New to Raw?

Raw feeding means giving pets a diet based on uncooked meat, edible bone, and organ, often designed to mimic what their ancestors would eat in the wild.

Yes — when handled correctly. Raw meat naturally contains bacteria, but healthy dogs and cats have digestive systems that can tolerate a higher bacterial load than humans.

In most cases, no — you shouldn’t cook raw pet food, especially if it’s a complete raw meal. Here’s why:

1. Cooking changes the calcium source: Raw pet food uses raw bone as the natural calcium source. When cooked, bone becomes brittle, sharp, and much harder to digest.

2. Cooking can unbalance the diet: Complete raw meals are formulated for nutrients in their raw state. Heating can destroy heat‑sensitive nutrients.

3. It defeats the purpose of raw: People choose raw because it is minimally processed and naturally nutrient-dense.

The short answer: Raw food should be fed raw. If you prefer to cook, choose a product that’s meant to be cooked.

Raw feeding is the practice of feeding dogs and cats a diet based on uncooked, minimally processed ingredients — typically meat, bone, and organ. The goal is to mirror the natural, species-appropriate diet their bodies evolved to thrive on.

Rather than relying on heavily processed kibble, raw feeding focuses on whole foods that deliver nutrients in their most natural and bioavailable form.

Yes — when done correctly, raw feeding is very safe. Dogs and cats have highly acidic stomachs and short digestive tracts, which are naturally designed to handle raw meat and its associated bacteria.

The key is using high-quality, commercially prepared products and following simple hygiene practices — just as you would when handling raw meat in your own kitchen.

In most cases, no — raw pet food is designed to be fed raw, and cooking it can create problems.

1. Bone safety: Raw meals often contain ground bone as a calcium source. Cooking bone makes it brittle and unsafe.

2. Nutrient loss: Heat destroys delicate enzymes and certain vitamins that make raw feeding beneficial.

3. Balance disruption: Complete meals are formulated for raw feeding — cooking alters that balance.

Bottom line: If you prefer cooked feeding, choose a product specifically designed for cooking — not raw.

The risk is low when using properly prepared raw food. Most healthy pets handle raw diets extremely well thanks to their natural digestive design.

Issues are more likely to arise from poor-quality products, incorrect storage, or sudden dietary changes — which is why a gradual transition and good sourcing are important.

The primary risk with raw feeding is to humans, not pets. Like handling raw chicken, basic hygiene is essential.

Wash hands after handling, clean surfaces and bowls thoroughly, and avoid cross-contamination. Follow these simple steps and the risk is minimal.

Complete meals are nutritionally balanced and designed to be fed as a sole diet.

Complementary products (like pure beef or tripe) are single components — excellent additions, but not a complete diet on their own.

If you're starting out, complete meals remove the guesswork and ensure your pet gets everything they need.

This refers to the typical “whole prey” ratio used in raw feeding:

80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ (with around half of that organ being liver).

It’s a simple framework designed to replicate the nutritional profile of a natural prey animal.

BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. It’s a variation of raw feeding that includes small amounts of plant matter such as vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

Both BARF and 80:10:10 approaches can work well — the best choice often comes down to preference and your pet’s individual needs.

As a general guide:

Adult dogs: 2–3% of ideal body weight per day
Puppies: 4–6% (or more during growth phases)
Cats: 2–4%

These are starting points — appetite, metabolism, and activity level all play a role, so adjust as needed.

Yes, you can. Many people transition gradually by mixing raw with their pet’s current food.

While some prefer to feed them separately, most pets tolerate a mixed approach perfectly well — especially during the transition phase.

No — not in whole form. Many complete raw meals already include finely ground bone, which provides safe, digestible calcium.

If you do feed whole bones, they must always be raw — never cooked.

Commercial raw food is typically frozen, which significantly reduces parasite risk.

Reputable manufacturers also follow strict sourcing and safety standards, making properly prepared raw food very low risk.

Keep raw food frozen until needed, then defrost in the fridge for 12–24 hours.

Once thawed, use within 2–3 days. Always clean bowls and preparation areas after feeding.

Most owners notice improvements within a few weeks, including:

• Smaller, firmer stools
• Improved coat condition
• Better breath
• More stable energy levels

Every pet is different, but the overall trend is usually very positive.

Most healthy dogs and cats can thrive on a raw diet.

If your pet has an existing medical condition, is immunocompromised, or has complex dietary needs, it’s sensible to seek professional guidance before switching.

If you are feeding a properly formulated complete raw diet, additional supplements are usually unnecessary.

Supplements are more relevant for DIY feeding, where balancing nutrients becomes your responsibility.

A gradual transition works best for most pets:

Start with 25% raw and 75% current food, then increase the raw portion every few days over 7–10 days.

Some pets can switch immediately, but a slower approach reduces the chance of digestive upset.

Very little:

• Freezer space
• A fridge for defrosting
• Stainless steel or ceramic bowls

That’s it — modern raw feeding is designed to be simple and convenient.

Feed in an area that’s easy to clean — kitchens, utility rooms, or a wipeable mat work well.

Some owners prefer outdoor feeding for larger dogs or messier meals.

Look for consistent signs of health:

• Healthy weight
• Good energy levels
• Glossy coat
• Firm stools

Your pet should look and feel well — that’s always the best indicator.