The raw dog food diet is a substitute for dry dog food that more and more individuals are gravitating towards. The diet is made up of a variety of raw meats, vegetables, bones, and supplements.

Raw Food Dogs Benefits:

• Improved digestion
• Better skin and coat
• Superior health
• Enhanced immune system
• More muscle mass
• More energy

Recommended Serving Size for Dogs and Puppies

The recommended serving size for your particular dog can be calculated on http://www.raw4dogs.com/calculate.htm. The serving size can be broken down into two meals a day; one in the morning and the other at dinnertime. Additionally, the recommended serving size can be customized based on the individual needs of your dog. For example, a skinny dog could require extra food to gain weight. Raw foods dog diets are safe for dogs that are at least 12 weeks old.

Transitioning to Raw Dog Food

Day 1

The dog should only be given water, no food is allowed.

Day 2

Your dog should be fed ¼ of the recommended serving size.

Day 3

Your dog should be fed ½ of the recommended serving size.

Day 4

Your dog should be fed ¾ of the recommended serving size.

Day 5

Your dog should be fed the full recommended serving size.

Best Practices

After switching to a raw dog food diet, it is highly recommended for this to be the only dog food source. It is not recommended that the raw diet be mixed with dry dog food. Combined with the right supplements, the raw food diet contains everything that is required for your dog to reach its full potential.

Storing Raw Meals

Your raw dog food should be stored the same way your own raw food like chicken and hamburger patties are stored. The meals should be placed in individual plastic container or freezer bag, then be stored in the freezer. Bacterial growth will be prevented when meals are frozen at stable temperature of zero degree Fahrenheit.

Thawing the Raw Meals

The microwave should not be used to defrost pre-made raw meals. Doing this could cause the bones to cook and your dog should never be fed cooked bones. If they are cooked, they could become frail, splinter and result in internal injury.

The thawing process can be sped up by soaking the meals in cold water. Faster thawing can be done by placing frozen meals in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it into the cold water. Please note that if there is a leak in the bag, bacteria from the surroundings could infect the food; therefore, you should ensure the seal is kept intact.

Averting Upset Stomach

Your dog’s stomach will need to get adjusted to the new diet in the first two weeks or so. If the dog becomes ill, it could be a sign that its body is being detoxed from the previous diet. Typically, the detox process stops within one or two weeks.

Signs of Detoxing in Your Dog

• Diarrhea
• Itchy skin
• Bad breath

During the first two weeks, digestive enzymes can be added to the dog’s diet. These work remarkably well in aiding digestion and quickly firming stools.

Safety Concerns

When prepared correctly, the risk of your dog contracting food-borne illnesses from raw meals is extremely low. You actually have a higher risk of contracting food-borne illnesses while preparing raw meals for your dog.

However, good sanitation practices can greatly reduce this risk. For example, when raw food is being prepared and served, anything the raw food touches like the counters and utensils should be cleaned and disinfected.