The Benefits of Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food is gaining popularity among pet owners who want to provide their furry friends the most natural and healthy diet. Unlike commercial kibble, raw diets focus on fresh, whole ingredients that more closely mimic what dogs would eat in the wild. Here are some reasons why raw dog food is considered the best option for dogs:
1. Nutrient-Rich Diet: Raw dog food is packed with essential nutrients often lost during commercial kibble processing. Fresh meat, organs, and bones provide high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals for your dog’s overall health.
2. Improved Digestion: Many dogs on a raw diet experience better digestion. Raw food is more easily broken down by a dog’s digestive system, leading to fewer gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
3. Healthier Skin and Coat: Raw food's natural oils and fats contribute to a shinier, healthier coat. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from raw meat and supplements like fish oil also help reduce skin allergies and promote skin health.
4. Increased Energy Levels: Dogs on a raw diet often show higher energy levels and improved vitality. This is because they receive the optimal nutrients their bodies require, rather than fillers and artificial ingredients found in kibble.
5. Dental Health: Chewing raw bones helps to clean a dog’s teeth naturally, reducing the risk of dental diseases and bad breath. The act of chewing also strengthens their jaw muscles.
The Downside of Commercial Kibble
Commercial kibble, while convenient, often contains ingredients that are not ideal for a dog’s health. Here are some of the problematic components commonly found in kibble:
1. Low-Quality Protein Sources: Many kibble brands use meat by-products and fillers such as corn, soy, and wheat. These ingredients provide low-quality protein that is harder for dogs to digest and can lead to allergies and sensitivities.
2. Artificial Additives: Kibble often contains artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These additives can cause adverse reactions in dogs, including hyperactivity, skin issues, and long-term health problems.
3. High Carbohydrate Content: Dogs do not require many carbohydrates. However, kibble often contains high levels of carbs to act as fillers, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
4. Potential Contaminants: The processing methods used to produce kibble can lead to contamination with harmful substances like mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by mold. This can pose significant health risks to your dog.
How to Prepare Raw Dog Food at Home
Preparing raw dog food at home allows you to control the quality and proportions of ingredients your dog consumes. Here is a detailed explanation of how to make a balanced raw diet for your dog:
Ingredients and Proportions
- 10 lbs lean meat (demonstrated with chicken legs with skin and bone)
I buy my chicken at Sam’s Club. It’s currently 0.93/lb. I always struggle to find the bulk box when searching so, here is the link.
- 1 lb of chicken liver (or beef liver if chicken liver is unavailable)
- 12-16 oz of vegetables/fruit (such as green beans, blueberries, or pumpkin)
This mixture follows the 80/10/10 diet: 80% lean meat, 10% organ meat, and 10% bone. If you can find other organ meats, you can split the liver and other organs 50/50, ensuring a minimum of 5% liver.
Supplements
- Clean Agility Daily Vitamin: A comprehensive vitamin supplement (to be released late 2024.)
- Omega Fish Oil: For additional fatty acids to support skin and coat health. Here is my favorite
Preparation Process
1. Grinding: Use a high-quality grinder to grind the chicken legs, liver, and vegetables/fruit. This makes it easier for your dog to eat and digest the food. You can feed it whole if your dog chews their food, but my four do not, so I grind it.😂
I bought this grinder in January 2022 and used it for two years. The shaft drive started to get rounded and loose, so I bought a different one to help speed up the process.
Here is the one I’ve been using since January. I can grind 150 lbs of meat in about an hour.
2. Mixing: Combine the ground ingredients thoroughly to ensure a consistent mix of nutrients in every serving.
3. Portioning: Divide the mixture into appropriate portions for your dog’s size and dietary needs (See feeding guide below). For example, a 42-44 lb dog might eat 1 lb of food daily, while a puppy might need 1 1/2-2 lbs daily.
Another note on puppies: I have fed 3 of my current 4 dogs raw since I got them. Ensuring they get the proper vitamins and minerals is key to their health. A higher caloric intake is necessary as they grow, but they also need calcium to support their growing bones. I have used raw eggs and egg shells from farm-fresh eggs.
4. Storage: Store the portions in 8 oz deli containers and freeze them. Thaw the food in the fridge overnight or on the counter before feeding.
5. I ALWAYS wash and sanitize my workspace before and after this process. This helps ensure that I keep bacteria out of my dogs' food and that I am protecting my family from any bacteria that may be present in the chicken.
Additional Tips
Chicken Paws and Eggs: Occasionally, give your dog chicken paws and whole raw farm-fresh eggs (with the shell) for added calcium and nutrients.
- Adjustments: Monitor your dog’s weight and health, and adjust the food portions as needed.
FEEDING GUIDE
Calculating how much raw food to feed your dog depends on several factors, including their weight, age, activity level, and overall health. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you determine the appropriate amount of raw food for your dog:
1. Determine Your Dog's Ideal Weight
First, establish your dog's ideal weight. This can usually be estimated based on their breed and size. If you're unsure, consult with your veterinarian.
2. Calculate the Daily Feeding Amount
A common rule of thumb for adult dogs is to feed them 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. Puppies, highly active dogs, and pregnant or nursing dogs may require a higher percentage, often around 4-6%.
Example Calculations:
- Adult Dog: For a dog with an ideal weight of 50 lbs, you would feed:
- 2% of 50 lbs = 1 lb of food per day
- 3% of 50 lbs = 1.5 lbs of food per day
Therefore, the daily feeding range for this dog would be between 1 and 1.5 lbs of raw food per day.
- Puppy: For a puppy with an expected adult weight of 20 lbs, you would feed:
- 4% of 20 lbs = 0.8 lbs of food per day
- 6% of 20 lbs = 1.2 lbs of food per day
Therefore, this puppy would need to be fed between 0.8 and 1.2 lbs of raw food daily.
3. Adjust Based on Activity Level and Metabolism
Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust the feeding amount as necessary. Highly active dogs or dogs with fast metabolisms might need more, while less active or older dogs might require less.
4. Monitor and Adjust
Monitor your dog's body condition and weight regularly. Adjust the feeding amounts based on whether the dog is gaining or losing weight. It might take a few weeks to find the perfect balance.
5. Split the Daily Amount into Multiple Meals
Most dogs do well with their daily amount split into two meals, one in the morning and one in the evening. Puppies might require three to four meals a day.
Calculating how much raw food to feed your dog involves understanding their ideal weight and adjusting the amount based on their individual needs and lifestyle. Regular monitoring and adjustments will help them maintain a healthy weight and get the right nutrition.
By preparing raw dog food at home, you ensure your dog receives a diet free from harmful additives and rich in natural, beneficial nutrients. This approach can lead to your beloved pet's happier, healthier, and more vibrant life.
Switching to a raw diet can be one of the best decisions for your dog’s health and well-being. By avoiding the low-quality ingredients and potential contaminants found in commercial kibble, you provide a nutrient-rich, natural diet that supports all aspects of your dog's health. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure your dog thrives on a raw diet.
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