Feeding raw food
Raw feeding is great for your furry friends but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We hope you find this short guide helpful to your raw feeding journey.
Your ultimate raw feeding guide
Remember to only introduce one new food at a time, so if there are any issues, allergies or intolerances the cause can be easily identified.
Step 1
We recommend feeding your dog either a chicken or turkey complete mince which contain 10% bone for 5-7 days.
Step 2
We now suggest moving to a chicken mix complete or a beef complete again containing 10% bone. Stick to this for 5-7 days.
Step 3
In this stage we recommend moving a richer complete mince such as veal or lamb for a further 5-7 days.
Step 4
Now you can try all the complete minces, try to introduce one new protein at a time, stick to a new flavour for at least 3 consecutive days.
Supplementary information
Please use the information below as a general guide for healthy dogs without known allergies.
Like us all dogs have unique needs and factors such as age, breed, activity level, and gender can influence their daily food requirements. Monitor your dog’s overall body condition and adjust their food intake accordingly—reduce it if they are gaining weight and increase it if they are losing weight.
Veteran (senior) dogs often need less bone in their diet, so if the dog becomes constipated add a boneless tripe or mince to their diet, this will dilute the bone content of the complete minces (81/10/10).
If you are ever uncertain about what to feed your dog please contact us and we will be more than happy to advise you further.
Whilst fresh clean water must ALWAYSÂ be available, dogs that are raw fed generally drink less. Dry food can cause dehydration which causes them to drink more. If you notice your dog drinks less do not be alarmed! However if your dog stops drinking completely please consult a vet immediately.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits?
Feeding a raw diet can have many benefits including:
- Improved digestion
- Healthier skin and glossier coats
- Better dental & oral health
- Reduced flatulence
- Can help reduce hyperactivity
- Improve overall health (reduce vet visits)
- Help with a stronger immune system
- Maintain healthier weight management
How Do I know How much to Feed?
Please use our raw food calculator above to give you a guide as to quantities to feed your dog.
If you are ever uncertain about feeding your dog contact us and we will be more than happy to advise you further.
How Expensive is it?
To put it simply, probably less than you think. We believe raw feeding is hugely beneficial to a dogs health, therefore we want these foods to be accessible to as many dogs as possible. Speak with us in store or on the phone and we can show you how little it can cost!
Can i swap my dog straight onto raw?
Yes! Doing a straight swap from processed pet food to raw is recommended.
Mixing raw food with processed food can cause an upset stomach. The best move to raw would be introduce the new raw food on an empty stomach (first meal of the day after they have been to the toilet).
| Dog Safe fruit | Dog safe vegetables | Other Dog Safe Additions |
|---|---|---|
| Blueberries - Are high in antioxidents, fiber, vitamins C and K, and omega oils. These nutrients can support your dog's immune system, brain health and heart health. | Carrot - Are an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium and fiber. They can also help improve your dog's dental health. | Raw Egg (with shell) - Are rich in protein and are a great source of linoleic acid, vitamin B2, B12 & water soluble Vitamin A. All of which are great for dog's skin and coat. Eggshells are also a great source of calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which can help support strong bones, teeth and joints in dogs. |
| Strawberries - Are full of antioxidants and are high in vitamin C and fiber. The fruit also contains Omega-3, which benefits skin and coat health. | Broccoli - Contains vitamin A, C & K as well as folic acid which helps produce and maintain healthy cells. | Raw Fish - (Sprats, trout, mackeral & Salmon). We prefer feeding fish frozen, as it reduces the likelihood of being sick. |
| Mango - Are high in fiber and contain both alpha-carotene and beta-carotene as well as these vitamin A, B6, C & E. | Sweet Potatos - Contain a high amount of beta-carotene, which can help keep your dog's heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease. Sweet potato is also a low fat treat containing vitamin A, B & C. | Coconut Oil - This helps keep your dogs skin and coat sleek and shiny and also helps to keep good oral hygiene. |
| Apples - Provide vitamin A, C & dietary fiber. They also provide a way to keep your dog's teeth clean and can help freshen their breath. | Green Beans - Are loaded with essential vitamin A, B6, C & K as well as being high sources of iron & calcium. | Natural Yoghurt - Has great probiotic benefits that help keep your dogs gut healthy. Natural yoghurt is a great source of calcium and protein which is beneficial for maintaining good bone & muscle health. |
| Banana - Are high in vitamin B6 & C as well as containing potassium. Potassium is important for the proper function of your dog's heart, nerves and muscles. | Pumpkin - Containing vitamin A, C & E. But pumpkin is even more special it contains an amino acid called curcurbitin that is known to paralyse worms. Therefore it is a natural and effective way to prevent these nasty parasites from bothering your dog's digestive system. | |
| Watermelon - Is a good source of potassium, vitamin C, A & B6. It also high in fiber to support healthy digestion, and its high water content (92%) keeps dogs cool and hydrated. | Butternut Squash - Is full of vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber. These nutrients can contribute to a shiny coat, healthy skin, and a stronger immune system. | |
| Pears - Contain vitamin A, C & K, as well as fiber, copper, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients can support a dog's immune system, bone health, and blood clotting. |
Let's talk about poo!
One of the HUGE benefits once a dog has been fully transitioned to a raw diet is the poos! You will notice your dog will poo less frequently; this is due to the high nutrient dense quality of the food. They are also smaller in size, less smelly and firmer in consistency!
However if you notice some unusual poos when trying to get the balance just right. Here is how to understand your dogs poo:
- White poo - Too much bone content
- Black or Dark poo - Too much tripe or offal
- Runny poo - Not enough bone
If your dog has an upset stomach, we recommend using Proflax Tummy Tastic in their meals we stock this in store and online.
