What Is Raw Dog Food?

Raw dog food is a diet based on uncooked meat, bones, offal alongside vegetables, fruits and supplements.

It is sometimes referred to as a BARF diet, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or as a natural raw diet. The idea is that dogs, as descendants of wolves, are biologically suited to digesting raw meat, bones and organs.

Most commercially available raw dog food is sold frozen to maintain freshness and safety, although freeze dried and air-dried diets also offer raw-inspired nutrition while being shelf stable.

Types of Raw Dog Food

Complete Raw Dog Food

Complete frozen raw dog food contains everything your dog needs in a single product, including meat, offal, bone content (or an added natural calcium/ phosphorus supplement), vegetables and fruits.

These diets can come in block format or be portioned into nuggets that contain a complete blend of ingredients.

Complete raw diets will always be the easiest and most straightforward option for owners new to raw feeding, as there is no need to calculate ratios or source separate components.

BARF Raw Dog Food

A BARF diet typically follows a structured ratio of approximately 70% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver%, 5% another secreting organ and then 10% vegetables, fruit and other additions.

Prey Model Raw

Prey model raw feeding aims to replicate the proportions of a whole prey animal, focusing primarily on meat, bone and offal without plant matter. This approach is generally followed by experienced raw feeders.

What Are the Benefits of Raw Dog Food?

High-Quality, Natural Protein

Raw dog food is built around fresh, unprocessed meat and offal which delivers high levels of protein and healthy fats that support strong muscles, healthy skin and a glossy coat.

No Heat Processing

Raw food is not cooked so all the natural vitamins, minerals, enzymes and proteins in the ingredients remain intact. There is no need for synthetic fortification after processing, as the nutrition comes directly from the quality of the ingredients.

Supports Healthy Digestion

Many owners who switch to raw feeding see improvements in their dog's digestion, including firmer healthier stools and reduced flatulence. As dogs can absorb and digest so much from raw diets they will also tend to have smaller less frequent stools.

Improved Skin and Coat Health

The omega fatty acids found naturally in raw meat and fish support healthy skin and a glossy, shiny coat. The best complete raw diets include high quality oils (such as Salmon, Chicken, Coconut) blended into the nuggets.

for Dogs with Allergies and Sensitivities

For dogs with food allergies or intolerances, a raw diet using novel proteins can be transformative, eliminating many of the triggers found in processed foods.

Raw Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs and Allergies

Raw feeding can be a great way to feed dogs with sensitive stomachs.

By removing any processing and focusing on high quality meat and vegetables you can improve your dog’s digestive health.

If your dog is allergic to common proteins and suffering from itchy skin, recurring ear infections, loose stools or a dull coat, then a novel meat (something your dog hasn’t eaten before) raw diet could work.

Raw Dog Food for Puppies

Puppies can be fed a raw diet from weaning, typically from around three to four weeks old. A complete raw puppy food must meet higher requirements for protein, calcium, phosphorus and DHA to support healthy bone development, muscle growth and brain function.

It is important to use a complete raw puppy food to ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies, as these in puppyhood can have long term health and growth consequences.

Raw Dog Food for Senior Dogs

Many older dogs thrive on a raw diet, benefiting from highly quality meat that supports muscle maintenance, omega fatty acids for joint and skin health, and reduced carbohydrate content which can contribute to weight gain in less active dogs.

Raw diets can be easier for some senior dogs to eat as they are softer than traditional cooked kibble.

Is Raw Dog Food Safe?

Commercially prepared raw dog food that meets UK pet food safety standards is safe when handled and stored correctly. However proper handling and storage is essential and keeping in mind the following safety advice:

• Keep frozen raw dog food in the freezer until needed.
• Defrost in the fridge, not at room temperature.
• Use defrosted raw food within 24 to 48 hours.
• Clean food bowls and preparation surfaces thoroughly after each meal.
• Wash hands after handling raw food.

Raw feeding can be riskier in households with immunocompromised individuals, very young children or elderly family members so always follow strict hygiene practices. Always consult your vet if you have specific health concerns.

Can You Mix Raw Dog Food with Other Foods?

Raw dog food can be mixed with freeze dried food as they will digest at similar rates while offering dogs a combination of textures.

Air dried food is very gently cooked so in small amounts this can also be mixed alongside raw.

It is generally advised not to mix raw food and extruded kibble together in the same meal, as the two diets will digest at very different rates.

This can lead to stomach upset and although rare health complications.

If you want to feed both raw and dry food, feeding them at separate mealtimes is the most straightforward approach.

Variety feeding is a very popular choice for owners who don’t want to use raw food all the time. You can feed raw for one meal and dry for another or have set days for raw/ dry kibble feeding.

As long as you have 12 hours between a raw and a dry meal this is a perfectly safe way to feed and a great way to provide your dog with meal variety.

How to Transition to Raw Dog Food

Transition to a raw diet should always be done gradually.

If your dog is fed a completely dry diet, it is worth switching to a wet food first. This will help with the change in texture, as wet diets are closer to a raw texture. Using pro/prebiotic digestive supplements alongside the diet change can help to make the transition easier on the stomach.

It is recommended to have a minimum of a 7-day transition period. With very sensitive dogs this can be extended to 14 days.

Raw and dry diets should be split into different meals and fed 12 hours apart. Continue to feed this for 7 days and then on day 8 use entirely raw.

This will allow for dog’s stomach PH to adjust to deal with raw meat and increase the level of digestive enzymes. A slow and steady transition will ensure dogs continue to have healthy digestion and metabolism.

Ensure you monitor your dog’s stools and appetite throughout, although some loose stools in the first few days are normal as the digestive system adjusts.

How to Transition to Raw Dog Food

Our frozen and raw dog food range is sourced for quality, safety and nutritional completeness. From complete frozen nuggets and BARF-inspired blends to dietary supplements we stock everything you need to feed raw with confidence.

Explore our raw and frozen dog food range and feed your dog as nature intended.

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