Feeding Guidelines
Raw Feeding Guidelines
1 – Current weight and muscle mass
2 – Age
3 – Daily activity level
As a general rule, we recommend feeding your dog 2-3% of their body weight when they are at their ideal weight. For less active dogs, 2% is usually sufficient. Dogs with a moderately active lifestyle may need closer to 2.5%, while very active dogs may require 3%. During summer, if you and your dog are more active with frequent walks, runs, or hikes, you can increase their food intake up to 4%.
Just like people, dogs have individual taste preferences. While most dogs enjoy raw food, some might not take to it – and that’s perfectly fine! The goal is always to ensure your dog lives a happy and healthy life, regardless of the diet.
While some dogs adjust to a new diet right away, others need a gradual transition. If your dog is currently eating kibble, reach out to us for advice on making the switch. We’ll create a customized plan tailored to your dog’s unique needs.
If you have any questions or need help getting started with a raw diet, feel free to reach out at info@pawonraw.com or call us at (519) 455-6868.
Top 5 Benefits of Raw Food for Dogs
Coat Health
The first noticeable change is often in the coat. Up to 40% of a dog’s protein intake supports their skin and coat. Diets low in meat protein (like many kibble options) don’t provide enough to maintain a healthy coat. Raw diets, rich in fresh meat and fats, help create a shiny, luxurious coat.
Muscle Tone
Dogs are carnivores, relying primarily on protein and fat for nutrition. A raw diet helps eliminate carbohydrate-fueled fat, revealing a lean and toned physique. Raw diets typically avoid cereal fillers (carbs), which are key to maintaining proper weight and muscle tone. Imagine trying to build muscle on a diet that’s 50% bread – it just doesn’t work. Protein is essential for building muscle, organs, skin, hair, and joints.
Dental Health
Switching from kibble to raw food with bones can greatly improve dental hygiene and reduce bad breath. While kibble claims to help with dental health, it lacks the natural cleansing action that raw meaty bones provide. Dogs have no amylase in their saliva (the enzyme that breaks down sugars), so sugars from kibble contribute to bacterial growth and poor dental health. Raw bones can naturally clean teeth without the issues caused by processed foods.
Behavior
Improved behavior is another benefit of raw feeding, largely due to removing processed dry foods. Dry pet foods contribute to behavioral issues in three main ways:
- High levels of easily digested carbs can lead to blood sugar spikes and poor behavior.
- The presence of chemicals and additives.
- Low levels of vitamin B, which are important for calming the mind but degrade with long storage times.
Less Waste and Better for Kidneys
Dry food contains excessive amounts of salt – around 1.2%, the same level as salted peanuts. Without the added salt, most dogs wouldn’t eat it. This high salt content leads to increased water intake and larger amounts of urine, which strains the kidneys and can lead to disease. Raw-fed dogs produce smaller, less odorous stools due to the digestibility of fresh food. Meat and bones make an ideal diet, reducing the risk of kidney disease, pancreatitis, and cancer – all of which are increasingly common in dogs fed a dry food diet.