Introduction
Raw feeding is a nutrition approach that mimics your pet's natural diet in the wild, replacing processed foods with fresh, uncooked ingredients including muscle meat, organs, and bones. This guide provides a structured approach to transitioning to and maintaining a raw food diet for your dog.
Understanding Raw Feeding Ratios
The basic model follows an 80-10-10 ratio:
- 80% muscle meat
- 10% raw edible bone
- 10% organ meat (5% liver, 5% other organs)
Benefits of Raw Feeding
- Improved dental health through natural cleaning
- Better digestion and nutrient absorption
- Enhanced skin and coat health
- Increased energy levels
- Better weight management
- Reduced allergies and inflammation
Getting Started
Initial Steps for Adult Dogs:
- Complete health assessment
- Perform a 24-hour fast (adults only)
- Calculate feeding amounts (start at 2% of body weight)
- Source initial proteins
- Prepare workspace and storage
- Create feeding schedule
Sourcing Options:
- Join local co-ops
- Connect with hunters/farmers
- Post "wanted" ads for freezer cleanouts
- Buy in bulk during sales
- Share bulk purchases with other raw feeders
- Consider ethnic markets for organ meats
Storage Solutions:
- Invest in an additional freezer
- Organize by protein type
- Implement rotation system
- Use clear containers for visibility
- Label everything with dates
Essential Equipment
Primary Equipment:
- Freezer space (dedicated space recommended)
- Food-grade gloves
- BPA-free freezer-safe containers
- Digital scale (accuracy to 0.1 oz/1g)
- High-quality knives/kitchen shears
- Multiple cutting boards (color-coded recommended)
- Food preparation pans
- Sanitizing supplies
Optional but Helpful:
- Vacuum sealer
- Meat grinder
- Bulk storage containers
- Label maker
- Temperature probe
Food Safety Protocol:
- Sanitize surfaces before starting
- Use separate cutting boards for different proteins
- Change gloves between protein types
- Monitor temperature during prep
- Clean as you go
- Immediate storage of finished meals
Meal Preparation System
Workspace Organization
Designated Areas:
- Raw ingredient station
- Cutting/weighing station
- Container filling station
- Cleaning station
- Storage staging area
Preparation Flow:
- Set up entertainment (makes prep more enjoyable)
- Organize containers and tools
- Process organs first (when semi-frozen)
- Cut/portion bone content
- Prepare muscle meat
- Package and label
- Clean and sanitize
Batch Preparation Tips
Efficiency Strategies:
- Prep multiple meals at once
- Use assembly line method
- Keep commonly used tools within reach
- Maintain prep sheets/checklists
- Use container templates for portions
THE 80-10-5-5 MODEL
80% Muscle Meat
- Core protein sources: beef, chicken, pork, turkey, lamb, duck, rabbit
- Includes heart (counts as muscle meat)
- Provides essential amino acids and nutrients
- Main source of energy
- Should include a variety of proteins for balanced nutrition
10% Raw Edible Bone
- Sources: chicken necks, wings, backs; duck necks; rabbit bones
- Provides calcium and phosphorus
- Supports dental health
- Must be raw (never cooked)
- Amount may need adjustment (12-14%) based on individual needs
5% Liver
- Rich in vitamin A
- High in iron and copper
- Essential for metabolism
- Important source of folate
5% Other Organs
- Kidney: vitamin A, B vitamins
- Spleen: iron, immune support
- Pancreas: digestive enzymes
- Brain: omega fatty acids
- Variety is key for complete nutrition
Four-Week Transition Plan
Week 1: White Meat Foundation
- Select appropriate white meat protein
- Include appropriate bone content
- Monitor stool consistency
- Track energy levels and appetite
- Document any issues or concerns
Week 2: Red Meat Integration
- Choose one red meat protein
- Maintain bone content ratio
- Balance white/red meat portions
- Continue monitoring digestion
- Adjust portions if needed
Week 3: Liver Introduction
- Select liver from familiar protein
- Start at 25% of calculated amount
- Increase gradually over week
- Watch for digestive changes
- Keep detailed feeding notes
Week 4: Organ Diversity
- Add one non-liver organ
- Maintain previous ingredients
- Monitor acceptance and digestion
- Adjust portions as needed
- Plan next protein introduction
Special Considerations
Puppies
- Complete nutrition from start
- Minimum 3-4 meals daily
- Progressive feeding percentages by age
- Regular weight monitoring
- Growth rate tracking
- Reproductive food inclusion
Senior Dogs
- Adjusted protein levels
- Easier-to-digest preparations
- Additional supplements as needed
- More frequent health monitoring
- Flexible portion control
Large Breeds
- Extended transition periods
- Growth rate monitoring
- Joint support considerations
- Calcium/phosphorus balance
- Protein variety management
Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
- Digestive Problems:
- Diarrhea: Increase bone, consider fast
- Constipation: Reduce bone, add moisture
- Vomiting: Evaluate portion size and timing
- Refusal: Check temperature and variety
- Health Concerns:
- Weight management adjustments
- Energy level monitoring
- Coat condition assessment
- Dental health tracking
When to Seek Help
- Blood in stool/vomit
- Persistent digestive issues
- Lethargy or behavior changes
- Dehydration signs
- Unexplained weight changes
Long-Term Success
Ongoing Education
- Join raw feeding communities
- Attend workshops/seminars
- Read current research
- Connect with experienced feeders
- Document your journey
Diet Evolution
- Expansion Plans:
- New protein introduction
- Organ variety
- Seasonal adjustments
- Supplement evaluation
- Recipe development
- Progress Tracking:
- Monthly health assessments
- Weight monitoring
- Cost tracking
- Food journal maintenance
- Photo documentation
Quality Control
- Supplier assessment
- Storage temperature monitoring
- Rotation schedule
- Sanitation protocol
- Equipment maintenance
Remember that every dog is unique, and this guide should be adapted to your dog's specific needs. Always monitor your dog's response to dietary changes and consult with a veterinarian when necessary.