New to raw feeding
Thinking about feeding your dog a raw diet? If you're new to raw feeding, knowing where to start can feel a little overwhelming. How much should you feed, what should go in the bowl, and which raw food is right for your dog?
Don't worry — it doesn't have to be complicated. At Hills Pet Shop, we're here to help you get started with raw dog food in a simple, practical way.
Why choose raw dog food?
Raw feeding is a popular choice for dog owners who want greater control over what goes into their dog's bowl.
Raw foods can contain a range of animal-based ingredients including meat, bone and offal. When choosing a food, it's important to understand whether it is designed to be fed as a complete diet or whether it needs to be combined with other foods.
How do I start raw feeding?
1. Choose the right food
If you're new to raw feeding, starting with a reputable commercially prepared food is often the simplest option.
Always check the packaging to see whether the food is complete or complementary. A complete food is formulated to provide the nutrients your dog needs when fed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Work out how much to feed
The right amount depends on your dog's weight, age, activity level, life stage and body condition. Two dogs of the same weight can have very different requirements.
Our Dog Food Calculator gives you a useful starting point for working out how much food your dog may need.
3. Introduce the food
Some dogs switch to raw food without any problems, while others benefit from a more gradual change. Introduce the new food at a pace that suits your dog and keep an eye on their appetite, stools, weight and general condition.
If your dog has particular dietary requirements or an existing health condition, speak to your vet before making significant changes to their diet.
What should a raw-fed dog eat?
A raw diet needs to provide the right balance of nutrients rather than simply being a bowl of meat.
Depending on the food you choose, raw diets may include:
- ✓ Muscle meat – a source of protein and other nutrients
- ✓ Bone – provides important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus
- ✓ Offal – nutrient-rich organ meats such as liver and kidney
- ✓ Other essential nutrients – provided through a properly formulated diet
For beginners, choosing a commercially prepared food that is clearly labelled as complete can make getting started much simpler.
Complete or complementary?
This is one of the most important things to understand when you're new to raw feeding.
Formulated to provide all the nutrients your dog needs when fed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Not intended to provide a complete diet on its own and may need to be fed alongside other foods or ingredients.
Always check the product packaging and feeding instructions before making a food the main part of your dog's diet.
What about treats and chews?
Raw-fed dogs can still enjoy treats and chews. Just remember that these can contribute to your dog's overall calorie intake, particularly if you're carefully managing their weight.
We have a range of natural treats and long-lasting chews to complement your dog's diet.
Ready to get started?
Whether you're looking for your first raw food or simply want to work out how much your dog should be eating, we're here to help.