adding vegetables to raw dog food
Raw dog food the big questions
Raw dog food diets have been around as long as dogs and their ancestors have been around. Until the creation of dry dog food and canned dog food, dogs lived off raw meat, scraps and anything they could scavenge.
You may have heard of the old English expression as fit as a butchers dog, which implies that a dog living off meat, bones and offal is likely to be in fine fettle.
However, after the creation and growth of mass-market dog food, domestic dogs diets changed and the feeding of raw dog food became less common. That is until recent years
Raw food for dogs has increased in popularity in recent years; some of it homemade, some produced by cottage industries, but increasingly provided by medium to large companies for a national market.
What are the best raw dog foods?
Some work on the prey model, which is an 80% meat, 10% ground bone, 10% organ meat (offal) blend. Others use the recipes akin to the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) model, which includes a small percentage of vegetables.
Both kinds profess an authenticity based on dogs evolutionary diets.
It being something new (but also very old) it has generated a lot of doubt, cynicism and questions alongside its popularity.
We put some of the questions we most frequently get asked by readers to Amy Zalneraitis, the CBO at 5-star-rated We Feed Raw.
Is raw dog food safe for dogs?
AZ: Raw dog food is not only safe for dogs, its what is most biologically appropriate for them. Dogs have thrived on a raw, meat-based diet since the dawn of their existence. While weve domesticated dogs and bred them for their appearance, behavior, and temperament, in form and function, their digestive system is identical to their ancestors. With highly acidic stomachs, sharp, pointy teeth, and short, simple digestive tracts, a dogs biology tells us what they should be eating.
So any raw food will do?
Not all raw pet foods are created equal. We use only high-quality, USDA, human-grade meats. We produce our recipes in a USDA-certified facility and all ingredients must comply with rigid incoming quality assurance specifications. Most importantly, to ensure safe raw feeding in the home, we use HPP (high-pressure processing) a non-thermal pasteurization technology that uses extreme cold water pressure (up to 87,000 psi) to ensure our food is free of pathogens such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella.
While not all raw companies in the U.S. do this, we incur the extra cost because it ensures a safe product. Because the process uses pressure rather than heat, there is no change in product taste, texture, or nutritional value.
Is raw dog food safe for humans?
It depends if you mean to eat or handle. While our food is sourced from USDA, human-grade meats, our recipes are not intended for human consumption. Our formulas contain the correct ratio of muscle meat, organ meat, finely ground bone and a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix for full and proper canine nutrition, not full and proper human nutrition.
As for handling, dogs can cope with bacteria in ways that humans cant, but HPP offers extra peace of mind while feeding raw in the home. HPP is used by many reputable raw pet food companies because its a natural way to reduce harmful bacteria while preserving nutrients.
When youre purchasing raw pet food from a reputable company, its easy to feed raw food safely you use the same basic hygiene practices you use when preparing your own raw meats to cook, like washing hands, surfaces, and bowls.
Its more expensive than kibble why should I spend extra?
Because the quality of the food our dogs eat has a direct impact on how well they live. Eighty percent of immune capability is in the gut and low-carb raw diets help to promote healthy gut microflora. Raw food will always be more expensive because quality costs more. Hands down, raw costs more to source and make and its not packed with cheap fillers. While youll pay more upfront with raw, youll save money down the line because youll have a healthier, happier dog and far fewer vet visits.
Why wouldnt I just make raw food at home?
If youre a DIY raw feeder, amazing! Great job! But weve found that many pet parents dont have the time, energy, interest, or resources to make properly balanced raw food at home. Thats where we come in. We plan, portion, package, and deliver. All you have to do is thaw and feed. No concern that your dog is missing important nutrients, no trips to the pet food store, no guesswork.
Do dogs need vegetables?
Our recipes are based on the Prey Model Raw diet: approximately 80% muscle meat (with connective tissue and fat), 10% organ meat (all of which is secreting organ), 10% finely ground raw meaty bones plus a small amount of a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix.
Some of our customers will choose to add veggies to the meals, and thats great, as long as they dont overdo it. If your dog does well with a bit of extra fiber, our Ph.D. nutritionist suggests around a 5-8% veggie inclusion. With dogs, plant matter usually passes out as part of the stool, undigested because their bodies have to work much harder to break it down.
We usually recommend pureeing veggies: dogs do not have natural cellulase, an enzyme that helps to break down fiber, so pureeing them will help aid in digestion.
Do I need to add supplements?
Not with our food. Our food is complete and balanced as is. No need to add supplements. That said, its totally fine to add a small amount of your preferred probiotic, prebiotic, fish oil or omega-3 oil, etc. We just advise that pet parents dont add a multivitamin, as we already include a high-quality vitamin and mineral mix to our recipes.
When it comes to adding other whole foods, like canned pumpkin, phytoplankton, sardines, green-lipped mussels, etc, these can be wonderful, healthy additions and we totally support those as toppers to our meals.
Are there any proven benefits to a raw diet?
A dogs digestive system is identical to its ancestors. They didnt lose the ability to digest their evolutionary diet just because kibble was invented mere seconds ago in geologic time. Therefore, isnt it prudent to imitate what nature provided as a guideline?
As for specific studies, were excited about the work being done at the University of Helsinki on the benefits of a raw dog food diet. Led by veterinary scientist Dr. Anna-Hielm Bjrkman (DVM and PhD), The Dog Risk Study is a university-led, cruelty-free study using 16,000 dogs of all breeds and ages.
The program has already proven that puppies fed raw (vs kibble) have fewer environmental allergies as adults and a reduced risk of developing IBD later in life. Some of the other specific studies its exploring include hip dysplasia, GI issues, chronic ear infections, cancer and tumors.
How do I transition my dog to raw food?
Our intro plan helps to gradually introduce dogs to raw food over a 10-day period. The detailed directions instruct pet parents on how to mix their pups current food with We Feed Raw and increase the percentage of We Feed Raw over the course of 9 days until theyre feeding 100% raw.
What are the best raw dog foods?
Will there be side effects?
While some dogs transition to raw with no issues, other dogs with sensitive stomachs may require a bit more TLC and time. Its all normal. The long-term effects of a healthy, species-appropriate diet make it all worth it: smaller, less smelly stools, shiny skin and coat, cleaner teeth, improved digestion, stronger immune system, better weight control the list goes on.
Can I mix raw food with cooked food?
Yes, absolutely. We encourage pet parents to feed what works for their budget and lifestyle. Adding even 25% raw food to your dogs diet can have life-changing health benefits. Raw feeding isnt an all-or-nothing approach. Using it as a base, mixer, or topper with cooked food or kibble can still have amazing overall health benefits.
Why are some vets anti-raw food?
Were seeing a real shift with conventional vets becoming more raw-friendly. In fact, we work with many conventional vets who not only recommend raw to their clients but feed it to their own pets.
So while the tide is changing, here are some reasons that conventional vets may not be pro-raw: 1) Theyre not taught about raw diets in vet school; 2) Theyve seen homemade raw diets go wrong (imbalanced, missing important nutrients, incorrect ratios); 3) They think its a danger to the humans feeding it. However, serious and reputable raw brands in the U.S., like our company, use HPP to neutralize pathogens for safe feeding in the home.
Is raw dog food human-grade?
Raw dog food is meant to be fed raw and usually contains bone, and therefore cannot technically be labeled human-grade as a whole. So while our food is sourced from high-quality human-grade meats and produced in a USDA-certified facility, we do not make the human-grade claim on our labels.
Are bones and offal actually good for dogs?
Not only are they good for dogs, theyre essential to a complete and balanced raw diet. Organ meats, particularly liver, are packed with vitamins and minerals. Bones are an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus.
Raw Food Diet for Dogs: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide
If youve been thinking about switching your pup to raw dog food, you may have a lot of questions, like what is a raw food diet for dogs? Can dogs even eat raw meat? Is raw meat good for dogs? What are the benefits of a raw diet for dogs? Is raw meat for dogs safe? Can puppies eat raw food for dogs?
Heres everything you need to know about raw dog food for beginners.
What Is Raw Dog Food?
Raw dog food is an uncooked diet for canines that features a mixture of raw meat (and associated connective tissue and fat), organs, and bones. Some people also choose to add fruits and vegetables to their dogs raw food diet, but those ingredients typically arent necessary since dogs are biologically designed to thrive off animal parts alone.
While humans need to cook meat before consuming it to remove pathogens and properly digest it, dogs are still designed to safely eat and digest raw meat, just like their wild wolf ancestors. Unlike humans, dogs have strong stomach acid, bile, and digestive enzymes that are specifically designed to kill pathogens and break down raw meat.
Is Raw Meat Good for Dogs?
Yes! Raw meat is the diet nature intended for dogs, as long as its nutritionally balanced. Just giving your pup muscle meat without including any organs or bones would cause nutritional deficiencies, so its crucial to provide food (like We Feed Raw) that has the right proportions of muscle, organs, and bones.
Why Is Raw Dog Food Better Than Cooked Homemade Dog Food?
If you love cooking for your family, you might already cook for your dog (or be interested in trying). While cooking for your pup is a far better option than highly processed kibble, raw is actually the best diet you can choose for your dog. Cooking meat also removes much of its nutritional value, which then needs to be added back. Your dog is designed to get the most nutrition from raw food; feed them what nature intended.
Benefits of a Raw Food Diet for Dogs
Raw food has a wide variety of benefits for dogs of all ages. Here are some of the reasons people are switching their dogs to raw diets.
Smaller, Firmer Stool
Since raw food for dogs isnt packed with species-inappropriate grains, fillers, or other ingredients your pup cant digest, your dog will have smaller, firmer poops on a raw diet. Thats because your dog is actually digesting and absorbing more of their food, so less comes out as waste.
Improved Skin and Coat
With its increased moisture and healthy fats, dogs fed a raw diet tend to have healthier skin and coats than dogs on other diets. Additionally, with fewer ingredients, raw diets may be less likely to cause allergies. In fact, a recent study at the University of Helsinki showed that puppies fed raw food are less likely to grow up to suffer from canine atopic dermatitis compared to puppies fed kibble.
Since gut health affects skin health, it shouldnt be surprising to learn that dogs fed a species-appropriate raw diet have healthier skin and shinier coats than dogs fed kibble or canned food.
Weight Control
Packed full of carbohydrates that dogs cant properly digest, kibble is one of the leading causes of the pet obesity crisismore than half of all dogs and cats are overweight or obeseand obesity causes many of the same health issues in animals as it does in people.
Switching to a raw diet and cutting out certain treats may help your dog lose excess weight and maintain a healthy figure. 90% of our customers said their dogs maintained a healthy weight after switching to We Feed Raw.
Better Dental Health
Highly processed foods like kibble contain high levels of starches and sugars that can cause unhealthy bacterial growth. As much as dry dog food manufacturers want you to believe that kibble is good for your dogs dental health, its about as effective at cleaning your dogs teeth as eating crackers would be at cleaning your teeth.
On the other hand, raw dog food contains naturally occurring enzymes that do help protect gums and teeth. We also recommend feeding recreational raw bones a few times a week to naturally clean plaque and tartar from the teeth while also providing jaw exercise and mental stimulation.
More Mealtime Excitement
Would YOU be excited to eat kibble for every meal? Since dogs were designed to eat raw meat, they naturally get more excited for the scent and taste of We Feed Raw than they would at the sound of hard brown pebbles clunking into a bowl.
Stronger Immune System
When your dogs body doesnt have to work as hard to digest their food and extract nutrients from it or fight off inflammation caused by species-inappropriate ingredients, the immune system can better do what its meant to do: fight off illnesses and keep your dog healthy.
Reduced Allergies
Commercial pet foods typically contain a huge variety of ingredients that dogs werent designed to digest, which can trigger allergic reactions. Since We Feed Raw uses only species-appropriate animal meat, organs, and bones, its less likely to trigger allergies, making for happier, healthier dogs.
Potential Concerns About a Raw Diet for Dogs
Pet food companies want people to be afraid of a raw meat-based diet for dogs, so theres a lot of misinformation out there about raw feeding. Lets talk about some of the potential concerns you may have about feeding a raw diet for dogs.
Safety
Raw dog food could make your pup or your family sick! Youve likely heard a friend, family member, or even your veterinarian warn you that raw meat could make your dog or even your human children sick.
Since raw and undercooked meat can make humans sick, its natural to worry. However, with some basic food safety precautions and We Feed Raws high-pressure processing (HPP), you and your entire family can stay safe while your pup enjoys the diet they were built to eat.
High-Pressure Processing (HPP)
Also used to ensure the safety of food intended for human consumption, high-pressure processing (HPP) is a food preservation method that uses cold water and high pressure to inactivate potentially harmful pathogens without affecting the integrity of the food itself.
Some foods you may already buy for your family that are often sanitized using HPP include juice, guacamole, seafood, salsas, baby food, fruit purees, dairy products, and many more.
High-Quality Ingredients
We Feed Raw uses USDA-certified human-grade meats with strict compliance requirements of BRC-safe quality food manufacturing, so you can be sure your pup isnt eating diseased animals that could make them sick.
Raw Dog Food Safe Handling Tips
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.
Cost
Theres no getting around the fact that raw dog food is more expensive than kibble because it isnt filled with cheap ingredients that bulk it up without adding any nutritional value. However, you may save money in the long run by having fewer vet bills thanks to having a healthier pup. Also, you dont need to commit to feeding your dog a fully raw diet to reap its benefits.
Save Money in the Long Run
If your dog suffers from allergies, dry skin, obesity, or another malady that may be caused by their diet, switching them to raw food may actually save you money in the long run by improving their health and reducing their health-related expenses.
Mixing Raw Dog Food With Kibble
Cant afford to feed a strictly raw diet? No problem! Its totally safe to mix raw dog food and kibble. Your pup will still get some of the benefits of a raw diet even if its not the only thing they eat.
Time
Trying to create a perfectly balanced raw diet yourself can be extremely time-consuming. From measuring the ingredients to ensure your dog gets the right proportions of everything they need to sourcing things like organs and bones, raw diets can be a time suckbut they dont have to be.
We Feed Raw Is Easy
Made from approximately 80% meaty meat (muscle meat and associated connective tissue and fat), 10% organs, and 10% finely ground bones, We Feed Raws patties provide complete and balanced nutrition. All you need to do is thaw, portion, and serve, making our raw food nearly as easy to feed as kibble.
Disapproving Vet
Unfortunately, most vets are given little education about pet nutrition in vet school, aside from what they learn from kibble-funded studies. Most veterinarians only spent a few hours learning biased information about the best food for dogs or cats.
How to Talk to Your Vet About Raw Dog Food
You should reassure your vet that all We Feed Raw meals have been formulated by a PhD animal nutritionist with 30 years of experience. All of our recipes are complete and balanced and comply with AAFCO recommendations for dogs of all life stages. Finally, inform your vet that We Feed Raw uses high-pressure processing (HPP), a USDA-approved pathogen-reduction step that is effective at neutralizing Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
Choosing the Best Raw Dog Food Diet for Your Dog
How do you pick the best raw food for your dog? There are many factors to consider. Do you have the time and expertise to do it yourself? Are you looking for a commercial diet?
A few things you should keep in mind when selecting raw dog foods include:
Make sure the diet is complete and balanced
What steps does the company take 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?
Where do they source their meats?
If you still have questions about We Feed Raw, check out our FAQ page.
Which Is the Best Raw Meat for Dogs?
Some dogs have allergies to specific meats (most commonly beef or chicken), and theres no one best raw meat thats perfect for all dogs. Each protein source has its own pros and cons. We recommend rotating between at least 3 different meats so your dog gets the most well-rounded diet they wont get tired of.
How Much Raw Dog Food to Feed Your Dog
A wide variety of factors go into determining how much raw food to feed your dog, but a general rule of thumb is to feed 2-3% of their body weight each day. What does that look like?
100-lb dog = 2-3 pounds of food per day
50-lb dog = 1-1.5 pounds of food per day
25-lb dog = 0.5-0.75 pounds of food per day
Its sometimes easier (especially with smaller dogs) to convert their weight to ounces. Simply multiply your dogs weight by 16 to get their weight in ounces; then use that number to find out how many ounces of raw food they should get per day. For example:
A 25-lb dog weighs 400 oz and should get 8-12 ounces of food per day
A 15-lb dog weighs 240 oz and should get 4.8-7.2 ounces of food per day
An 8-lb dog weighs 128 oz and should get 2.56-3.84 ounces of food per day
Keep in mind that dogs who are younger, more active, or need to gain some weight may need more than 3% of their weight in raw food per day, while senior, inactive, or obese dogs may need less than 2% of their weight in raw food per day.
We Feed Raw makes it easy. When you take our quiz and tell us about your pup, we tell you exactly how many ounces of We Feed Raw you should feed your pup each day. You decide how many meals to split that amount into.
Can Puppies Eat Raw Dog Food?
Yes! Puppies can begin eating raw food as soon as they start weaning off their mothers milk. We Feed Raw is an excellent choice for puppies because all our food goes through high-pressure processing to neutralize pathogens, making it a safe, natural choice.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Eggs?
Yes! Dogs can absolutely eat raw eggs. In fact, eggs are full of nutrients, like folate, riboflavin, iron, fatty acids, and more. We recommend only including a raw egg in your dogs diet a few times a week, however, since too much egg white can cause a biotin deficiency.
How to Transition Your Dog to Raw Food
Many dogs are prone to stomach problems when switched to any new diet suddenly, so its best to transition your pup to raw food gradually. We recommend adding 25% raw food to 75% of your dogs current food for 3 days, then feeding a 50/50 mix for 3 days, then feeding 75% raw and 25% of their old diet for a further 3 days before transitioning fully to We Feed Raw on Day 10.
Get Started With We Feed Raw Today
Hopefully, weve managed to answer all your questions about raw feeding. Take our quiz now to find out how much We Feed Raw your pup will need each day and make the switch to our balanced and complete, easy-to-feed patties today.
FAQs
What is raw meat for dogs?
Raw meat for dogs is an uncooked diet that consists of a mixture of raw meat (including connective tissue and fat), organs, and bones. It is based on the natural diet of their wild wolf ancestors and provides the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
Is feeding dogs raw meat safe?
Yes, feeding raw meat to dogs is safe when it is nutritionally balanced and handled with proper food safety precautions. Dogs have strong stomach acid and digestive enzymes designed to kill pathogens and break down raw meat, unlike humans.
What is raw dog food?
Raw dog food is a diet consisting of uncooked animal parts, such as meat, organs, and bones, which is designed to mimic the natural diet of dogs' wild ancestors. Some people also choose to add fruits and vegetables to their dog's raw food diet, although these are not typically necessary.
What is a raw dog food diet?
A raw dog food diet is an uncooked, species-appropriate diet for dogs that features a mixture of raw meat, organs, and bones. This type of diet is based on the natural feeding habits of wild canines and is believed to provide numerous health benefits for domesticated dogs.
What is feeding raw meat to dogs?
Feeding raw meat to dogs involves providing them with a diet of uncooked animal parts, such as meat, organs, and bones. This type of diet is designed to closely mimic the natural feeding habits of wild canines and offers numerous health benefits for dogs.
Should dogs eat raw meat?
Yes, dogs should eat raw meat as long as it is part of a nutritionally balanced diet. Raw meat is the natural and species-appropriate diet for dogs, providing them with the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
What is feeding dog raw meat?
Feeding dog raw meat involves providing a diet consisting of uncooked animal parts, such as meat, organs, and bones. This type of diet is designed to closely mimic the natural feeding habits of wild canines and offers numerous health benefits for dogs.
What is raw feeding for beginners?
Raw feeding for beginners is a guide for those who are new to the concept of providing their dogs with a raw food diet. It covers essential information, such as the benefits of a raw diet, potential concerns, how to choose the best raw dog food, and how to transition your dog to a raw food diet.
