Raw Meat for Dogs: A Complete Guide to Getting Started

Raw meat can be a great addition to your dog's diet, but it's essential to do it right. A balanced raw diet should include a variety of meats, bones, and organs.

Start by choosing high-quality sources, such as grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and wild-caught fish. These options are rich in nutrients and lower in contaminants.

Consider your dog's age, health, and lifestyle when selecting a raw diet. Puppies, for example, require more calcium than adult dogs.

A general rule of thumb is to feed your dog 2-3% of their body weight in raw meat daily. This translates to a 50-pound dog eating about 1-1.5 pounds of raw meat per day.

Raw meat diets can improve a dog's digestive health, allowing them to absorb more nutrients and poop less frequently.

Dogs on a raw diet tend to have softer, shinier coats due to the presence of fresh fat, protein, vitamin E, and zinc.

Feeding raw meat can help control conditions like diabetes, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

A raw diet may help balance a dog's overall digestive system, aiding with weight management.

Some owners notice improved breath and oral health in their dogs on a raw diet, with studies showing that dental problems can be reduced by feeding raw meat with bone fragments.

A raw diet can encourage healthier gut bacteria, balanced blood sugar, and a better endocrine system.

Dogs fed a raw diet tend to have healthier skin and coats, with fewer ingredients reducing the likelihood of allergies.

Raw meat diets can be less likely to cause allergies, and studies have shown that puppies fed raw food are less likely to grow up to suffer from canine atopic dermatitis.

A fresh viewpoint: Raw Feeding

Raw meat for dogs can be a safe and healthy choice, but it's essential to take some basic precautions. Raw and undercooked meat can make humans sick, so it's natural to worry.

You likely wash your hands and disinfect surfaces after handling raw meat when you do your own cooking, correct? Taking these same precautions after handling raw meat-based diets is simply the final step in ensuring your entire family stays safe.

Feeding your dogs raw meat can be a bit of a risk, but there are ways to reduce it. We recommend that you ensure your vet is on board with the diet change as well.

Dogs can eat raw meat, so long as your veterinarian is on board, but there are some things to keep in mind to reduce the risk of illness due to contamination. Always choose high-quality meats that are stored and prepared correctly.

High-quality meats are just the beginning. To ensure the food is always safe and healthy, it's crucial to follow industry-standard best practices and precautions.

Readers also liked: Is High Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs

Choosing and Handling Raw Meat is a crucial part of ensuring your dog stays safe. You likely wash your hands and disinfect surfaces after handling raw meat when you do your own cooking, correct? Taking these same precautions after handling raw meat-based diets is simply the final step in ensuring your entire family stays safe.

You might enjoy: Safe Ingredients for Dog Treats

To choose the best raw meat for your dog, consider the following factors: make sure the diet is complete and balanced, what steps the company takes to protect the food, do you need to add anything extra to make sure your dog gets the proper nutrients, do they deliver directly to your door, and where do they source their meats?

To handle raw meat safely, freeze the meat if you're not going to feed it to your dog immediately, keep raw meats separated from other food, clean your prep surfaces and food bowls with hot water and soap, and wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.

Dogs can thrive on a raw diet if you choose high-quality meats and take proper precautions to ensure food safety.

The quality of the meat is a critical factor in reducing the risks of feeding raw food. Look for meats that look and smell fresh, and avoid giving your dog meat that has been sitting out.

Proper hygiene is also essential when handling raw meat. Freeze the meat if you're not going to feed it to your dog immediately, and keep raw meats separate from other food.

To keep your family safe, clean your prep surfaces and food bowls with hot water and soap, and wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.

If you're considering a raw diet, talk to your veterinarian first. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks and ensure that you're making the best decision for your dog.

Some things to consider when selecting a raw diet include:

By choosing a high-quality raw diet and taking proper precautions, you can help your dog thrive on a diet that's natural and nutritious.

Puppies can start eating raw food as soon as they begin weaning off their mother's milk. This is because high-quality raw food manufacturers like We Feed Raw use high-pressure processing to neutralize pathogens, making it a safe choice.

Check this out: Dog Food for High Energy Dogs

Puppies can thrive on raw food, and it's a natural choice for their diet. The key is to find a reputable manufacturer that ensures the safety of their products.

Puppies can start eating raw food as soon as they begin weaning off their mother's milk. This is because high-quality raw food manufacturers like We Feed Raw use high-pressure processing to neutralize pathogens, making it a safe choice.

It's essential to do your research and find a trustworthy raw food brand that meets your puppy's nutritional needs.

Transitioning to raw meat for your dog requires some planning to avoid stomach problems. Many dogs are prone to stomach issues when switched to a new diet suddenly.

Start by adding 25% raw food to 75% of your dog's current food for 3 days. Then, feed a 50/50 mix for another 3 days. This gradual transition helps your dog adjust to the new diet.

Finally, feed 75% raw and 25% of their old diet for a further 3 days before transitioning fully to a raw diet.

If this caught your attention, see: What to Feed Dogs If Out of Dog Food

Transitioning your pet to a new diet can be challenging, but with a gradual approach, you can minimize the risk of stomach problems.

Many dogs are prone to stomach problems when switched to any new diet suddenly, so it's best to transition your pup to raw food gradually.

Start by adding 25% raw food to 75% of your dog's current food for 3 days, then feed a 50/50 mix for 3 days, and finally transition to 75% raw and 25% of their old diet for a further 3 days.

Day 10 is a milestone, as it marks the day your pet should be fully transitioned to We Feed Raw.

Worth a look: Does Grain Free Food Cause Heart Problems in Dogs

We Feed Raw's patties are made from approximately 80% meaty meat, which provides the foundation for complete and balanced nutrition.

To make the transition to raw feeding as smooth as possible, take a look at We Feed Raw's quiz to determine how much your pup will need each day.

The patties are a convenient option, requiring only thawing, portioning, and serving, making them nearly as easy to feed as kibble.

By switching to We Feed Raw's balanced and complete patties, you can give your pup the best possible start to a healthy and happy life.

Explore further: Feed Dog Raw Diet

If you're considering a raw meat diet for your dog, you're probably wondering what veterinarians think about it. Some vets are supportive, while others have concerns.

Vets might be hesitant to recommend raw meat diets because they can be difficult to balance, and ensuring the diet is complete and balanced is crucial.

However, many raw food companies take steps to protect the food, such as proper handling and storage, which can alleviate some of the vet's concerns.

You can vaccinate your pets as often as needed, depending on their individual circumstances. Whether it's a booster shot or a routine vaccination, it's essential to follow your vet's recommendations.

Some pets may require more frequent vaccinations, especially if they're at high risk for certain diseases. For example, if your pet is traveling to an area with a high incidence of rabies, your vet may recommend a booster shot.

Adding raw food to your pet's diet can have overall health benefits, but it's not directly related to vaccination frequency. However, a balanced raw diet can help keep your pet's immune system strong, which is essential for fighting off diseases.

You can choose to vaccinate your pet as needed, without adhering to a strict schedule. Your vet will work with you to determine the best vaccination plan for your pet's unique needs.

Unfortunately, most vets are given little education about pet nutrition in vet school. They often only spend a few hours learning biased information about the best food for dogs or cats.

This limited education can lead to a lack of understanding about the benefits of raw meat diets. Many veterinarians are simply not equipped to provide informed advice on this topic.

Vets are often taught what to say about kibble through kibble-funded studies. This can result in a biased perspective on what's best for our pets.

As a result, some veterinarians may be disapproving of raw meat diets without fully understanding the facts.

Readers also liked: Whats the Best Meat for Dogs

Talking to your vet about a raw meat diet can be a bit intimidating, but it's essential to have an open and informed conversation.

You should reassure your vet that the raw dog food you're considering has been formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist with expertise in the field.

All of the recipes should be complete and balanced, complying with AAFCO recommendations for dogs of all life stages.

Inform your vet that the raw dog food uses high-pressure processing (HPP), a USDA-approved pathogen-reduction step that's effective at neutralizing Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

By being prepared and sharing these facts, you can help your vet feel more confident in your decision to feed a raw meat diet, and work together to ensure your dog's health and well-being.

Raw meat for dogs can be more expensive than kibble because it's made with higher-quality ingredients.

However, the cost difference may be offset by fewer vet bills due to a healthier pup.

You don't need to commit to a fully raw diet to reap its benefits, which means you can start with a more affordable option and still see improvements in your dog's health.

A raw diet can help reduce the number of vet visits, which can save you money in the long run.

By incorporating raw meat into your dog's diet, you may be able to cut down on expensive vet bills and other health-related costs.

Choosing the right raw meat diet for your dog can be overwhelming, but it's essential to consider the regulations surrounding these diets.

Some commercial raw dog food companies take steps to protect their food, but it's crucial to know what those steps are.

If you're considering a raw meat diet for your dog, you'll want to find a company that sources their meats from reputable suppliers.

The quality of the meat is just one factor to consider; you'll also need to think about whether the diet is complete and balanced.

To ensure your dog gets the proper nutrients, you may need to add supplements or other ingredients to the diet.

Some companies offer convenient delivery options, including direct delivery to your doorstep.

Expand your knowledge: Do Dogs Need Meat