A Complete Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs

Raw feeding has grown enormously in popularity across the UK, with many owners believing it offers a more natural, nutritious alternative to commercial dog food. While raw diets can be healthy when done correctly, they also carry risks and require careful planning to ensure they are safe and nutritionally balanced.

This guide explores what raw feeding is, the benefits and risks, how to prepare meals safely, what ingredients must be included, and the common mistakes owners should avoid.

What Is a Raw Diet for Dogs?

A raw diet typically consists of:

• Raw meat
• Raw bones
• Raw organs
• Sometimes vegetables or fruits
• Supplements (depending on the model used)

Raw diets generally fall under three main types:

Commercial raw diets

These are manufactured and often sold in frozen portions. Some are complete (balanced according to nutritional guidelines), while others are complementary.

Homemade raw diets

Prepared by owners using purchased ingredients. These must follow a balanced recipe.

Prey-model or BARF diets

These aim to mimic a dog’s ancestral diet, using a combination of meat, bones, and organs, with or without plant ingredients.

Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning while meat is the foundation of their diet, they can digest some plant material. Raw diets, when done well, can cater to these needs.

Potential Benefits of Raw Feeding

Many owners report improvements when switching to a raw diet. While scientific evidence is still developing, common observations include:

Improved Coat and Skin Health

Dogs may show:

• Shinier coats
• Reduced shedding
• Fewer dry skin problems

This is largely due to higher levels of natural fats and oils.

Better Digestive Function

Owners often notice:

• Smaller, firmer stools
• Reduced flatulence
• Fewer digestive upsets

Raw diets contain no fillers or grains, which some dogs digest poorly.

Improved Hydration

Raw meat contains a high moisture content, which supports:

• Kidney health
• Urinary tract function
• Overall hydration

Dental Health Benefits

Chewing raw meaty bones may help:

• Reduce plaque
• Strengthen jaw muscles
• Provide mental stimulation

However, bone feeding carries significant risks, which are detailed later.

Potential Allergy Relief

Dogs with some food intolerances may benefit from limited-ingredient raw diets.

Risks and Challenges of Raw Feeding

Raw feeding requires serious consideration. Risks can be minimised but never fully eliminated.

Bacterial Contamination

Raw meat can carry harmful bacteria such as:

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Campylobacter
• Listeria

Dogs can get sick, and they may also shed bacteria in their saliva or faeces, putting humans at risk.

Households with children, elderly people, or immunocompromised individuals must be especially cautious.

Nutritional Imbalance

A poorly balanced raw diet can be dangerous. Dogs require:

• Protein
• Fat
• Vitamins A, B, D, E, and K
• Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc and copper
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Fibre

Feeding only meat (or only meat and bone) is not nutritionally complete.

Nutrient deficiencies can lead to:

• Bone deformities
• Heart issues
• Immune dysfunction
• Organ failure
• Poor growth in puppies

Commercial raw foods labelled as complete must meet nutritional guidelines, but homemade diets require expertise.

Bone Hazards

Raw bones can be beneficial but are also risky.

Possible problems include:

• Choking
• Tooth fractures
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Constipation from too much bone
• Perforations from sharp fragments

Cooked bones are never safe.

Parasites

Raw pork, lamb, game and fish may contain parasites.

Freezing reduces risk, but does not remove it entirely.

Hygiene Challenges

Owners must take precautions to prevent cross-contamination:

• Wash hands after handling raw meat
• Clean bowls and surfaces thoroughly
• Store raw food correctly
• Keep raw meat away from children and other household foods

Cost and Convenience

Raw feeding can be more expensive and time-consuming due to:

• Ingredient sourcing
• Storage (especially freezer space)
• Meal preparation
• Additional hygiene practices

What a Balanced Raw Diet Must Include

A complete raw diet for dogs should contain:

Muscle Meat

Forms the main component and provides essential protein and amino acids.

Examples include:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Lamb
• Turkey
• Pork
• Duck

Organ Meat

Organs are highly nutritious and must be included.

Essential organs:

• Liver (rich in vitamins A and B)
• Kidney
• Heart (technically muscle but vital for taurine)

Liver should make up about 5% of the diet.

Bone

Provides calcium and phosphorus.

Suitable raw bones may include:

• Chicken wings or thighs
• Turkey necks
• Lamb ribs
• Other soft, non-weight-bearing bones

Raw bones must always be fed under supervision.

Fat

Moderate fat is essential, but excessive fat risks pancreatitis.

Omega-3s

These often require supplementation, especially if feeding mostly poultry.

Fibre

Some raw diets include:

• Pumpkin
• Vegetables
• Psyllium husk

While not essential, fibre can support digestive health.

Supplements

Depending on the diet model, supplements may include:

• Fish oil
• Vitamin E
• Manganese
• Zinc
• Iodine
• A complete premix

Commercial complete raw meals often incorporate these already.

Types of Raw Feeding Models

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)

A balanced mix of:

• Meat
• Bone
• Organs
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Supplements

Prey-Model Raw (PMR)

Aims for a ratio such as:

• 80% muscle meat
• 10% bone
• 10% organ

Usually excludes plant matter.

Whole Prey Feeding

Involves feeding animals such as:

• Rabbits
• Quail
• Pigeons
• Fish

Not always practical, but provides natural balance.

How to Feed Raw Safely

Use Human-Grade Meat

Reduces bacterial and parasite risks.

Freeze Meat Before Feeding

Freeze pork, lamb or game for 3–7 days to help kill parasites.

Thaw Properly

Always thaw in the fridge, not at room temperature.

Portion Meals in Advance

Avoid constant thawing and refreezing.

Keep Everything Clean

Wash hands, bowls and surfaces immediately after handling.

Introduce Slowly

Transition over 7–14 days to prevent stomach upset.

Monitor Your Dog Closely

Look for signs of:

• Digestive upset
• Bone-related issues
• Allergies
• Weight changes

Is Raw Feeding Suitable for All Dogs?

Raw feeding may not be ideal for:

• Puppies (without expert formulation)
• Dogs with weakened immune systems
• Dogs with pancreatitis
• Older dogs with dental issues
• Households with high infection risk

Consult your vet if unsure.

Common Mistakes in Raw Feeding

• Feeding only meat without organs or bones
• Feeding cooked bones
• Using unsafe supermarket leftovers
• Overfeeding liver
• Not including essential supplements
• Relying on unverified online recipes
• Poor hygiene practices
• Giving bones unsupervised

Avoiding these mistakes is crucial for long-term success.

Should You Feed Raw or Commercial Diets?

There is no universal answer. Both can be healthy options.

Raw diets can be great when:

• Correctly balanced
• Sourced safely
• Stored and prepared hygienically

Commercial diets can be better when:

• Convenience and consistency matter
• The owner is unsure how to formulate raw diets
• The dog has medical needs requiring specialised food

High-quality commercial foods (wet or dry) remain excellent choices.

Conclusion

Raw feeding can be a nutritious and biologically appropriate option for many dogs, but only when done with care, planning and good hygiene. It is not automatically healthier than commercial diets, and poorly balanced raw food can cause serious health issues.

If you choose to raw feed your dog, educate yourself thoroughly, work with reputable suppliers, ensure the diet is complete and balanced, and maintain strict hygiene at all times. With the right approach, raw feeding can support health, vitality and enjoyment for your dog, just ensure the diet meets all their nutritional needs safely and responsibly.