Raw Feeding Basics 3 min read
Ultimate Guide to Raw Dog Food
By Vivienne Cristofari, owner of Carnevore Mountain
In this article (6)
Raw dog food is simple at heart: uncooked meat, organs, bone and vegetables, made from ingredients you can name. This guide explains what goes into a raw meal and how to choose a protein for your dog.
Ready to make the switch? Our Feeding Guide has the 10-day plan, how much to feed by weight, and what's normal along the way.
In This Guide
- What Is Raw Dog Food?
- Why Pet Parents Choose Raw
- Choosing the Right Protein
- Protein Comparison Guide
- Common Questions About Raw Feeding
What Is Raw Dog Food?
Raw dog food is a minimally processed diet of uncooked ingredients. Raw meals include muscle meat, organs, bone and vegetables.
Unlike typical kibble, raw food is not cooked. Each recipe is built around clearly identifiable ingredients, so you know what is in the bowl.
At Carnevore Mountain, our recipes are designed around thoughtful protein selection, responsibly sourced ingredients and minimally processed food.
Why Pet Parents Choose Raw
One of the biggest reasons pet parents explore raw feeding is ingredient transparency. A raw recipe lets you see the protein source, the organ content and every supporting ingredient.
That matters most when a dog has food sensitivities or a sensitive stomach, because you can choose a single protein and check exactly what else is in it.
Every dog is different. Read more on our Benefits of Raw Feeding page.
Choosing the Right Protein
One of the advantages of raw feeding is the ability to choose a protein that suits your dog. Not every protein serves the same purpose.
New to Raw?
Start with one poultry recipe, such as Turkey Day, and stay with it until stools are firm. Then start rotating. The Feeding Guide walks you through the switch.
Chicken Raw Dog Food
Chicken Raw Dog Food is commonly used as an approachable everyday protein.
Turkey Raw Dog Food
Turkey Raw Dog Food is often selected for lean feeding and is an easy first protein.
Duck Raw Dog Food
Duck Raw Dog Food is another single-protein poultry recipe, and a good next step once your dog is settled on raw.
Beef Raw Dog Food
The Big Beef is a nutrient-dense red-meat option, popular with active dogs.
Lamb Raw Dog Food
Lamb Raw Dog Food is a richer red-meat option.
Rabbit Raw Dog Food
Rabbit Raw Dog Food is a less common protein. It also has pork heart and liver, so check the full ingredient list.
Kangaroo Raw Dog Food
Kangaroo Raw Dog Food is a less common protein, commonly selected for rotational feeding. It also has lamb heart, lung and liver, so check the full ingredient list.
Pork Raw Dog Food
Pork Raw Dog Food is highly palatable and often works well for picky eaters or dogs who need more variety.
Protein Comparison Guide
| Protein | Best For | Feeding Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Lean feeding | An easy first protein |
| Chicken | Everyday feeding | Lean and approachable |
| Duck | Poultry variety | Single protein |
| Beef | Active dogs | Nutrient-dense red meat |
| Lamb | Red-meat variety | Rich red meat |
| Pork | Picky eaters | High palatability |
| Rabbit | Less common protein | Check the full ingredient list |
| Kangaroo | Rotational feeding | Less common protein |
Quick Summary
Turkey is lean, beef is nutrient dense, rabbit and kangaroo are less common proteins, and pork is highly palatable.
Common Questions About Raw Feeding
Is raw dog food safe?
Raw feeding can be safe when handled properly, with responsible sourcing, proper storage and safe feeding practices. See how to thaw and serve in our Feeding Guide.
What is the best raw protein for allergies?
Rabbit and kangaroo are less common proteins. Check the full ingredient list, and talk to your veterinarian about food sensitivities. Read more in Less Common Proteins for Dogs With Food Sensitivities.
Should I rotate proteins?
Many pet parents do, once their dog is settled on one recipe. Add one new protein at a time, so you can see how your dog does with each.
Can puppies eat raw dog food?
Talk to your veterinarian before raw becomes your puppy's main diet. Growing puppies need calcium and phosphorus in precise amounts.
Can dogs eat raw food every day?
Yes. Our raw meals are designed for daily feeding.
How do I switch, and how much should I feed?
Switch gradually over about 10 days, and feed about 2–3% of your dog's ideal body weight a day. The Feeding Guide has the day-by-day plan and a feeding calculator.
Related Reading
Final Thoughts
Choosing a raw food starts with knowing what is in the bowl. Start with one protein, read the full ingredient list, and rotate once your dog is settled.
Explore our full Raw Dog Food Collection, compare proteins like rabbit or kangaroo, or follow our Feeding Guide to make the switch.
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