When I first learned about raw diets for dogs, it was a revelation that came too late for our little Che, my beloved Havanese who suffered from colitis. Despite our best efforts, Che’s health struggles were overwhelming, and looking back, I can’t help but think that switching him to raw earlier might have given him a much healthier and happier life. Che’s journey inspired me to seek out better solutions for dogs, which ultimately led to the creation of Carnevore Mountain.
Working with Lucy Jabrayan, a holistic pet nutritionist, we found recipes that saved Bella, an American Bulldog in our family who was also struggling with health issues. Through this collaboration, I realized there was a severe lack of high-quality, truly beneficial dog food on the market. Carnevore Mountain was born from this need. It’s not just a business; it’s our mission to help other pet owners provide the best for their furry friends.
Transitioning your furry friend to a raw diet can be a game changer for their overall health, improving energy levels, digestive tracts, and even dental health. This blog covers everything pet parents need to know about raw feeding, including how much raw food to feed, guidelines for dogs of all sizes, and the importance of maintaining a balanced diet. We’ll also provide feeding charts in grams and pounds to help you determine the appropriate amount of food for your pet.
What Is a Raw Diet for Dogs?
A raw diet for dogs is a feeding method that includes uncooked, whole ingredients like raw meat, organ meats, raw meaty bones, and even small amounts of fruits or vegetables. The goal is to replicate what dogs’ digestive tracts are naturally designed to handle, mimicking the diet of their wild ancestors.
There are several types of raw diets, including the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) and Prey Model Raw. Both focus on providing dogs with the essential nutrients they need without relying on processed dry food.
Benefits of Feeding a Raw Food Diet
Raw feeding has become increasingly popular for its potential health benefits:
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Improved Digestive Health: Raw food can be easier for many dogs to digest, reducing digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation.
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Better Weight Management: Feeding the appropriate amount of raw food helps maintain an ideal weight for dogs.
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Healthier Coat and Skin: Essential nutrients in raw food improve coat health and reduce skin irritations.
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Dental Health: Chewing on raw meaty bones helps clean teeth naturally.
How Much Raw Food Should You Feed Your Dog?
Determining the right food quantity is essential for your dog’s health. The general guideline is to feed 2-3% of your dog’s ideal body weight daily, but individual needs may vary based on factors like age, activity level, and specific requirements.
Factors That Influence Food Intake
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Dog’s Weight and Size:
Smaller dogs often require a higher percentage of their body weight compared to larger dogs. -
Activity Level:
Highly active dogs need more energy and therefore more food, while sedentary or older dogs may require less. -
Life Stage:
Puppies and underweight adult dogs may need up to 6% of their body weight to support growth and weight gain, while senior dogs or overweight adult dogs may require closer to 1.5-2%. -
Health and Medical Requirements:
Dogs with special dietary needs, such as medical issues or specific requirements, may need a custom raw diet plan designed by an integrative veterinarian.
Raw Feeding Calculator: A Starting Point
To calculate how much raw food to feed your dog, use this rule of thumb:
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Multiply your dog’s ideal adult weight by 2-3% to determine the daily portion.
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For puppies, feed 4-6% of their current weight divided into multiple meals.
Feeding Charts for Raw Diets
To simplify the process, use the feeding charts below as a baseline recommendation. Adjust amounts based on your dog’s activity level, weight changes, or specific needs.
Feeding Chart (Grams)
|
Dog’s Weight (kg) |
Daily Intake (2-3%) |
Puppy (3-6%) |
Active Dogs (3-4%) |
Senior Dogs (1.5-2%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5 kg |
100 - 150 g |
150 - 300 g |
150 - 200 g |
75 - 100 g |
|
10 kg |
200 - 300 g |
300 - 600 g |
300 - 400 g |
150 - 200 g |
|
20 kg |
400 - 600 g |
600 - 1200 g |
600 - 800 g |
300 - 400 g |
|
30 kg |
600 - 900 g |
900 - 1800 g |
900 - 1200 g |
450 - 600 g |
Feeding Chart (Pounds)
|
Dog’s Weight (lbs) |
Daily Intake (2-3%) |
Puppy (3-6%) |
Active Dogs (3-4%) |
Senior Dogs (1.5-2%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10 lbs |
0.2 - 0.3 lbs |
0.3 - 0.6 lbs |
0.3 - 0.4 lbs |
0.15 - 0.2 lbs |
|
20 lbs |
0.4 - 0.6 lbs |
0.6 - 1.2 lbs |
0.6 - 0.8 lbs |
0.3 - 0.4 lbs |
|
50 lbs |
1.0 - 1.5 lbs |
1.5 - 3.0 lbs |
1.5 - 2.0 lbs |
0.75 - 1.0 lbs |
|
100 lbs |
2.0 - 3.0 lbs |
3.0 - 6.0 lbs |
3.0 - 4.0 lbs |
1.5 - 2.0 lbs |
Transitioning to a Raw Dog Food Diet
First Step: Gradual Transition
Transitioning from dry food to a raw food diet should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start by replacing a small amount of the current diet with raw food and increase the proportion over a 1-2 week period.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
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Monitor your dog’s stool for signs of digestive issues.
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Start with a poultry recipe for the first 5 days as poultry is easier to digest and better for the transition to raw.
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Wash hands, bowls, and work surfaces with soapy water after handling raw pet food.
Feeding Guidelines for Puppies, Adults, and Senior Dogs
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Puppies:
Puppies have high energy needs and require multiple meals daily. Feed them 3-6% of their current weight divided into 3-4 meals. -
Healthy Adult Dogs:
Feed adult dogs twice daily, using 2-3% of their ideal weight as a baseline. Adjust based on activity level and metabolic rate. -
Senior Dogs:
Older dogs may have slower metabolisms. Reduce food intake to 1.5-2% of their ideal body weight while maintaining essential nutrients for overall health.
What Should Be Included in a Raw Dog Food Diet?
A balanced diet is crucial to meet your dog’s nutritional needs. Use this guide to ensure their meals are complete:
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70% Raw Meat: Provides an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients.
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10% Raw Bones: Supports dental health and provides calcium.
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10% Organs: Rich in essential vitamins and nutrients.
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10% Fruits & Vegetables: Lightly roasted vegetables and fruits for a fully balanced meal.
Common Concerns and Solutions
Weight Management:
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If your dog is overweight, reduce their daily portion slightly.
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If they’re underweight, increase food intake gradually and monitor weight gain.
Digestive Issues:
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Introduce new foods like organ meats or freeze-dried formulas slowly to avoid digestive upset.
Medical Issues:
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Consult an integrative veterinarian for dogs with special dietary needs or medical requirements.
Hygiene and Safety:
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Always wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after preparing raw food to avoid harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella.
Key Takeaways for Pet Owners
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The best way to start a raw dog food diet is by following a general guideline and adjusting based on your dog’s specific requirements.
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Use a raw feeding calculator to determine the right amount of raw food for your dog’s weight and activity level.
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Pay close attention to your dog’s meals, stool, and overall behavior to ensure the diet is working for them.
Feeding raw can help your pet thrive, but it’s important to provide a balanced diet and follow feeding guidelines to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need.
By using this feeding guide and charts, pet parents can confidently transition their dogs to a raw food diet, promoting better health, energy, and happiness!
