Raw Diet for Dogs
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Everything about raw feeding for dogs including BARF and prey model diets, safety considerations, nutritional balance, and transitioning tips.
Key Information
What You Need to Know
Practical Recommendations
Expert Tips
Understanding the Research
Budgeting for Pet Care
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Common Questions
Where can I learn more?
CDC and FDA describe the pathogen risk of raw pet food for immunocompromised people and for the dog. Bones can fracture teeth and obstruct the gut. A complete diet meets an AAFCO profile or a nutritionist's formula. Merck's nutrition chapters cover calcium and phosphorus balance, which homemade prey mixes often miss.
How often should I take my pet to the vet?
Raw feeding leaves puppy exams every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks and the adult yearly exam in place, and those are the visits where bones, bacteria, and recipe balance are discussed with someone who can see the dog. A raw-fed dog from about 7 years, a giant breed earlier, is examined about every six months, with bloodwork that checks whether the recipe still meets its needs. Lethargy, vomiting, or bloody diarrhea after a raw meal should be seen now. Very young, elderly, or immunocompromised people in the house belong in that diet conversation. A heartworm test does not happen in the freezer.
How can I save money on pet care?
A formulated recipe from a veterinary nutritionist costs less than treating a blockage or a deficiency. If you stay with a commercial complete food, measure it. The raw freezer full of unbalanced muscle meat is the costly version of a homemade diet.