Frequently Asked Questions
The basic raw diet consists of 80% meat, 10% bone, 10% organ (5% of which must be a secreting organ such as liver, heart, spleen) from a variety of meat sources to provide the balanced nutrients required and help prevent food intolerances. Ideally aim for at least four different protein sources, rotating them and/or mixing them on a weekly or monthly basis.
Start with one protein source to help your dog’s digestive system adjust, chicken is best as even the most sensitive can tolerate it. Slowly introduce different protein sources one at a time.
A raw diet does not need to be gradually introduced. Feed normal food at night and start raw in the morning.
A raw diet frequently makes dogs a lot calmer and happier. In some cases, their new raw meals are going to be of much higher value to them so they may prize it and become tense if approached when eating. This is normal and it is best to give them space to eat it, so they know you are not going to take it away. Follow the same training rules as for retrieving items from your dog.
Behaviourally, raw feeding does not lead to dogs becoming hunters and killers and they are no more likely to worry livestock, bite other dogs, children or people than when on their kibble diet. The dog’s hunt pattern is eye-stalk-chase-grab bite-kill bite–crush bite–consume. In raw feeding we remove almost all the steps (by feeding raw meaty bones and minces) leaving only crush bite-consume.
We do not advise to mix the two. Raw food triggers strong gastric acidity enabling proper digestion of the raw food, breaking down bone and killing bacteria. Kibble slows down the digestive process and weakens the stomach acid allowing bacteria to flourish and will make your dog more susceptible to illness.
Raw meaty bones are a complex source of biologically balanced minerals and are ideal for your dog’s mental and dental health. Chicken wings are a good starter bone but do take into consideration the size of your dog by giving a bone large enough that can’t be swallowed in one gulp.
Marrow and Knuckle Bones (referred to as weight bearing bones) are purely recreational bones. They are very hard and can cause cracked teeth. Once all the meat and sinew has been chewed off, they should be removed. NEVER give your dog cooked bones. Cooked bones are brittle and splinter whereas raw bones are soft and flexible and easily broken by chewing.
Always feed bones under supervision. If you have more than one dog separate them to avoid any fights. For a newly switched dog allow their gut time to adjust to their new diet before introducing raw bones.
No. Carnivores cannot easily digest carbohydrates. Wheat and rice provide little or no nutritional value, they are just used as fillers.
Fruit and veg is not essential to the dog’s diet but it can be a useful low-calorie filler-upper if your dog needs to lose a bit of weight. However, as dogs only produce a small amount of the digestive enzyme, amylase, they cannot break down the cellulose walls of the vegetables so they will need to be pulped, mashed or slightly cooked.
If you have a dog prone to yeasty ears or skin infections avoid fruits and starchy veg like carrots and swede as the sugars in these can promote yeast growth.
If you have determined that your dog is under or over their ideal weight and checked with the vet that there are no underlying issues, then to help aid:
• Weight loss – start at 2%. Due to there being no sugary grains, fruits or veggies in a raw diet they will naturally lose weight but if you need to reduce further then do it by 0.5% of body weight at a time but don’t go below 1% of the guide as this will then compromise the nutritional balance. Increase exercise and if giving treats remember to adjust meals accordingly.
• Weight gain – start at 3% and increase by 0.5% of body weight at a time. Feed small meals more regularly. Try to reduce their activity and minimise stressful situations – some dogs are naturally highly active, and some need quiet times away from children and other dogs.
Allow time for changes to take effect. Weigh your dog regularly and check their overall shape. You should be able to feel their ribs, spine and hips with a small amount of pressure, but they should not poke out. Viewing from above they should have a neat, tucked in waist. The tummy should go in, not bulge out. There should be no build-up of fat where the tail meets the body.
