What Makes Up a Balanced Raw Diet for Dogs?

So you’re ready to give your dog the healthiest holiday season yet? Great! But before you load up your cart, let’s go over what actually goes into a well-rounded raw diet.

A balanced raw menu for dogs typically includes:

• Meat: Muscle meat is the foundation—think beef, chicken, lamb, or rabbit. Variety is key, so switch it up through the week.
• Raw Bones: Raw bones (sized appropriately for your dog) help keep teeth clean and provide calcium. Always supervise bone time and check out our Bone Feeding Guide for sizing tips.
• Organs: Organ meats such as liver, kidney, and others offer essential nutrients—these should form a regular part of your dog’s meals, similar to what they’d get in the wild.
• Green Tripe: Yes, it’s smelly, but green tripe acts as a “superfood” (and your dog’s inner wolf will thank you for it). It’s like the veggie side-dish of the raw world, and can be included daily.
• Fish: Dogs need omega-3s, and fish like sardines (in spring water) or whole raw fish can be fed a few times per week

• For balance, aim to include ingredients from at least three different animal sources each week. This variety keeps things interesting for your pup—and healthy!

  Why Variety Matters in Your Pets Raw Diet

  Just like us humans wouldn’t thrive eating chicken and rice every single day, dogs need more than just one type of meat in their bowls. Rotating between different protein sources—think beef, lamb, chicken, salmon, and venison—helps make sure your furry friend gets a balanced mix of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

  A mix of meats (muscle, organ, and a little bone) from several animals:

  • Provides a broader spectrum of amino acids and essential fatty acids
  • Lowers the risk of nutritional gaps that can pop up with relying on a single source
  • Mirrors the natural eating habits of wild canines, who’d hunt a range of prey in the wild

  We recommend aiming for at least three different proteins across the week. Your dog will appreciate the variety in both flavour and nutrition, and you’ll love knowing they’re getting everything they need to look and feel their best.

  Feeding Guidelines for Adult Dogs on a Raw Diet

  Wondering how to keep your pup happy and healthy with a raw diet? Here’s a handy feeding cheat sheet to help you get it just right.

  • How often: Most adult dogs do well with one or two meals a day. This keeps them satisfied without overdoing it, and fits easily into most daily routines—whether you’re a morning person, a night owl, or both!
  • How much: As a rule of paw, aim for about 2% of your dog’s ideal body weight each day. For example, a 25kg dog should get roughly 500g of food daily. But just like people, every dog is unique—some days may call for a little more or less.

  Keep an eye on your dog’s appetite and shape:

  • Is your dog leaving food, hiding treats, or being picky? That’s a hint you might be offering too much—just reduce the next serving, or occasionally skip a meal to reset their appetite.
  • If your dog is always on the hunt for snacks or looking a bit slimmer, bump up the portion size gradually.
  • Notice any extra pudginess? Trim back the meal size a touch until your furry friend is back in shape.

• Remember, regular walks before dinner not only work up an appetite—they’re also a perfect way to bond and burn off those zoomies before supper time!

  Make sure to adjust portions as needed and monitor your dog’s condition—every dog is different, and the best diet is one tailored just for them.

  Common Changes When Switching to a Raw Diet

  Transitioning your dog to a raw diet can bring about a few noticeable shifts—don’t be alarmed, these are usually perfectly normal.

  • Early Weight Changes: Some pups may slim down a touch in the first week or two. Keep an eye on your dog’s shape and adjust their portions to suit their needs.
  • Appetite Surges: Dogs often gobble up raw food enthusiastically. If your furry friend seems extra hungry at first, it’s often just their excitement for the new menu. Most settle down after the initial phase.
  • Less Frequent Water Breaks: Raw diets tend to offer higher moisture, so you might catch your dog at the water bowl less often.
  • Tidy Bathroom Visits: Expect smaller, firmer, and less odorous stools—one of the perks of feeding fresh, whole foods.

  Ready to see these benefits firsthand? Dive into our selection and discover your dog’s next favourite meal below!

  How Does a Raw Diet Affect Your Dog’s Water Intake and Bowel Movements?

  If you’re switching your pup to a raw diet, expect a few positive changes in the bathroom (and water bowl) department! Because raw food contains more moisture than processed kibble, your dog will naturally drink less water. No need to worry—it’s just their way of staying hydrated straight from their bowl.

  You may also notice that cleanup gets a whole lot easier. Dogs fed a raw diet tend to produce smaller, firmer, and much less odorous stools. That means fewer surprises in the backyard and happier walks around the neighborhood.

  How to Tell If You’re Overfeeding or Underfeeding Your Dog

  Not sure if your dog’s bowl is stacked just right? The perfect portion is a balancing act, and every pup is a little different. A good starting point: aim for around 2% of your dog’s body weight each day, though this is just a guide—like traffic lights on an empty road at midnight.

  Here are a few classic clues to help you adjust:

  Signs you might be overfeeding:

  • Your dog routinely leaves food behind, buries leftovers, or turns into a gourmet critic—sniffing and walking away.
  • You notice a subtle (or not-so-subtle) increase in your dog’s waistline.
  • Energy seems sluggish or your dog feels heavy to lift.

  Signs your dog could use a little more:

  • Ribs are easily felt or visible, and your dog looks more like a supermodel than a sturdy canine.
  • Mealtime excitement turns into frantic scavenging or obsessive food-related behavior.
  • Weight is dropping, or your pup seems hungrier after every meal.

  If you notice any of these signs, tweak their portions up or down gradually. For overfed dogs, reduce the serving a bit or skip a meal now and then. For those looking a little lean, bump up their portion and keep an eye on their weight and mood.

  And remember—exercise before meals works wonders, and your dog’s needs may shift with seasons, age, and activity. When in doubt, check your feeding plan or consult your vet for tailored guidance.

  What to Do If Your Dog Ignores Food or Gets Picky

  Noticing your dog hiding bones or turning up their nose at dinner? Don’t panic—it likely means they’re simply not hungry, or you might be offering too much at mealtime. Here’s an easy fix:

  • Cut back a little on their next serving to match their appetite.
  • If the full bowl habit continues, it’s okay to skip a meal now and then—dogs can handle it and it often resets their interest in food.
  • Try giving your dog a gentle walk or play session before feeding time. A bit of activity can get their appetite going!

  Simple adjustments like these help keep mealtimes happy—and your dog’s waistline in check.

  Why Ditch Grains and Starches for Your Dog?

  Wondering why all the fuss about skipping grains and starches for your pup? It’s all about keeping things natural—your dog’s digestive system is built for meat, not bread or pasta. Imagine asking a lion to swap its steak for crackers—sounds pretty odd, right? That’s how a dog feels about carbs like rice, potatoes, and pumpkin.

  Feeding your dog grains and starchy foods can lead to tummy troubles and doesn’t meet their nutritional needs. Their bodies just aren’t wired to break down all those carbs; what they truly thrive on is a protein-rich, meaty diet.

  So for a healthier, happier companion, steer clear of the carb-heavy fillers and stick with what nature intended. Your dog (and probably your vet) will thank you!