🐾 Thinking About Raw Feeding? Here’s How to Start Without the Overwhelm

Thinking about switching your dog to raw but feel totally overwhelmed?

You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not a bad pawrent for feeling confused by all the advice online.

Here’s the good news: starting raw doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or stressful.

Let’s break it down step by step, so you can confidently get your dog started on a raw diet—without second-guessing every choice.

🥩 What Is Raw Feeding?

Raw feeding means feeding your dog a natural diet made up of uncooked meat, bones, offal, and sometimes veg or extras like eggs and herbs. It’s designed to mimic what dogs would eat in the wild—before dry kibble was even a thing.

👉 Raw-fed dogs often have shinier coats, healthier stools, cleaner teeth, and improved energy.

🐕 Is Raw Right for Your Dog?

Every dog is different. Puppies, seniors, dogs with medical issues, and those on medication may need a slightly tailored approach—but raw feeding can be suitable for nearly all dogs.

✅ It’s ideal if your dog:

• Has skin issues or allergies

• Has tear staining or stinky breath

• Struggles with digestion

• Is a fussy eater

❌ It might not be ideal just yet if your dog:

• Is severely immune-compromised

• Has pancreatitis (needs support first, speak with a canine nutritionist)

• Is on a prescription vet diet (speak with a canine nutritionist)

🔍 How to Read Your Dog Food Label (Before You Switch)

Before diving into raw, check what’s actually in your dog’s current food. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so whatever’s listed first makes up the biggest portion.

👉 If meat or fish isn’t one of the first ingredients—step away.

👉 If you see fillers like “animal derivatives,” “meat meal,” “cereals,” or vague oils—it’s a red flag.

Want help reading labels? It’s all inside my free Dog Food Types Guide here (opens in new tab).

🐾 5 Easy Steps to Start Raw Feeding (Without the Stress)

Here’s how to start raw feeding without flipping your brain inside-out:

1. ✅ Choose a style that suits you

There are two main styles:

• Pre-made raw: Comes balanced and frozen. Just defrost and serve.

• DIY raw: You choose the ingredients and portion them yourself.

New to raw? Start with pre-made from a trusted UK supplier. Once you're confident, you can explore DIY.

2. ✅ Transition gradually

Most dogs do best with a gentle switch:

• Replace one meal a day with raw for a few days

• Then move to fully raw once stools are settled

⚠️ Avoid mixing raw and kibble in the same meal—they digest at different rates and can upset the gut.

3. ✅ Get your portions right

Feed around:

• 2–3% of your dog’s body weight per day

  • 2% if they need to lose weight

  • 2.5% to maintain

  • 3%+ for puppies or active dogs

Need help working it out? I’ve done the hard part in my downloadable Raw Feeding Guide.

4. ✅ Add variety—but not all at once

Start with one protein (e.g. turkey or venison).Wait 5–7 days before adding another (like beef or lamb).Then gradually introduce:

• Offal

• Bone

• Oily fish

• Veg

• Herbs

👉 Let your dog’s gut adjust—don’t throw everything into one bowl at once.

5. ✅ Don’t forget the extras (If doing DIY)

Raw isn’t just about meat. Your dog also needs:

• Bone for calcium

• Organs like liver or kidney

• Optional veggies like leafy greens or carrots (blended is best)

• Oily fish like sprats or sardines

• Supplements, if needed (especially for joint, skin or gut support)

💡 FAQs

❓Is raw feeding safe for my dog?

Yes—if done correctly. Choose reputable brands or follow a balanced DIY approach. Avoid cooked bones, weight-bearing bones from large animals, or unbalanced meals long-term.

❓Can I mix kibble and raw?

Not in the same meal. You can feed one in the morning and one in the evening, but their digestion rates differ, so mixing them can upset the gut.

❓Do I need supplements with raw?

Not always, but some dogs benefit from natural supplements like:

• Golden Paste or turmeric for joints

• Probiotics or greens for gut health

• Fish oil for coat and brain support

Explore natural options in our Supplements Section.

📥 Want to Go Deeper?

📥 Want to Go Deeper?

Grab my printable Raw Feeding Guide for Dogs – 27 pages of no-fluff, judgement-free support.

This guide is for dog parents who want to feed better without getting lost in a 12-tab Google spiral.

Inside, you’ll find:

✅ Raw feeding styles explained (BARF, hybrid, lightly cooked)

✅ Easy ways to boost your current food

✅ Common myths & mistakes to avoid

✅ Hygiene & safety tips

✅ Meal planner & transition tips

✅ Inspiration for raw and lightly cooked meals

🎯 It’s not a course. It’s not a lecture. It’s a get-started-now, confidence-boosting toolkit for £4.99.

💚 Click here to download it for just £4.99:

🐾 Final Thoughts

Starting raw doesn’t mean going full wolf-mode overnight. It’s about learning your dog’s needs, taking small steps, and feeding with intention. You don’t need to be perfect—just informed.

Have questions? Need further help? Get in touch and we will help.