Active dogs: May require more food

  • Senior or less active dogs: Might need less food

For example, a 50 lb dog would eat approximately 1-1.5 lbs of raw food daily, divided into two meals.

Pro Tip: Use these as starting points and adjust based on your dog's body condition and energy levels for optimal health.

When Raw Might Not Be the Answer

Consider other factors that might make a raw diet less suitable:

  • Budget constraints: Raw diets can be more expensive than kibble

  • Time limitations: Requires more preparation and handling and can’t be fed with an auto-feeder

  • Multi-pet homes with different dietary needs may find it challenging to accommodate all pets

  • Dogs with specific health conditions that could be exacerbated by a raw diet

With our freeze-dried options, you can incorporate raw benefits without committing entirely to a raw diet, and incorporate it as your schedule allows as a supplement to your dog’s normal feeding regimen. You could also incorporate raw elements into your dog's existing kibble-based diet using the following approach:

  • Add a raw topper to enhance meals

  • Use freeze-dried raw as an easy meal enhancer

  • Rotate raw meals with kibble for variety

  • Offer raw treats as training rewards

This allows you to provide some of the benefits associated with raw feeding without the full commitment or complete overhaul of their current diet.

Raw feeding isn't one-size-fits-all, and that's okay. Whether you go 100% raw, mix it with kibble, or decide it’s not right for your household, the most important thing is feeding your dog a balanced, high-quality diet that works for your lifestyle. You know your dog best.