Dante Carrillo
A raw food diet for dogs can be a great way to ensure your pet is getting all the necessary nutrients from whole food sources. Dogs, like humans, require variation in their diet to ensure it is balanced. A raw food diet can be homemade or commercially made, and it is important to ensure that the food is comprised of human-grade ingredients and is aligned with safe food practices. A raw food diet for dogs should include a variety of proteins, organs, vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, and fatty fish. It is also important to ensure that the diet includes essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and magnesium.
Characteristics and Values of a Balanced Raw Diet for Dogs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Macronutrients | Moisture, protein, fat, and carbohydrates |
| Moisture Content | 70-75% |
| Protein Content | 15-20% |
| Fat Content | 10-20% |
| Carbohydrates | Provided by vegetables and fruits |
| Vitamins | B vitamins, Vitamin A, D, and E |
| Minerals | Zinc, Copper, Magnesium |
| Amino Acids | Provided by muscle meat, raw meaty bones, secreting organs, seafood, and eggs |
| Variety of Proteins | Feeding a variety of proteins is important for a broader intake of micronutrients |
| Plant Matter | Provides fibre, polyphenols, phytonutrients, and antioxidants |
| Commercially Made Raw Food | An alternative option, but ensure it's made with 100% human-grade ingredients and safe practices |
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What You'll Learn
Include a variety of proteins
When preparing a raw diet for your dog, it is important to include a variety of proteins. This is because different proteins offer different nutrient profiles, and feeding a variety ensures a broader intake of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals.
Meat is a good source of protein, and there are many options to choose from. Muscle meat, for example, is a good source of protein and amino acids. Tongue, being the strongest muscle in the body, is comprised of maximum protein and minimal fat, which is great for dogs with pancreatic issues or ageing dogs that do not require as much fat in their diet. Chicken, pork, and beef are the most common proteins found in supermarkets, but there are many other options, including chicken, turkey, duck, goose, quail, cornish hen, and rabbit. These meats can also be fed as raw meaty bones, which provide calcium and phosphorus to support bones and other body systems. Meat can also be fed as organ meat, which is very rich in nutrients. Heart, for example, is a source of complete protein and the body's most concentrated form of Coenzyme Q10, a potent antioxidant. Liver and kidney also provide high concentrations of B vitamins. However, because organ meats are so rich in nutrients, they should be introduced gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Eggs are another source of protein that can be fed to dogs. Chicken and duck eggs provide moderate levels of vitamin D and may meet recommended allowances for small dogs. However, it is important to note that eggshell powder is missing magnesium, so it is not a balanced choice for puppies or for any diet that contains more than 10% fat.
In addition to meat and eggs, seafood is also a good source of protein for dogs. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are fatty fish that can be fed raw. Fish oils such as krill oil, sardine oil, and mackerel oil can also be added to the diet.
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Add plant matter for fibre and antioxidants
Fibre is an essential nutrient for dogs, and many don't get enough of it in their diets. Fibre helps dogs digest other foods and serves several other important functions for a dog's health. It helps with smoother bowel movements and comes in two types: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre dissolves in water and serves as food for the good bacteria in a dog's colon, stimulating their growth. Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, does not dissolve. Dogs need both types in their diet.
Plant matter is a great source of fibre for dogs. Green vegetables such as spinach, kale, green beans, and broccoli are excellent sources of fibre. Be sure to feed these vegetables in moderation, as excessive amounts can lead to bloating and discomfort. Fruits like strawberries and blueberries are also good sources of fibre and provide an antioxidant boost. However, be mindful of the natural sugar content in these fruits, and don't overdo it.
When adding plant matter to your dog's diet, it's important to vary the types of plant matter to ensure maximum nutritional exposure. Just like humans, dogs need variation in their diet to keep it balanced. In addition to fibre, plant matter can introduce polyphenols, phytonutrients, and antioxidants into your dog's diet. Polyphenols help regulate metabolism, maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and aid in cell replication. Antioxidants protect the cells in a dog's body from damage caused by environmental chemicals and pollutants.
Some specific examples of plant matter you can add to your dog's diet include:
- Beetroot pulp: This has a high fibre content and is a great extra fibre source. However, it can easily stain your furniture and turn your dog's poop purple or red.
- Pumpkin: Cooked or pureed pumpkin is a delicious and fibre-rich food source for dogs. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it.
- Flaxseed: This is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your dog's skin, coat, brain, and nervous system. It's also a great source of dietary fibre and antioxidants.
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Ensure the right amount of fat
Fat is an essential part of a raw diet for dogs. It is the primary and most efficient energy source for dogs. However, it is important to ensure that the right types and amounts of fat are included in their diet.
The recommended amount of fat in a dog's raw diet is between 10% and 20%. This includes any fats added to the diet, such as fish oil. It is important to keep the fat content within this range as fat is relatively devoid of vitamins and minerals, and it contains a lot of calories. If a dog's diet contains more than 20% fat, it may result in a nutritionally incomplete diet as the fat will cannibalize the vitamins and minerals. This is especially important for puppies and older dogs, who have higher nutrient requirements than adult dogs.
The type of fat is also important. There are three main types of dietary fats: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. When choosing fats for a dog's diet, consider the fat's saturation and whether it is an omega-6 or omega-3 fat. Fatty fish, such as raw sprats, sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring, and trout, are good sources of omega-3 fats. Plant matter, such as flaxseed oil, can also provide omega-3 fats, but it is not as easily converted and utilized by the body.
In addition to fatty fish, other sources of healthy fats for dogs include fish oils such as krill oil, sardine oil, mackerel oil, and herring oil. Raw seeds and nuts can also provide essential fatty acids, minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins, but they should be limited to 2% of the overall daily intake and should be pre-soaked and ground for optimal digestion.
The amount and type of fat in a dog's raw diet may vary depending on the dog's age, activity level, and individual health needs. For example, fattier cuts of meat are suitable for growing puppies and active or working dogs, while leaner cuts of meat are more appropriate for less active or older dogs.
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Provide calcium and phosphorus for bone support
Calcium and phosphorus are essential for dogs' bone health. An all-meat diet is high in phosphorus and low in calcium, which can cause skeletal problems, especially in young pups. Calcium deficiency can cause skeletal demineralization, particularly of the pelvis and vertebrae. Excess calcium can also interfere with normal healthy bone mineralization and growth, especially in young large and giant breed dogs. Large breeds fed excess calcium are more likely to suffer from developmental bone disease, such as osteochondrosis (abnormal bone growth).
The typical ratio of calcium to phosphorus for adult dogs is 1:1. However, during growth periods, puppies have a higher requirement for calcium and phosphorus—up to three times that of adults. Large breed puppies need an adjusted ratio of 1.2:1 to support bone development.
To ensure your dog receives enough calcium, you can feed them raw meaty bones. Bone is high in calcium and phosphorus, with a Ca:P ratio of about 2:1. This means it provides a good amount of both minerals. By feeding your dog raw meaty bones, their body will absorb the calcium it needs, and leave what it doesn't need. Generally, any bone content over 10% is sufficient, but you shouldn't exceed 25% as dogs need other nutrients too.
If your dog struggles to eat bones—perhaps they are a senior dog, have poor teeth, or are a small breed or puppy—you can add calcium to their food in other ways. Bone meal is a good option when it's high quality and tested for heavy metals. Eggshells are rich in calcium but have no perceptible amount of phosphorus or magnesium, so they are an unnatural alternative to bone. Seaweed and coral calcium are also rich in calcium but very low in phosphorus and should not be fed to puppies or pregnant/nursing dogs.
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Choose ingredients to suit your dog's age and activity level
When preparing a raw food diet for your dog, it's important to select ingredients that are safe and healthy for them. A dog's nutritional requirements change over its lifetime, depending on its age and activity level. For example, puppies have a higher requirement for calcium and phosphorus—up to three times that of adult dogs. Large breed puppies need a ratio of 1.2:1 to support bone development. Meat is higher in phosphorus than calcium, so bone or another natural form of calcium may need to be included in the diet to achieve the correct ratio.
Fatter cuts of meat are great for growing puppies and active or working dogs. For less active or older dogs, leaner cuts of meat are more suitable. The tongue is a great source of protein and minimal fat, which is ideal for ageing and inactive dogs. Organ meats are also a good option for dogs that require less fat in their diet, as they are rich in nutrients.
It is important to vary the types of protein sources and plant matter to ensure maximum nutritional exposure over the course of your dog's life. Dogs need a variety of vitamins and minerals, which can be found in different proteins. For example, B vitamins are found in muscle meats and organs, with heart, liver, and kidney providing high concentrations.
In addition to protein, fat is an important part of a dog's diet, providing them with energy. The recommended amount of fat in a dog's diet is 10% to 20%. However, this may vary depending on the dog's activity level and individual health needs.
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Frequently asked questions
The foundation of your dog's raw diet is protein and fat. This makes up most of the meal. It is important to keep the fat content between 10% and 20% of the total meal, including any additional fats like fish oil. The remaining foundation of the meal will be protein.
It is beneficial to feed your dog a variety of proteins. Different proteins offer different nutrient profiles, which means feeding a variety gives a broader intake of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Some good sources of protein include chicken, pork, beef, turkey, duck, goose, quail, and rabbit.
In addition to protein and fat, a raw diet should include carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some specific vitamins and minerals that are important for dogs include vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B, copper, magnesium, and zinc.
Plant-based foods can be included in a raw diet to provide carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. Vegetables should be puréed, lightly steamed, or fermented to ensure optimal digestion. Fruits can also be included but in smaller amounts due to their sugar content.
If preparing a homemade raw diet seems overwhelming, there are commercially made raw food options available. It is important to ensure that these options are made with 100% human-grade ingredients and manufactured following safe food practices and industry guidelines.
