raw feeding chart for dogs, Learn how a raw food diet can change your dog’s life. This guide will show you how to make a balanced, natural diet for your dog. It covers the benefits of raw feeding and how to make meals tailored to your dog’s needs.
Key Takeaways
- Unlock the benefits of a raw food diet for your dog, including improved gut health, immune function, and overall wellness.
- Explore the key components of a balanced raw diet, including muscle meats, organ meats, and raw meaty bones.
- Learn how to safely transition your dog to a raw diet and create personalized feeding plans based on their age, activity level, and breed.
- Discover cost-effective strategies for sourcing high-quality raw ingredients and managing your raw feeding budget.
- Gain valuable insights on proper handling and storage of raw dog food to ensure your pet’s safety and health.
Introduction to Raw Feeding for Dogs
A raw food diet for dogs is inspired by what their wolf ancestors ate. It includes raw meat, organs, bones, and plants. This diet can boost their health in many ways, like better digestion and a shinier coat. But, it’s important to know the risks, like getting sick from bacteria or not getting all the nutrients they need.
Benefits of a Raw Food Diet
Raw feeding is also known as the “whole prey model” or “species-appropriate nutrition.” It tries to feed dogs like they would in the wild. Dogs on this diet might see big health benefits, such as:
- Improved digestion and nutrient absorption
- Healthier skin and coat
- Increased energy and vitality
- Stronger immune system
- Better weight management
- Improved dental health
- Reduced allergies and sensitivities
Concerns and Risks of Raw Feeding
Raw feeding has many benefits, but it’s important to know the risks too. Some key things to think about include:
- Bacterial contamination: Raw meat can have harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. These can make dogs and their owners sick if not handled right.
- Nutritional imbalances: If the diet isn’t balanced, dogs might not get all the nutrients they need. This can lead to health problems.
- Choking hazards: Bones can be a choking risk, especially for small dogs, if not prepared safely.
- Cost and convenience: Switching to raw food can take more time and money than regular dog food.
Knowing the good and bad of raw feeding helps pet owners decide if it’s right for their dog.
Meat and Protein Sources for Raw Feeding
A balanced raw diet for dogs should include a mix of high-quality, human-grade raw meats and organ meats. These foods give dogs the nutrients they need to stay healthy, like muscle-building protein, vitamins, and minerals. By using a variety of meats for dogs, pet owners can make sure their dogs get all the nutrients they need.
Muscle Meats
The base of a raw dog food diet should be muscle meats. They are packed with raw dog food protein sources. Some good options include:
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Pork
- Duck
- Rabbit
- Beef
- Turkey
These meats are not just high in protein but also have important fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients help keep a dog healthy and happy.
Organ Meats
Adding raw organ meats for dogs like liver, kidney, and heart to a diet is also important. These parts are full of nutrients and give dogs a boost of vitamins and minerals. They help make sure your dog gets all the nutrients they need for good health.
| Muscle Meat | Organ Meat |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Liver |
| Lamb | Kidney |
| Pork | Heart |
| Duck | Spleen |
| Rabbit | Pancreas |
| Beef | Lungs |
| Turkey | Brains |
Using a mix of raw meats and protein sources for dogs helps dogs get all the nutrients they need. This whole prey model feeding approach is good for their health and happiness.
Vegetables and Fruits for Raw Feeding
A balanced raw diet for dogs should include fresh raw vegetables and raw fruits. These items are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They help your dog stay healthy and happy. Adding the right plant-based foods to a raw diet makes sure your dog gets everything they need.
Best Vegetables for Dogs
Some top raw vegetables for dogs are:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Green beans
- Kale
- Sweet potatoes
These veggies are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re great for your dog’s health. Always take out seeds, pits, and rinds before giving them to your dog. This stops choking or stomach problems.
| Vegetable | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|
| Carrots | High in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin K |
| Celery | Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and folate and potassium |
| Broccoli | Contains sulforaphane, an antioxidant that may help fight cancer |
| Brussels Sprouts | High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants |
| Green Beans | Packed with vitamins C, K, and A, and fiber and manganese |
| Kale | An excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, and calcium |
| Sweet Potatoes | High in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C |
“Raw diets can help increase a dog’s lifespan by 25% according to Dr. Peter Dobias.”
Adding these raw vegetables for dogs to their diet boosts their nutrition. It helps them stay healthy and happy.
raw feeding chart for dogs
Creating a balanced raw diet for your dog is crucial for their health and happiness. The raw feeding chart helps you figure out the right portion sizes and nutrient ratios for your dog. This way, you can make sure their raw food diet supports their growth, development, and energy needs.
A balanced raw diet for dogs includes about 70-80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 5-10% organ meat, and 5-10% fruits and vegetables. But, the exact raw dog food portion sizes and raw feeding ratios for dogs depend on your dog’s age, how active they are, and their health.
| Dog Weight | Recommended Daily Intake | Muscle Meat | Raw Edible Bone | Organ Meat | Fruits & Vegetables |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-10 kg | 2-4% of body weight | 70-80% | 10% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| 11-20 kg | 2-3% of body weight | 70-80% | 10% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| 21-30 kg | 2-3% of body weight | 70-80% | 10% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| 31-40 kg | 2-3% of body weight | 70-80% | 10% | 5-10% | 5-10% |
Remember, these are just general guidelines. Your dog’s raw dog meal planner might need changes based on their specific needs and how active they are. Talking to a vet or a raw feeding expert can help you make a plan that fits your dog perfectly.
Getting the right portion sizes and nutrient balance is key when switching your dog to raw food. With a well-made raw feeding chart for dogs, you can make sure your dog gets all the nutrients they need. This helps them stay healthy and avoids problems that can come from an unbalanced diet.
Raw Feeding Diet Plans
Raw feeding for dogs is popular, with the BARF and Prey Model diets leading the way. These diets aim to give dogs a diet similar to what they would eat in the wild. They differ in their mix of nutrients and food types.
The BARF Diet
The BARF diet mixes muscle meat, bones, organs, fruits, and veggies. It’s meant to match a wild dog’s diet for health and energy. The BARF diet includes about 70% muscle meat, 10% bones, 7% veggies, 5% liver, 5% other organs, 2% nuts, and 1% fruit.
The Prey Model Diet
The Prey Model diet focuses on meat, organs, and bones. It suggests eating about 75-80% muscle meat, 10% bones, 5% liver, 5% other organs, and a bit of fiber from animals.
Both diets have their benefits and can be customized for your dog. When starting a raw diet, add raw food slowly over 7 to 14 days. This helps your dog adjust fully to the new diet.
Raw feeding can be good for dogs, but vets have different views on it. Some see health benefits, while others worry about nutrition and germs. Always talk to your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
| Comparison of BARF and Prey Model Raw Diets | BARF Diet | Prey Model Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Meat | 70% | 75-80% |
| Raw Edible Bone | 10% | 10% |
| Organ Meat | 10% | 10% |
| Vegetables and Fruits | 8% | 0-5% |
| Other Nutrients | 2% seeds/nuts | 0-5% animal-based fiber |
Both the BARF and Prey Model diets offer ways to feed dogs raw food that’s closer to their natural diet. Knowing the differences helps pet owners choose the best diet for their dogs.
Transitioning to a Raw Food Diet
Switching your dog to a raw food diet is exciting and can be very good for them. But, it’s key to do it slowly to prevent any stomach problems. You should add raw food to their diet over 7-14 days, slowly increasing the raw food and decreasing their current diet.
This slow change helps your dog’s stomach get used to the new food without trouble. Watch your dog closely as you make this change. Be ready to adjust things if needed to make the switch smooth and successful.
- Begin by adding a little raw food (about 10-20%) to their current diet. Then, increase the raw food bit by bit over the next few days, while eating less of their usual food.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s poop and how they feel during the change. If they have loose stools or start vomiting, slow down the change or go back to the old ratio until they feel better.
- Introduce new proteins slowly, one at a time, to help your dog get used to the new nutrients. This can prevent any bad reactions.
- Be patient and keep going. Changing to a raw diet might take 1-2 weeks or more, depending on your dog’s needs and how sensitive they are.
Switching your dog to a raw diet is a rewarding journey that can bring many health benefits. But, it needs careful planning and watching your dog’s needs closely. By taking it slow and watching how they react, you can make the switch to raw feeding go smoothly.
Every dog is different, so be ready to change your plan as needed to keep your dog happy and healthy. With patience and care, you can help your dog do great on a raw food diet.
Calculating Raw Food Portions
Figuring out how much raw food to feed your dog depends on several things. These include their age, weight, how active they are, and their health. Generally, dogs need 2-3% of their body weight in raw food each day, split into several meals. But, you might need to change this based on your dog’s specific needs and how they react to the diet.
Factors Affecting Portion Sizes
What goes into the raw food, your dog’s metabolism, and how much energy they burn can change the right amount of food they need. Puppies need about 5-6% of their body weight in food, while adult dogs need 2-3%. The daily amount can range from 200g to 2400g for puppies and 100g to 1200g for adults, based on their size.
The price of different dog foods can also vary a lot. Dry kibble might cost about £2.30 a day for a 10kg dog, while wet food could be £3.40. Raw food like Nutriment can be as cheap as £1.25 a day for a 10kg dog, making it a budget-friendly choice.
It’s key to know the right mix of nutrients in raw food for your dog. Muscle meat should be 80% of their daily food, with 10% edible bone, 5% liver, and 5% other organ meats. The last 10% should be vegetables, seeds/nuts, and fruits.
By thinking about these factors and adjusting the food amounts, you can make sure your dog’s raw diet meets their needs. This helps support their health and happiness.
“Proper portion control is essential for a balanced raw diet that meets your dog’s nutritional needs while supporting their health and well-being.”
Handling and Storing Raw Dog Food
Proper handling and storage of raw dog food are key to keeping it safe and free from bacteria. Always keep it refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to feed it to your dog. If you thaw it, make sure to use it within 3-5 days, just like you would with human raw meat.
For food safety for raw feeding, always wash your hands and utensils before and after touching the raw meat. Use airtight containers to store it and avoid mixing it with other foods. This keeps your dog’s raw diet safe and fresh.
The CDC suggests keeping refrigerators at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to slow bacteria growth. Soaking raw veggies and fruits in a salty water mix can also remove pesticides. This makes the food safer for your dog.
Always clean up after your pets and wash your hands well. Dogs and cats can spread harmful bacteria through their poop, putting humans at risk.
“Thaw and serve schedule: Repeating cycle with specific thaw and feed days.”
It’s best to freeze raw food until you’re ready to thaw and feed it. This keeps the food safe and fresh. There are many raw food options available, including beef, chicken, tripe, venison, turkey, lamb, goat, and salmon with bone.
By following these tips, you can make sure your dog’s raw diet is safe, healthy, and free from harmful bacteria.
Raw Feeding for Puppies and Pregnant Dogs
Raw food diets are great for puppies and pregnant dogs. But, they need different nutrients than adult dogs. Puppies need more calories and nutrients to grow and develop. So, their diet should have extra calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins.
Pregnant dogs also need more nutrients. Their diet must have the right amount of protein, fat, and other nutrients. This helps them stay healthy and support their puppies’ growth. Experts say pregnant and nursing dogs should get at least 50g of protein and 21.3g of fat per 1000kcal.
| Nutrient | Minimum | Recommended Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Protein (g) | 50 | 50 |
| Fat (g) | 21.3 | 21.3 |
Pregnant dogs in the last part of their pregnancy and while nursing need certain nutrients. These include amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. A balanced raw diet can give them these important nutrients. This helps the mother and her puppies stay healthy.
When starting puppies on raw food, it’s important to give them the right amount. Small puppies like Chihuahuas and Havanese should get 8 ounces of raw food a day, split into 4 meals. Medium puppies need more, about 2-3 times what an adult dog of the same size eats.
Pregnant dogs should eat a little more each week before the baby comes. By the end of week 8, they should eat about a quarter of their normal diet. After giving birth, eating the afterbirth can help them recover.
By adjusting raw feeding for puppies and pregnant dogs, owners can make sure they get the best nutrition. This leads to healthier, happier dogs.
Supplementing a Raw Diet
A well-planned raw diet gives your dog most of the nutrients they need. Yet, some dogs might need extra vitamins, minerals, or supplements. Adding these supplements ensures your dog gets everything they need for good health.
Essential Nutrients to Supplement
Some nutrients that dogs on raw diets might lack include:
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids – These fats are good for the heart, brain, kidneys, and liver. They also help with inflammation in the gut, skin, and joints.
- Probiotics – These are good bacteria that help with digestion and the immune system.
- Calcium – Important for strong bones and joints, especially in puppies and big breed dogs.
It’s key to talk to a vet or a canine nutritionist to see if your dog needs supplements. They can help you choose the right ones. Adding supplements slowly and trying different ones can make sure your pet gets a wide range of nutrients.
| Protein Source | Calories | Meat % | Edible Bone % | Protein % | Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quail | 192 kcal | 90% | 10% | 19.6% | 12% |
| Cornish Hen | 200 kcal | 68% | 32% | 17% | 14% |
| Rabbit, Skinless | 136 kcal | 72% | 28% | 20% | 5.6% |
| Chicken Neck, Skinless | 154 kcal | 60% | 40% | 17.6% | 8.8% |
| Chicken or Duck Feet | 217 kcal | 40% | 60% | 17.5% | 16% |
| Chicken or Duck Frames | 202 kcal | 20% | 80% | 18% | 14.5% |
| Chicken or Duck Leg Quarters | 214 kcal | 70% | 30% | 16% | 16% |
| Duck or Turkey Necks | 125 kcal | 55% | 45% | 16.5% | 6% |
| Pork or Lamb Ribs | 279 kcal | 70% | 30% | 21% | 21.5% |
Different protein sources have different nutrients, which is why variety is key in a raw diet. A professional can help balance your dog’s diet for optimal health.
A 2013 study found that Vitamin C from whole foods is better than synthetic sources. Whole foods offer more health benefits because of their nutrients and phytochemicals.
When adding supplements to your dog’s diet, start slow. Add one supplement at a time, using only a little at first. Switching supplements can also help keep your pet’s diet varied.
Avoiding Dangerous Foods in a Raw Diet
Feeding your dog a raw diet means knowing which foods are bad for them. Foods like avocado, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and unripe tomatoes can harm your dog. They can cause stomach problems, liver damage, or other health issues.
It’s also key to clean and disinfect all surfaces and tools that touch raw meat. This keeps your dog’s food safe and healthy by avoiding bacteria.
Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in a Raw Diet
- Avocado – Contains persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart muscle damage in dogs.
- Onions and Garlic – These can cause anemia by breaking down red blood cells in dogs.
- Grapes and Raisins – Linked to kidney failure in dogs, even in small quantities.
- Unripe Tomatoes – Contain solanine, which can cause gastrointestinal issues and central nervous system depression.
By avoiding these dangers and taking care, you can make sure your dog’s raw diet is safe and healthy. Handling food right, choosing the right foods, and balancing the diet are important. This way, your dog can get the most benefits from eating raw.
| Toxic Ingredient | Potential Health Risks |
|---|---|
| Avocado | Vomiting, diarrhea, heart muscle damage |
| Onions and Garlic | Anemia, breakdown of red blood cells |
| Grapes and Raisins | Kidney failure |
| Unripe Tomatoes | Gastrointestinal issues, central nervous system depression |
“Proper research and meal preparation are crucial before switching a dog from commercial kibble to a raw diet.”
Conclusion
A raw feeding diet can greatly benefit dogs by improving their digestion, making their skin and coat healthier, and boosting their immune system. By using a raw feeding chart, owners can make a diet that fits their dog’s specific needs. However, it’s important to know the risks, like bacterial contamination, to ensure safety.
Switching your dog to a raw diet should be done slowly and with advice from a vet or nutritionist. This way, your dog can get the best health benefits from a diet meant for their species. Understanding raw feeding, its benefits, and how to switch can help your pet stay healthy and happy.
Deciding on a raw diet for your dog means weighing the risks and benefits and considering what’s best for your pet. With the right knowledge and advice, feeding your dog raw can be a big step towards better health for both of you.
