Raw Feeding FAQs
In the following sections you’ll find answers to the most common questions we get asked about raw feeding. It’s important to know that this isn’t a new way of feeding and that dogs all over the world have thrived on a raw diet for decades. But we do understand that it can be a big leap when starting out. If you have any further questions, do get in touch via our contact form which you can find the link to at the bottom of the page and we’ll do our best to help.
General Raw Feeding Questions
- What Is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?
- What Does Raw Feeding a Dog Mean?
- Is a Raw Diet Good for Dogs?
- Should I Feed My Dog Raw Food or Kibble?
- What Are the Benefits of Raw Feeding Dogs?
- Are There Any Risks to Feeding Dogs Raw Food?
- Is Raw Feeding Safe for Dogs Long Term?
What Is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs?
A raw food diet for dogs consists of uncooked, minimally processed ingredients intended to mirror what dogs’ ancestors ate in the wild. Raw diets typically include:
- Raw muscle meat (e.g. beef, chicken, lamb)
- Edible raw bones
- Organ meats (such as liver and kidney)
- Sometimes fruits, vegetables, and supplements
There are two common approaches:
- BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) – includes meat, bones, organs, vegetables, and fruits
- Prey Model Raw – focuses on whole animal ratios (meat, bone, organs) with no plant matter
Raw feeding is based on the idea that dogs are biologically adapted to digest raw animal-based foods rather than highly processed kibble.
What Does Raw Feeding a Dog Mean?
Raw feeding a dog means providing meals made from raw, uncooked ingredients instead of commercial dry or wet dog food. This can be done through:
- Homemade raw meals, prepared by the owner
- Commercially prepared raw dog food, frozen or freeze-dried
Raw feeding avoids high-heat processing, artificial preservatives, and fillers often found in dry food. This preserves natural enzymes and nutrients that support digestion, dental health, and overall wellbeing.
Is a Raw Diet Good for Dogs?
A raw diet can be an excellent choice for dogs when it is properly balanced and safely prepared. Many dogs thrive on raw food, showing improvements in digestion, coat quality, and energy levels.
The quality of the diet matters more than the label. A raw diet that meets canine nutritional requirements can be healthy, but it must be carefully formulated. If you are new to raw feeding then our BARF range of foods does all the hard work for you by providing everything that your dog needs.
Should I Feed My Dog Raw Food or Kibble?
Choosing between raw food and kibble depends on several factors, including your dog’s health, and your lifestyle
There is no single “best” option for every dog.
What Are the Benefits of Raw Feeding Dogs?
Many pet owners report noticeable benefits when feeding a raw diet, including:
- Improved digestion and smaller stools
- Healthier skin and shinier coat
- Cleaner teeth and fresher breath
- Reduced food sensitivities and itching
- Higher energy levels and lean muscle tone
These benefits are often linked to higher meat content, fewer carbohydrates, and the absence of artificial additives.
Are There Any Risks to Feeding Dogs Raw Food?
Yes, raw feeding can carry risks, but these can be mitigated by the following suggestions:
- Following proven formulations
- Practising strict food hygiene
- Using reputable commercial raw brands such as Nutricione.
Is Raw Feeding Safe for Dogs Long Term?
Raw feeding can be safe long term when the diet is nutritionally complete, varied, and appropriately portioned for the dog’s life stage and health needs.
Long-term success comes from:
- Correct nutrient balance
- Regular health monitoring
- Adjustments for puppies, seniors, and dogs with medical conditions
Just as with poor quality processed foods, dogs fed poorly planned raw diets long term may develop deficiencies or skeletal issues, while dogs on well-formulated raw diets often maintain excellent body condition and vitality.
Getting Started With a Raw Food Diet
- How Do I Start Raw Feeding My Dog?
- Can I Switch My Dog From Kibble to Raw Food Immediately?
- How Long Does it Take For a Dog to Adjust to a Raw Diet?
- What is the Best Raw Food Diet for Beginners?
- How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Dog?
How Do I Start Raw Feeding My Dog?
Start by choosing a nutritionally complete raw food approach. Introduce one protein source at a time, begin with simple, easily digestible meats such as chicken or turkey, and feed appropriate portions based on your dog’s weight. Keep meals plain for the first one to two weeks while your dog’s digestive system adapts and then add new proteins one at a time.
Can I Switch my Dog From Kibble to Raw Food Immediately?
Some dogs can switch straight from kibble to raw food without problems, but many do better with a gradual transition. A slow switch over 7–10 days helps prevent digestive upset by allowing gut bacteria to adjust. Start by replacing 25% of the kibble with raw food and increase the raw portion every few days until the kibble is completely removed.
How Long Does it Take for a Dog to Adjust to a Raw Diet?
Most dogs adjust to a raw diet within one to three weeks. During this time, it’s not unusual to see softer stools, mild detox symptoms such as flaky skin, or changes in appetite. These typically settle as the digestive system adapts to higher protein and fat levels.
What is the Best Raw Food Diet for Beginners?
The best raw food diet for beginners is a commercially prepared, complete and balanced raw diet, such as Nutricione. This removes the guesswork of balancing nutritional needs, making them an easier and more convenient option for new raw feeders.
How Much Raw Food Should I Feed my Dog per Day?
Most adult dogs should eat between 2% and 3% of their ideal body weight per day in raw food. Active dogs may need more, while less active or overweight dogs may need less. Puppies and very active dogs often require 4–10% of their body weight depending on age and energy needs. For a more accurate assessment we have a raw food calculator here.
Nutrition and Balance
- Is a raw diet nutritionally complete for dogs?
- How do I balance a raw diet for my dog?
- What nutrients do dogs need on a raw food diet?
- Do dogs need supplements on a raw diet?
- Can dogs get calcium from raw food?
- What is the BARF diet for dogs?
- What is the difference between BARF and prey model raw?
Is a Raw Diet Nutritionally Complete for Dogs?
A raw diet can absolutely be nutritionally complete for dogs, but only when it is correctly formulated to meet established canine nutritional standards. Dogs require protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients, and an unbalanced raw diet can lead to deficiencies or excesses over time. That’s why we decided to stock Nutricione, a high quality raw dog food whose complete range takes all the guesswork out of feeding your dog as balanced diet.
How Do I Balance a Raw Diet for My Dog?
Balancing a raw diet involves feeding the correct proportions of muscle meat, edible bone, and organ meats, along with any necessary plant matter or supplements. A commonly used guideline is approximately 70–80% muscle meat, 10–15% edible bone, and 10% organs, with half of the organ portion coming from liver. Balance should be achieved over time rather than in every meal, and recipes should be adjusted based on your dog’s age, size, and health status.
What Nutrients Do Dogs Need on a Raw Food Diet?
Dogs on a raw food diet require high-quality protein, healthy fats, calcium and phosphorus, essential fatty acids (such as omega-3s), vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals including zinc, copper, iodine, and manganese. Water content is naturally higher in raw food, which can support hydration and kidney health.
Do Dogs Need Supplements on a Raw Diet?
Some dogs may need supplements on a raw diet, depending on how the diet is formulated. Homemade raw diets often require supplementation to ensure adequate levels of iodine, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and sometimes zinc or manganese. Complete commercial raw diets such as the Nutricione complete, do not require additional supplements unless recommended by a veterinary professional.
Can Dogs Get Calcium From Raw Food?
Yes, dogs can get calcium from raw food, primarily through edible raw bones such as chicken necks, wings, or frames. Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signalling. It is critical that calcium and phosphorus are provided in the correct ratio, as imbalances can cause skeletal problems, particularly in growing puppies.
What is the BARF Diet for Dogs?
The BARF diet, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food, is a raw feeding approach that includes raw meat, edible bones, organ meats, vegetables, fruits, and sometimes supplements. The goal of the BARF diet is to mimic a dog’s evolutionary diet while incorporating plant-based nutrients for added fibre and micronutrients.
What is the Difference Between BARF and Prey Model Raw?
The main difference between BARF and prey model raw is the inclusion of plant matter. BARF diets include vegetables, fruits, and supplements alongside animal-based ingredients, while prey model raw focuses exclusively on animal parts, typically following an 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ ratio. Prey model raw aims to replicate whole prey consumption, whereas BARF offers a more varied ingredient profile.
Meat, Bones, Fruit and Veg
- What meats are best for raw feeding dogs?
- Can dogs eat raw chicken?
- Are raw bones safe for dogs?
- What bones can dogs eat on a raw diet?
- Can dogs eat raw fish?
- What fruits and vegetables can dogs eat on a raw diet?
- What foods should dogs never eat?
What Meats Are Best For Raw Feeding Dogs?
The best meats for raw feeding dogs are high-quality, fresh, and appropriately sourced animal proteins. Common options include chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, duck, venison, and rabbit. Rotating different protein sources helps provide a broader nutrient profile and reduces the risk of intolerances. Organ meats such as liver, kidney, spleen, and heart are also essential components of a balanced raw diet.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?
Yes, dogs can eat raw chicken, and it is one of the most commonly used proteins in raw feeding. Raw chicken provides easily digestible protein, healthy fats, and edible bones such as necks and wings. It is important to handle raw chicken hygienically and source it from reputable suppliers to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Are Raw Bones Safe For Dogs?
Raw bones are generally safe for dogs when they are raw, appropriately sized, and fed under supervision. Unlike cooked bones, raw bones are softer and less likely to splinter. They can help clean teeth and provide essential minerals, but they must always be suitable for the dog’s size and chewing ability.
What Bones Can Dogs Eat On A Raw Diet?
Dogs can eat edible raw bones such as chicken necks, wings, frames, duck necks, turkey necks for larger dogs, and soft lamb ribs. Our range of air dried bones can also be a good option for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Fish?
Dogs can eat raw fish, but it should be fed in moderation and properly prepared. Safe options include sardines, mackerel, and salmon, ideally frozen beforehand to reduce parasite risk. Raw fish provides omega-3 fatty acids that support skin, coat, and joint health.
What Fruits And Vegetables Can Dogs Eat On A Raw Diet?
Dogs can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables on a raw diet, including carrots, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, pumpkin, blueberries, apples without seeds, and pears. These foods should be finely chopped or puréed to improve digestibility and nutrient absorption.
What Foods Should Dogs Never Eat?
Dogs should never eat foods that are toxic or unsafe, including onions, garlic in large amounts, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate, avocado, and raw dough. Cooked bones should also never be fed, as they can splinter and cause serious internal injuries.
Practical Raw Feeding
- How do I store raw dog food safely?
- Can I travel while feeding my dog raw food?
- Is raw feeding more expensive than kibble?
- How messy is feeding a raw diet?
- Can I mix raw food and kibble together?
How Do I Store Raw Dog Food Safely?
Raw dog food should be stored frozen until use and thawed in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Once thawed, it should be used within 24–48 hours. Raw food should be kept in sealed containers, stored separately from human food, and prepared using clean utensils and surfaces to minimise bacterial contamination
Can I Travel While Feeding My Dog Raw Food?
Yes, it is possible to travel while feeding raw food, but it requires planning. For shorter trips, frozen raw food can be transported in coolers with ice packs, and many supermarkets stock meat that will be suitable on a short term basis.
Is Raw Feeding More Expensive Than Kibble?
Raw feeding can be more expensive than standard dry food, however, it’s often comparable to the price of a premium kibble. Many owners switch to raw because they are seeking a more natural and less processed food for their dogs.
How Messy Is Feeding A Raw Diet?
Feeding a raw diet can be messier than kibble, especially during preparation but no more so than preparing meats for you and your family. Using dedicated feeding areas, stainless steel bowls, and easy-to-clean surfaces can significantly reduce mess. Many dogs adapt quickly and eat raw food cleanly once accustomed to it.
Can I Mix Raw Food And Kibble Together?
Mixing raw food and kibble is generally not recommended within the same meal, as they digest at different rates for some dogs and may cause digestive upset. However, many dogs enjoy a meat topping to their dry food and do very well, so it does seem to depend on the individual dog and may need a little experimentation. Another option, if both are fed, is to offer raw food and kibble in separate meals or on different days.