THE BENEFITS OF A RAW FED DIET, AND HOW TO DO IT.

Feeding your dog a healthy, balanced raw diet can be a daunting task. Here’s our little guide to help you get on your way and make sure your pooch is getting the most out of their meals.

THE BENEFITS
The transition to a raw diet can have a number of health benefits, including:

  • Improved digestive health
  • Less stress on kidneys due to a higher moisture content in raw food
  • Fewer and better formed stools
  • Improved dental hygiene
  • Healthier skin and coats
  • More energy and stamina
  • Reduction of allergy symptoms
  • Weight control A calmer, yet more focused, nature
THE RAW FEEDING RATIO
In general raw diets follow a ratio meat and bone to ensure your pet gets optimal nutrition.
  • 80% Meat (including oily fish, heart & tripe)
  • 10% Bone
  • 10% Offal (usually 5% kidney as this is readily available, and 5% any other organ)

Meat includes; Fish, heart, tongue, fillets, off cuts, cheek, trachea, green tripe, and gizzards.

Bone includes; chicken wings, duck wings, lamb ribs, pork ribs, turkey necks and chicken carcasses.

Offal (organs) include; kidney, spleen, testicles and pancreas.



WHAT ABOUT FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
While Fruit and Vegetables may not be needed in a raw diet, when chosen wisely they can have an abundance of beneficial properties like vitamins and antioxidants that make them ideal to supplement in some meals.

Fruit and Vegetables need to be blended or lightly steamed to help break down the cell wall so they can be digested, otherwise your dog will struggle to reap any nutritional benefits.

If you want to make Fruit and Vegetables part of your dogs diet, feed 70% meat, 10% Bone, 10% Vegetables, 5% Liver and 5% other offal. Ideal Fruit and Vegetables to feed are; broccoli, kale, spinach, pumpkin, squash, chard, celery, carrot, apple, blueberries, blackberries, banana and watermelon.


WHAT ELSE CAN I FEED?

Eggs, including shells offer a fantastic source of protein, vitamins and micronutrients. The shells themselves are rich in calcium making them ideal for dogs that struggle with bone. Eggs can be quite fatty so should only be fed a couple of times a week.

Other optional supplements include, Turmeric golden paste, Coconut oil, Fish oil and Apple Cider Vinegar.


WHAT TO AVOID

Avoid feeding – Salt, Onions, Grapes, Raisins, Chocolate, Apple Seeds, Fruit Pits, Avocado, Green Tomatoes, Tomato leaves and stems.

Weight bearing bones from large animals should also be avoided, so no knuckle or leg bones. This is because these bones are much denser and can cause cracked teeth and blockages.

HOW MUCH TO FEED?

Feed 2-3% of the dog’s ideal body weight per day. This is a guideline, take into account activity levels and the dog’s condition and adjust accordingly.

At their ideal weight, you should be able to easily feel your dog’s ribs with a slight layer of fat covering. When viewed from the side you should see their waist tuck up, and from above tuck in slightly.


UNDERWEIGHT
  • Ribs, spine and pelvic bones are easily visible in short haired dogs.
  • Obvious loss of muscle mass.
  • No palpable fat on chest.
IDEAL WEIGHT
  • Ribs, Spine and Pelvic bones are not visable (may be seen during play or excercise) but can easily be felt under thin layer of fat.
  • Obvious tucked in waist.
  • Little abdominal fat.
OVERWEIGHT
  • Difficult to feel ribs, spine and pelvic bones.
  • Wasit is absent.
  • Fat deposits visible over the body.
  • Broader back.
  • Minimal abdominal tuck after ribs.
OBESE
  • Unable to feel ribs under thick layer of fat.
  • No waist, fat hangs from abdomen.
  • Back is obviously broadened
PRECAUTIONS & PREPARATION
One of the primary concerns about raw feeding is whether raw meat is actually safe and the risk of bacterial infections like Salmonella and E-coli. Of course the same food hygiene procedures should be undertaken when preparing raw meals. Use a clean knife, clean down work surfaces with antibacterial spray and wash your hands.

Raw meat is a species appropriate diet for many animals, including dogs and cats. Their jaws and short intestinal tracts are designed to consume and process meat and bone, and their stomach acid is adept at killing bacteria.

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