Are you interested in trying a raw dog food recipe? These recipes are all made with uncooked meat, organs, and vegetables, and some include supplements like magnesium and bone meal.
We’re looking into this dog food trend, giving you all the information you need to get started! Scroll down to find out what raw dog food is, why it’s controversial, and what the basic proportions should be. After that, check out our 4 favorite raw dog food recipes!
What’s Raw Dog Food?
Raw dog food is exactly what it sounds like: uncooked food for your furry friends. This type of diet first became trendy among humans. The theory is that cooking food destroys the naturally-occurring nutrients and enzymes. Fans say you might experience fewer headaches and better digestion.
The theory is similar for dogs. Dogs’ wild ancestors were scavengers and hunters, eating raw wild game — including organs and stomach contents. The raw food diet is meant to replicate that ancient diet.
Raw Dog Food Controversy
Before we start, keep in mind that a raw diet may not work for all dogs. Before you transition your pup’s diet, you’ll probably want to consult your veterinarian. This diet has its detractors. Uncooked meat can contain potentially harmful parasites, and some dogs may have a harder time digesting raw food.
Many vets also recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with vitamins. You may also want to vary the recipe to make sure your dog is eating a range of nutrients.
The Basic Raw Dog Food Recipe
Putting together your dog’s first raw food can be scary, but with the help of a little research, learning how to made raw dog food will be easy and you’ll be a pro in no time! The basic proportion of a raw dog food recipe is 5:1:1. That’s five parts raw meat (often with bones), one part raw organ meat, and one part vegetables.
Where do you source these ingredients? You can try your local butcher shop or grocery store. You may also be able to find a local meat distributor who can provide you with fresh organ meat.
Ready to get started? So are we! Here are 4 easy raw dog food recipes to make today:
Top 4 Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipes:
1. Simple Raw Dog Food Recipe
Our first recipe is incredibly simple: just six ingredients cut up and mixed together. This recipe combines raw chicken, eggs (with shells), cod liver oil, and fruits and vegetables like apples and cabbage. See what your dog thinks of this easy recipe!
2. Wild Raw Dog Food
Looking for something a little more deluxe? Try this raw food recipe from the Food Network! You may want to skip the garlic (it’s potentially toxic to dogs) and leave out any ingredients you can’t find, like marigold petals.
3. Raw Meat Patties
Another simple raw food option? Throw together raw meat patties (much like hamburgers for your grill). Your dog can eat these uncooked! This recipe uses sardines, ground meat, and eggs, with the shell for added calcium.
4. Raw Keto Dog Food Recipe
If you have a very active dog, you might want to try this ketogenic dog food recipe. It’s very high in calories and fat, aiming to provide equal calories from fat and calories from proteins and carbs. For balanced nutrition, this recipe also includes kelp, bone meal, and supplements like magnesium.
Homemade Raw Dog Food: The Bottom Line
Now you know all about raw diets and even learned how to make raw dog food of your very own! We hope these four raw dog food recipes help you get started on your pup’s new diet. Even though they’re uncooked, these recipes will take quite a bit of ingredient gathering. Time to make friends with a butcher — or try one of our other dog food recipes.
More dog food recipes:
Featured image credit: Zontica, Shutterstock
