How to feed raw: A beginner's guide
Increasing numbers of pet parents are learning that a raw diet provides optimal nutrition for their pups (and low-carb dog food takes it even a step further). But if the idea of preparing raw dog food sounds daunting — fear not. We’re here to help you get started!
Before we dive in, let’s start with how to actually feed frozen raw dog food once you get it home:
Keep frozen until ready to thaw. That includes make sure it stays frozen en route from the store to your freezer, so pack that freezer bag!
Thaw under refrigeration up to three days before feeding.
Follow all safe handling guidelines, just as you would if you were preparing raw meat for your family.
how to choose the best raw dog food
You already know that raw, fresh food is the most biologically appropriate way to feed dogs. This diet consists of raw meat, organs and bone — and complete and balanced raw recipes like ours will help you ensure that your dog is getting the right balance of nutrients. When choosing the best raw dog food for your pup, turn the bag over and review the ingredients and guaranteed analysis. Good questions to ask:
What percent of the formula is meat, organs and bone — versus other ingredients, such as produce or fillers? For Bones & Co., the answer to this is 95%, which is among the highest you’ll find!
How many carbs does it contain? (this can difficult to understand, but we’re making it easier)
Is the formula 100% Complete & Balanced for All Life Stages? This is a standard set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and companies cannot make this claim unless their recipe meets this standard.
From there, do your research about the company itself. Many pet food companies are owned by large corporations. If supporting small, independent businesses is important to you (like it is for us), factor that into your decision.
Safe Handling Practices
One of the main concerns when feeding raw is the potential for bacterial contamination. Practice safe food handling by washing your hands thoroughly after preparing your dog's meals and cleaning all surfaces and utensils used. Keep raw dog food separate from human food, and use stainless steel bowls that are easy to clean. You can find detailed safe handling instructions on the bag.
Consider rotating proteins
if your dog does not have protein sensitivities, offer them a variety of protein sources to ensure a well-rounded diet. While Temptin’ Turkey and Barkin’ Beef are the most popular recipes and common starting points, we also offer Kickin’ Chicken, Dazzlin’ Duck and Lickin’ Lamb recipes. Duck and lamb are often good options for dogs with sensitivities, and if your dog doesn’t take to a certain protein, don’t give up! They are individuals, just like us. In fact, many persistently picky pups find their appetite on Bones & Co., because of the connection between macronutrient composition and palatability.
How to help your dog transition to raw
To ease your dog into a raw diet, consider incorporating supplements like raw goat milk or raw goat kefir. These supplements provide additional probiotics, enzymes, and nutrients that can support digestion and help your dog adjust to the new diet.
If your dog is currently on a different diet, transition to raw gradually. Start by introducing small amounts of raw food alongside their regular meals, increasing the raw portion gradually over a week or two. This gradual transition minimizes digestive upset and allows your dog's system to adapt.
Now that you know how to feed raw, get started and watch your pup’s transformation!