Raw Feeding Guide for Dogs

What should I look for in raw dog food?

If raw feeding is new to you, the choice of products can seem confusing. One of the most important things to check is whether the food is labelled complete.

A complete pet food is formulated to provide the nutrients your dog needs when fed according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is particularly important if the food is going to make up your dog's main diet.

You should also choose a food that is appropriate for your dog's life stage, size and individual needs. Puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs can have different nutritional requirements.

Homemade raw diets can be difficult to balance correctly. If you're new to raw feeding, commercially prepared complete raw food is a much simpler option.

How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Dog?

There isn't one amount of food that is right for every dog. The amount your dog needs will depend on factors including their weight, age, activity level, life stage and the particular food you are feeding.

Choosing a Raw Food Protein

Raw dog food is available in a wide range of protein recipes, including options such as chicken, turkey, beef and other meats. Different dogs have different preferences, and some owners choose to offer a variety of suitable proteins as part of their feeding routine.

If your dog has previously reacted to certain foods or has been diagnosed with a food allergy or another condition affected by diet, speak to your vet before changing their food.

If you're simply looking for a new recipe for a healthy dog, choosing between proteins can largely come down to the food's nutritional suitability, your dog's preferences and what works well for you.

Introducing Your Dog to Raw Food

Changing your dog's food suddenly can cause digestive upset. When changing from one food to another, a gradual transition is generally the safest approach.

Start by introducing a small amount of the new food alongside your dog's existing food, then gradually increase the new food while reducing the old food over the following days. The exact transition period can vary between dogs.

If your dog develops persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, refuses food or you have concerns about their health during a diet change, contact your vet.

Storing and Handling Raw Dog Food Safely

Raw pet food can contain bacteria that may cause illness, so good food hygiene is especially important when handling raw food at home.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw food.
• Keep raw pet food separate from food intended for people.
• Store frozen raw food according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Defrost raw food safely in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
• Clean bowls, utensils and preparation surfaces thoroughly after use.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage and use after defrosting.

Take particular care if there are young children, elderly people, pregnant people or anyone with a weakened immune system in your household, as they can be more vulnerable to infections associated with raw pet food.

Complete or Complementary Raw Food?

This is an important distinction when choosing your dog's food.

Complete food is formulated to provide all the nutrients your dog needs when fed as directed. This makes it suitable to form the main part of your dog's diet.

Complementary food is not designed to provide everything your dog needs on its own and should be fed alongside other foods as directed.

Always check the packaging before buying and follow the manufacturer's feeding instructions.

Our Raw Dog Food Brands

At Hills Pet Shop, we currently stock a selection of commercially prepared raw dog food from trusted brands. Our range will continue to grow as we add more options for local raw feeders.