Everything You Need to Know to Feed Your Dog a Balanced Raw Diet
What Is Raw Feeding?
Raw feeding (also called BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is a way of feeding dogs diets made from fresh, uncooked ingredients just like their ancestors ate.
Raw diets typically include:
- Raw muscle meat
- Raw meaty bones
- Organs
- Vegetables & fruits (optional but beneficial)
- Beneficial supplements
The goal isn’t “just raw” it’s nutritionally balanced raw.
Raw feeding has grown in popularity because many pet parents report benefits like:
✨ Healthier skin & shinier coat
✨ Smaller, firmer stools
✨ Better dental hygiene
✨ Increased energy + vitality
✨ Reduced allergies/itching in some dogs
Every dog is different. Raw isn’t “better” for all dogs, but it can be when done properly.
The Core Principles of Raw Feeding
1. Balance Is Everything
Dogs require a specific balance of:
- Protein
- Fat
- Vitamins & minerals
- Essential nutrients from organs & bones
A raw feeding plan must deliver nutrients in the right proportions, not just meat alone.
2. Ancestral + Biological
Dogs evolved from wolves, but through domestication developed unique digestive traits. A raw diet aims to give them:
✔ Easy-to-digest whole foods
✔ Nutrients in their natural form
✔ Minimal processing
3. Food Safety
Raw food, like any food must be handled responsibly:
- Keep it cold
- Prevent cross-contamination
- Clean equipment
- Follow good hygiene
Here’s a breakdown of the typical components in a raw feeding rotation:
🥩 1. Muscle Meat
- Chicken
- Beef
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Venison
- Etc
Provides:
✔ Protein
✔ Energy
✔ Essential amino acids
🍖 2. Raw Meaty Bones (RMBs)
- Chicken necks
- Turkey wings
- Lamb ribs
Provide:
✔ Calcium & phosphorus
✔ Dental cleaning benefits (chewing)
Note: Never feed cooked bones, they can splinter.
🧠 3. Organs (Highly Nutrient Dense)
Best included regularly:
- Liver
- Kidney
Organs provide:
✔ Vitamins (A, B)
✔ Minerals
✔ Fat-soluble nutrients
🥦 4. Optional Add-Ins
Some owners add:
- Veg & fruit (e.g., carrots, blueberries)
- Supplements (Salmon Oil, Pumpkin Powder)
These aren’t essential, but can enhance nutrient variety.
Feeding amount varies by:
✔ Age
✔ Breed
✔ Activity level
✔ Body condition
A general rule:
🔹 Feed 2–3% of body weight per day (adjust as needed)
Example:
👉 20kg dog → 400–600g per day
Always monitor:
✔ Weight
✔ Body condition
✔ Energy level
Adjust weekly until the dog maintains a healthy weight.
(Link to calculator)
Raw diets must meet nutritional needs. There are two safe approaches:
✅ 1. Pre-Formulated Complete Meals
These are:
✔ Balanced by experts
✔ Easy to feed
✔ No guesswork
(E.g., frozen, portioned raw meals)
✅ 2. DIY Raw with Guidance
If you make meals yourself:
✔ Use trusted recipes
✔ Rotate proteins
✔ Include organs + bones
✔ Add supplements when needed
A balanced raw diet typically includes:
🟩 80% muscle meat
🟩 10% raw meaty bone
🟩 10% organ meat (half liver)
Raw food is safe when handled responsibly:
🧊 Store raw in the fridge/freezer
🧼 Wash hands & surfaces after handling
🚫 Never feed cooked bones
📅 Rotate proteins for nutrient variety
Puppies have higher nutritional needs than adults.
Important puppy pointers:
✔ Feed more proportionally (up to 10% of bodyweight)
✔ Ensure high-quality calcium & phosphorus
✔ Growth stages matter, balance organs & bones carefully
Puppy Feeding Guide
-
0 to 4 months
8% – 10% of current body weight per day -
4 to 6 months
6% – 8% of current body weight per day -
6 to 9 months
4% – 6% of current body weight per day -
9 to 11 months
3% – 4% of current body weight per day -
12 + months
2% – 3% of current body weight per day
How to Switch to Raw
1.DAY 1 TO 7 / DAY 1 TO 3 (FOR A PUPPY)
- Plain tripe only
IF YOUR DOG GETS LOOSE STOOLS ON TRIPE THEN MOVE ON TO NEXT PHASE WHICH CONTAINS BONE.
2. DAY 8 TO 14 / DAY 4 TO 6 (FOR A PUPPY)
- Beef Tripe & Chicken 80/10/10
3. DAY 15 TO 21 / DAY 7 TO 9 (FOR A PUPPY)
- Beef Tripe & Duck 80/10/10
4. DAY 22 TO 28 / DAY 10 TO 12 (FOR A PUPPY)
- Beef Tripe & Chicken 80/10/10
- Beef Tripe & Duck 80/10/10
- Beef Tripe & Turkey 80/10/10
DAY 29 + / DAY 13+ (FOR A PUPPY)
Start mixing in some other proteins. If this upsets your dogs tummy then mix them in with either Chicken, Duck or Turkey and slowly increases this over time. It may take some dogs a little longer to get used to red meat than others.
