🥩 How to Start a Raw Diet for Your Dog (The Right Way)

 

🥩 How to Start a Raw Diet for Your Dog (The Right Way)

 

Thinking about switching your dog to a raw food diet? Done right, raw feeding can boost energy, support digestion, and give your pup that sleek, healthy shine. Here’s how to make the transition safely and successfully.

 

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🧠 What Is a Raw Diet for Dogs?

 

A raw diet typically includes:

 

• Muscle meat (often still on the bone)

• Organ meats (liver, kidney, etc.)

• Raw bones (never cooked)

• Vegetables, fruits, and eggs

• Some add dairy, like kefir or yogurt

 

This is also called a BARF diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.

 

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🐾 Step-by-Step: Starting a Raw Diet

 

1. Talk to Your Vet or a Canine Nutritionist

Every dog is different. Get expert input, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with health issues.

2. Start Slow

Introduce one raw protein (like chicken or turkey) and monitor your dog’s reaction for 3–5 days.

3. Balance Over Time

Aim for the ideal ratio:

 

• 70–80% muscle meat

• 10% raw, meaty bones

• 10% organs (half of that liver)

• 10% veggies/fruits (optional)

 

4. Use Pre-Made Raw to Learn the Basics

Try commercial raw blends if you’re new—it helps simplify portions and reduces prep time.

 

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🦴 Tips for Raw Feeding Success

 

 

• Always feed bones raw—cooked bones splinter and can be deadly

• Freeze meat for 2–3 weeks to kill parasites

• Clean prep areas like you would for your own food

• Store and thaw food properly

 

 

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⚠️ Raw Diet Cautions

 

 

• Raw is not for every dog.

• Immunocompromised dogs (or humans in the home) need extra care.

• Balance is key—long-term imbalances can cause deficiencies.

 

 

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🛒 Tools You’ll Need

 

 

• A kitchen scale for portioning

• Food-safe gloves

• Freezer storage bins

• Stainless steel bowls

 

 

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