Raw Diet for Dogs

Raw Diet for Dogs: What It Is and How It Works

When you hear people talk about a raw diet for dogs, it usually sounds fancy or complicated, but honestly, it’s just about going back to what dogs naturally thrive on. Fresh meat, real bones, organs, and simple ingredients that haven’t been processed or cooked to death. The idea is to give your dog food that feels closer to nature and less like something poured out of a packet.

But of course, as pawrents, we want to know exactly what we’re giving our babies: what’s safe, what’s not, whether it suits their tummy, and how to even start. A raw food diet for dogs can be amazing, but it also needs the right balance and understanding.

So let’s break it down properly: what a raw diet for dogs really is, how it works, who it suits, and what you should keep in mind before making the switch.

What Exactly Is a Raw Diet?

A raw diet is basically feeding your dog uncooked, natural ingredients—the kind of food their ancestors ate in the wild.

It usually includes:

  • Raw meat (chicken, lamb, turkey, duck)
  • Edible bones
  • Organs (liver, heart, kidney)
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Omega-rich fats
  • Supplements for balance (fish oil, probiotics)

— Some pawrents prepare raw meals at home, while others buy ready-made raw mixes. Either way, the idea is simple: give them food that feels more “natural” than processed kibble.

Why Do Pawrents Choose a Raw Diet?

Raw feeding has become popular because many dogs show improvements like

✔ SHINIER COAT & HEALTHIER SKIN 

A raw diet is rich in natural fats, which help with dryness, dandruff, and dull coats.

✔ BETTER DIGESTION 

Many dogs digest raw meat much easier than kibble.

✔ HELPS WITH WEIGHT CONTROL 

Raw meals are usually lighter and cleaner than kibble, which can support healthy weight loss in dogs who gain easily.

✔ CLEANER TEETH 

Edible bones act like natural toothbrushes, resulting in better dental health.

✔ MORE STABLE ENERGY LEVELS 

Not hyper, not sluggish, just comfortably active.

✔ SMALLER, FIRMER STOOLS

Raw-fed dogs usually poop less; their body absorbs more nutrients.

✔ FEWER ALLERGIES 

Some dogs feel better on a simple, fresh raw diet; fewer ingredients often mean fewer reactions.

— These benefits of raw diet for dogs sound great, but a raw diet isn’t a miracle cure. It works when done correctly and in a balanced way.

But here’s the Honest Part—The Risks

Raw feeding does have challenges, especially if you’re a beginner.

⚠ Bacterial contamination

Raw meat can carry salmonella and bacteria that can affect both dogs and humans.

⚠ Unbalanced meals
  • Too much meat → calcium deficiency
  • Too much bone → constipation
  • Too much organ meat → loose stools
⚠ Choking hazard from unsafe bones

Cooked bones splinter. Some raw bones can be too hard.

⚠ Not suitable for all dogs

Dogs with immunity issues or tummy problems may react badly.

— A raw diet for dogs should only be started after proper learning or vet guidance.

How a Raw Diet Works Inside a Dog’s Body

Dogs digest raw meat differently than humans. Their stomachs are naturally acidic, designed to break down raw protein and kill bacteria. And this is why raw meat for dogs often feels easier on their stomach than heavily processed kibble. Their body is naturally designed to break down real meat, but again, meat for dogs should be part of a complete meal, not the whole meal.

That’s why raw-fed dogs:

  • ~digest meat quickly
  • ~produce less gas
  • ~absorb more nutrients

But dogs need a balanced raw diet. Just giving chicken every day is not “raw feeding.” It needs proper ratios.

Dogs Who Should Avoid Raw Diet

Raw feeding isn’t for everyone. It’s usually not recommended for:

  • very young puppies
  • senior dogs
  • dogs with kidney issues
  • dogs with pancreatitis
  • dogs with low immunity
  • dogs with severe digestive issues

— Always check with a vet if your dog falls under these categories.

How to Start a Raw Diet Safely

If you’re trying raw feeding for the first time, go slow.

1. Start with a single protein

Chicken is easiest to digest.

2. Don’t mix raw and kibble in the same bowl

They digest at different speeds.

3. Keep the kitchen clean

Wash hands, bowls, and counters; raw meat hygiene is important.

4. Transition gradually

Start with 10–20% raw and increase over a week.

5. Observe your dog daily

Stool, coat, energy, appetite—everything tells a story.

The Basic Raw Diet Ratio

A simple guideline many pawrents follow:

  • 70% muscle meat
  • 10% edible bone
  • 10% organs (half liver, half others)
  • 10% vegetables & extras

Optional but very helpful:

  • Omega oils
  • Probiotics
  • Calcium
  • Multivitamins

— Balance is the key word here.

How to Know if the Raw Diet Is Working

Watch for signs. 

✓ GOOD SIGNS 

  • ~soft, shiny coat
  • ~smaller stools
  • ~steady energy
  • ~no itching
  • ~good appetite

⚠ WARNING SIGNS 

  • ~diarrhea
  • ~dull coat
  • ~weight loss
  • ~vomiting
  • ~excessive thirst

— If anything feels unusual, pause and consult a vet.

Raw Diet & Furever Kare

At Furever Kare, we know raw-feeding pawrents don’t just need food; they need safe, trustworthy support products. You’ll find:

  • natural chews
  • dehydrated treats
  • omega supplements
  • grooming wipes
  • bowls
  • toys for teething
  • hygiene essentials

— Everything that makes raw feeding cleaner, easier, and safer at home.

FAQs 

Q: Can puppies eat a raw diet?

— Not recommended unless a vet plans their meals. Puppies need very precise nutrition.

Q: Will raw meat give my dog worms?

— Not if you buy fresh, quality meat. But always freeze meat first; it reduces parasite risk.

Q: Can I mix raw and kibble?

— Preferably no. They digest differently and can upset the stomach.

Q: Are raw bones safe?

— Only soft, edible raw bones. Never cooked bones.

Q: How do I know my raw diet is balanced?

— Follow the correct ratios or check with a vet/nutritionist.

Switching to a raw diet for dogs is a big decision, and every pawrent wants to do it the right way. That’s why at Furever Kare, we’re careful about what goes into your dog’s bowl and what goes around it. Everything we keep, from raw diet add-ons to supplements, natural chews, digestion-friendly treats, and grooming basics, is chosen with one thing in mind: your dog’s health and comfort. If you’re exploring the raw diet world, you’ll always find honest, pet-safe, well-researched options here that support a cleaner, more natural way of feeding.

And your furbaby’s routine doesn’t end at the bowl, and neither do we. Toys, training treats, shampoos, accessories, bowls, wipes, comfort essentials—everything your dog needs to feel happy and cared for is right here in one place. No running around, no guessing, no confusion. Just simple, trusted choices that make pet parenting a little easier and a lot more comforting.

Whenever you’re ready to explore what’s best for your dog, you know where to find us—Furever Kare: your pet’s comfort corner, always.

Back to blog

Leave a comment