Raw feeding is centered around providing dogs with biologically appropriate, minimally processed food that more closely resembles what their bodies are designed to digest. When done thoughtfully, a raw diet can support digestion, hydration, dental health, coat quality, muscle development, and overall vitality.
This guide is designed to educate dog owners on the fundamentals of raw feeding — including how to transition safely, how much to feed, how to balance meals over time, what changes to expect, and the responsibilities and risks involved. Raw feeding is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it requires observation, adjustment, and accountability from the owner.
When transitioning a dog from kibble to a raw diet, we typically recommend a 24-hour fast before introducing raw food. This allows the digestive system time to clear processed food, reduces the likelihood of gastrointestinal upset, and helps reset the gut before introducing raw proteins.
After the fast, raw food is introduced gradually and monitored closely. Some dogs transition quickly, while others require a slower approach. Stool quality, appetite, energy level, and overall comfort should guide the pace of transition.
Feeding raw and kibble together can be appropriate for certain dogs depending on the individual dog’s metabolism, workload, age, and health status. In some cases, kibble may be intentionally used to supplement calories for dogs needing to gain weight, during transitional periods, or in situations where raw food is temporarily unavailable.
These decisions should always be made intentionally and thoughtfully, not by default. Every dog is different, and feeding strategies should reflect that.
We fast dogs one day per week to give the digestive system a break. Potential benefits may include digestive rest, reduced inflammation, metabolic support, and mimicking more natural feeding rhythms.
During fasting days, dogs always have access to fresh, clean water. Fasting is not appropriate for every dog and should be evaluated on an individual basis, particularly for puppies, seniors, or dogs with medical conditions.
Puppies are generally fed 2–3% of their predicted adult body weight, divided into multiple meals per day. Growth should be steady, not rapid. Puppies should remain lean, with visible waist definition and good muscle tone. Adjustments are made as the puppy grows and activity levels change.
Maintenance: Intake is determined by activity level, metabolism, and body condition. Regular monitoring is essential.
Gaining Weight: Feed approximately 3–5% of ideal body weight, split into multiple meals. Target weight gain is 1–2 pounds per week. Monitor every 2–3 days and adjust as needed.
Losing Weight: Feed approximately 1–2% of ideal body weight, split into meals. Target weight loss is 1–2 pounds per week. Monitor every 2–3 days and adjust accordingly.
We follow a prey-model raw balance of:
80% muscle meat
10% edible bone
10% organ meat
(approximately half of which should be liver)
Balance does not need to be achieved at every single meal.
Instead, it is assessed over the course of the week.
This approach allows flexibility while maintaining nutritional consistency.
Rotating proteins is an essential part of raw feeding. We recommend rotating through at least three protein sources per week. Protein rotation helps reduce nutritional gaps, supports gut health, minimizes the risk of developing sensitivities, and more closely mimics a natural feeding pattern.
Dogs fed raw diets often drink significantly less water due to the high moisture content of raw food. This is normal. However, fresh water must always be available regardless of diet.
Changes in stool are expected during and after transitioning to raw:
Smaller stools are normal and expected.
Dry, crumbly stools may indicate too much bone.
Loose stools may suggest excess organ meat or a protein sensitivity.
Very dark or reddish stools can indicate excess liver.
Coffee-ground appearing stool is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Owners should monitor stool quality regularly and adjust feeding accordingly.
This guide is provided for educational purposes only. Feeding raw food carries inherent risks, and owners assume full responsibility for all feeding decisions, supervision, and food handling practices.
The Dog Standard is not responsible for improper feeding, nutritional imbalances, choking incidents, illness, or injury resulting from raw feeding or improper sanitation.
Raw feeding, particularly when bones are involved, carries a choking risk. Dogs must be supervised at all times while eating, and food must be appropriately sized for the individual dog.
Raw food is raw meat and must be handled responsibly. Proper hygiene practices include:
Thorough handwashing before and after handling food
Disinfecting preparation surfaces and feeding areas
Using gloves when appropriate
Preventing cross-contamination with human food
Consult a qualified veterinarian before transitioning your dog to a raw diet — especially if your dog has medical conditions, is a puppy or senior, is pregnant or nursing, or is currently on medication.
Raw feeding is not static. It requires observation, adjustment, and ongoing evaluation. Owners should regularly monitor body condition, weight, energy level, coat quality, and stool consistency, and make changes as needed.
When done responsibly, raw feeding can be a powerful tool — but it demands attention, education, and accountability.
