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Raw Dog Food - Is It Right for Your Dog?
Raw dog food, also known as the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), has become increasingly popular among dog owners across the UK.
Inspired by the natural diet of wolves, raw feeding aims to provide dogs with nutrition closer to what their ancestors ate.
Supporters argue that this diet leads to improved digestion, healthier coats, and better overall vitality, while critics highlight potential safety and nutritional concerns.
With so many opinions circulating, deciding whether raw dog food is the right choice for your dog can feel daunting. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, helping you make an informed decision for your beloved canine companion. 🐶🥩
What Is Raw Dog Food?
Raw dog food, also known as a BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), consists primarily of uncooked meats, edible bones, organ meats, vegetables, and sometimes fruit.
Unlike traditional dog foods—wet or dry—which undergo extensive processing, raw dog food aims to preserve the nutritional integrity of its natural ingredients.
The Different Types Of Raw Food
There are two main types of raw dog food typically available in the UK:
Commercial Raw Dog Food: Often sold frozen or freeze-dried, commercial options offer balanced recipes prepared by reputable pet food brands such as Nutriment or Natural Instinct. These are convenient, pre-portioned, and formulated to ensure nutritional completeness.
Homemade Raw Dog Food: Owners create their own recipes using fresh, human-grade ingredients purchased from supermarkets or specialist suppliers. This method requires careful planning and nutritional knowledge to ensure dietary balance.
Understanding the core principles of raw feeding can empower you to choose the healthiest option tailored specifically to your dog’s needs. However, if you get it wrong you could make your dog sick, so always take the correct precautions.
What Does Raw Dog Food Typically Include?
A nutritionally balanced raw diet typically includes:
- Muscle Meat: Beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, or rabbit form the main protein sources, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and maintenance.
- Bones: Often raw meaty bones, which provide calcium, phosphorus, and essential minerals. They also help clean teeth and strengthen jaw muscles.
- Organ Meats: Liver, kidneys, heart, and tripe provide vital nutrients, such as iron, vitamins, and enzymes essential for your dog’s health.
- Vegetables and Fruit: Carrots, spinach, broccoli, apples, and blueberries offer fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Healthy Fats: Salmon oil, flaxseed oil, or coconut oil contribute essential fatty acids, promoting a healthy coat and immune system.
Quality commercial raw diets in the UK clearly list specific ingredients, detailing percentages and sources, making it easier for pet owners to ensure nutritional adequacy. Always prioritise clearly named ingredients and reputable brands and ensure the ingredients are of good quality too.
The Benefits
💩 Improved Digestion: Raw diets often result in smaller, firmer, less odorous stools due to higher digestibility and fewer fillers.
🐾 Enhanced Skin & Coat: Increased healthy fats and nutrients can lead to shinier coats, reduced shedding, and fewer skin irritations or allergies.
🦷 Dental Health: Chewing raw bones naturally cleans teeth, reduces plaque, and improves overall dental hygiene.
⚡ Increased Energy & Vitality: Owners frequently report higher energy levels, greater stamina, and increased vitality, attributed to more natural, less processed ingredients.
⚖️ Weight Management: Easier to manage and control weight due to the absence of high-carbohydrate fillers commonly found in kibble.
🌾 Reduced Allergy Symptoms: For some dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, switching to raw can significantly reduce symptoms by eliminating common allergens often present in commercial processed foods.
The Drawbacks
🦠 Risk of Bacterial Infection: Raw food may contain pathogens such as Salmonella or E.coli, posing risks to both dogs and humans handling the food. Proper hygiene and safe handling are essential.
📊 Nutritional Imbalance: Homemade raw diets can cause nutritional deficiencies or excesses if they’re not carefully balanced. Choosing commercial raw foods from reputable brands greatly reduces this risk.
🦴 Bone Hazards: Feeding raw bones can carry a choking risk or cause gastrointestinal injuries. Always supervise your dog when feeding bones, and choose appropriate sizes and types.
⚠️ Practical Considerations: Raw feeding requires more preparation time, ample freezer and fridge storage, and higher attention to hygiene compared to commercial dry or wet dog food.
💷 Cost and Convenience: Raw feeding is generally more expensive than traditional feeding methods and demands consistent planning, making it less convenient for some dog owners.
What Does The Science Say?
In 2011, Daniel P Schlesinger undertook a critical review of the available data on raw dog food diets, evaluating their nutritional benefits, potential risks, and public health implications.
Published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal, the review found:
Nutritional Considerations: While some pet owners believe raw diets offer more natural nutrition, the article notes a lack of comprehensive studies confirming these benefits. There’s also a concern about potential nutritional imbalances if the diet isn’t properly formulated.
Infectious Disease Risks: Raw diets can expose pets and humans to pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. Proper handling and preparation are crucial to mitigate these risks.
Public Health Implications: The potential transmission of pathogens from pets consuming raw diets to humans, especially those with compromised immune systems, is a significant concern.
You can read the scientific review in full here.
How Much Raw Dog Food Should You Feed Your Dog?
Feeding guidelines typically depend on your dog’s weight, age, activity level, and metabolism. General UK recommendations suggest:
- Small breeds (up to 10kg): Approximately 2-3% of body weight per day (e.g., a 5kg dog would eat roughly 100-150g daily).
- Medium breeds (10-25kg): Approximately 2-2.5% of their body weight daily (e.g., a 20kg dog might eat around 400-500g daily).
- Large breeds (25kg+): Often require between 1.5-2% of their body weight daily (e.g., a 30kg dog around 600g per day).
Always monitor your dog’s condition closely, adjusting portions if your dog appears underweight or overweight, and seek guidance from your vet or canine nutritionist.
Try Our Raw Food Calculator
Below, you can use our raw dog food calculator tool. It’ll give you an idea of the amonunt of food your dog may need based on its size. Please note however it doesn’t provide concrete answers, just a guideline. You should always get further advice from an expert.
Best Raw Dog Food Brands in the UK
Reputable UK raw dog food brands are carefully crafted to ensure nutritional balance and quality ingredients. Leading brands include:
- Nutriment – highly regarded for balanced and ethically sourced ingredients.
- Natural Instinct – offers a wide range tailored to breed size, age, and health.
- Bella & Duke – popular subscription-based service known for convenience and quality.
- Nature’s Menu – widely available with high-quality, clearly defined ingredients.
Brands such as Nutriment and Natural Instinct consistently score high on AllAboutDogFood.co.uk ratings for quality, transparency, and nutritional completeness.
Before comitting to big purchases, you could try out smaller amounts to see if your dog likes them. If they do, you’re all systems go.
Which Raw Dog Food Brand Is the Healthiest?
Based on UK consumer surveys and independent reviews, Nutriment regularly emerges as a leading brand in nutritional quality, ingredient transparency, and ethical sourcing. It consistently achieves high user satisfaction scores, and vets often recommend it due to its rigorous standards and careful formulation.
How to Store Raw Dog Food Safely
Proper storage is crucial for raw dog food safety. You’re handling raw meats and fresh products after all. Incorrect storage can see foods go off and spoil, and if you feed that to your dog they could run into serious problems.
Here’s some top tips on raw dog food storage:
- Store raw food frozen until use.
- Defrost safely in a refrigerator overnight (never at room temperature).
- Use thawed raw food within 24 hours and do not refreeze.
- Ensure thorough cleaning of utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water after preparation to prevent cross-contamination.
What Do UK Vets Say About Raw Dog Food Diets?
UK veterinary organisations such as the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and PDSA take a cautious stance to raw food diets.
They acknowledge raw diets may offer benefits but strongly recommend careful handling and consulting veterinary professionals to ensure nutritional balance and minimise health risks.
The PDSA, for example, advises pet owners to feed their animals complete commercial diets to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients. They caution against raw feeding due to potential risks, such as:
Nutritional Imbalance: Homemade raw diets may lack essential nutrients, leading to health issues.
Health Hazards: Raw meats can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E.coli, posing risks to both pets and humans.
Bone Dangers: Feeding bones can cause blockages, internal injuries, or dental fractures.
If considering a raw diet, the PDSA recommends consulting a veterinarian and opting for commercially prepared raw foods from reputable manufacturers to minimise risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can You Mix Raw and Kibble?
Yes, but feed them separately to aid digestion. Ideally, raw food in the morning, dry food at night.
How Long Can Raw Dog Food Stay Out?
Raw food shouldn’t remain at room temperature for longer than 20-30 minutes. Discard uneaten portions to avoid bacterial growth.
Is Raw Food Suitable for Puppies?
Yes, but puppies have specific nutritional needs, so ensure commercial raw foods are puppy-specific or vet-approved.
Can Raw Food Make My Dog Sick?
If handled improperly or sourced poorly, raw food can lead to illness. Follow strict hygiene guidelines to reduce risks.
How Long Can Raw Dog Food Be Frozen?
Commercial raw dog food typically remains safe frozen for up to 6 months. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food at Home?
Yes, but it’s crucial to ensure balanced nutrition. Consulting a veterinary nutritionist or following expert recipes is essential to avoid deficiencies.
