How to Prepare Raw Diet Dog Food

There are many benefits to a raw food diet for dogs. For example, because dogs have been domesticated over time, they have become used to store bought wet and dry foods, but raw foods are more reminiscent of their intended diet. Other benefits are shinier coats, improved digestion and fresher breath. There are also certain dangers of purchasing premade dog foods, such as safety recalls.

Things You'll Need

  • Organic raw meats
  • Organic raw vegetables
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit a vet for tips and help into beginning a raw diet. A dog's diet is an integral part of its overall health. Before beginning this or any other dietary change for your dog, it is important to seek the advice of a licensed and trained professional. If your dog has any preexisting conditions, such as Canine Parvovirus, the bacteria from raw foods such as eggs could be potentially fatal.

    • 2

      Choose only organically grown products. Meats and vegetables grown with pesticides or chemicals can be dangerous to a dog's health. If it is not possible to grow your own vegetables, you will need to rely on organically grown, chemical-free alternatives. Visit local family farms for help in finding safe raw foods for your dog.

    • 3

      Rinse raw meats lightly. The meat should be free of any feathers. It is not necessary to use boneless cuts of meat, in fact, the dog will enjoy eating the bone as well. Because the food is raw, there is no danger of the bone splintering and cutting the dog's gums or intestines like there is with cooked dog bones. Meats such as chicken, oxtail, pork or livers are ideal for helping a dog to attain his fat and protein needs.

    • 4

      Feed your dog to its body size. As a general guide, your dog should eat about 2 to 4 percent of its weight on a daily basis. For example, if your dog weighs 20 lbs., it should receive 0.4 to 0.8 lbs. of meat and vegetables. Too little will leave your dog hungry, but too much can lead to health problems such as canine diabetes. If your foods are not already cut, weigh and slice as needed.

    • 5

      Feed your dog whole raw vegetables. Rinse them lightly to remove dirt and bacteria, but there is no need to peel them. Vegetables such as carrots and broccoli are ideal for a dog's raw diet. Also keep on hand chunks of gourds, such as pumpkin and butternut squash.