Dog Nutrition Guide: A Complete Raw Dog Food Diet

By Norma Jeanne Laurette

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Processed Dog Food
• What Is A Raw Diet?
• Risks Of Raw Feeding
• How To Balance A Raw Diet
• Fruits, Vegetables & Supplements
• Safe & Nutritious Vegetables
• Safe & Nutritious Fruits
• Transitioning From Processed Food To Raw
• Elimination Diet
• Age-Specific Nutrition
• Introducing Raw Food To Puppies
• How Much Raw Per Day?
• Food Safety & Sourcing
• Raw Feeding in Belleville, Ontario
• Summary
• Disclaimer
• References​

Introduction

​The choice between feeding dogs a raw diet or commercial dog food is one of the most debated topics in canine nutrition. Many guardians favour raw diets over processed foods because they closely resemble a dog’s natural, ancestral diet and are healthier for the dog. Raw feeding improves coat condition, boosts energy levels, promotes dental health, maintains lean body weight and supports overall wellness. Raw feeding can also help prevent a wide range of diseases and behaviour problems associated with poor nutrition and toxins found in processed dog foods R1 R3 R4. Understanding the potential risks and benefits of both approaches is essential to making a responsible choice that impacts our dogs’ health, longevity and quality of life.

Processed Dog Food

Like humans, dogs suffer from many preventable conditions linked to stress, environmental toxins, vaccinations, pharmaceuticals, lack of exercise and poor diet R22. Just as our health affects our moods and behaviour, an unhealthy dog cannot be expected to behave in a friendly or happy manner. Good nutrition is important for both humans and dogs and although we can make unhealthy choices for ourselves, we are responsible for our dogs and do not have the right to knowingly or intentionally harm them. For many, dogs are considered to be members of the family and as such, their health is now being taken more seriously R23. 

Not all processed dog foods are created equal when it comes to ingredient quality. Many brands contain low-nutrient fillers, artificial additives, preservatives, low-quality protein sources and other harmful ingredients, which can contribute to numerous health issues, including obesity, allergies, digestive disorders, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease and cancer R12 R13 R14 R21.

Most processed foods contain ingredients that are unhealthy for both dogs and people. Responsible guardians maintain their own good health not only for themselves but also for those who depend on them, including their pets. Feeding both our dogs and ourselves a natural, nutrient-rich diet greatly increases the likelihood of a long, healthy life while reducing the risk of disease R24.

Before kibble was introduced in 1956, dogs ate what their guardians ate: meat, vegetables and fruit R25. Since then, the rate of illness in dogs has increased drastically and a lot of it is linked to harmful ingredients in processed foods R26. Home-cooked and raw diets are the healthiest options, but when choosing to feed kibble or other processed dog foods, it’s essential to understand the ingredients in order to make informed choices.

The safest and most nutritious processed dog foods are also the most expensive, while cheaper brands tend to be the least nutritious and the most harmful. Even so-called “premium” brands can contain toxic ingredients, as most are high-heat processed. High-heat processing (extrusion) destroys nutrients and creates harmful by-products known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which have been associated with food sensitivities, allergies, digestive problems, chronic diseases, obesity, diabetes, kidney issues, leaky gut, autoimmune disorders and even cancer R27.

Although no processed dog food is risk-free, cold-pressed, freeze-dried and air-dried options reduce some of the dangers associated with high-heat processing R28. However, they come with other risks such as nutritional imbalance, bacterial contamination (including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli), parasitic contamination, digestive upset and dehydration. Other health risks include issues related to rancidity, spoilage and mould, such as gastrointestinal problems, liver and kidney damage, immune system suppression and neurological symptoms including disorientation, tremors and seizures as well as serious or fatal toxicity R29.

A canine diet that includes high-quality protein, healthy fats and essential vitamins is the foundation of good health R31. A well-balanced diet promotes a healthy weight, shiny coat, strong joints, a resilient immune system and a happy, energetic dog. 
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For more information about the dangers of processed dog foods and a list of premium brands containing harmful ingredients, see my article entitled Canine Nutrition – Essential for Your Dog’s Health & Longevity.

What Is A Raw Diet?

Raw dog food diets, often referred to as Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) or Prey Model diets are designed to imitate the natural diet of wild canines. These diets include raw muscle meat, ground bones, organs, fruits and vegetables R3.

Dogs fed raw diets develop shinier coats, healthier skin and shed less due to the high-quality fats and proteins in these foods, and they benefit from increased energy and stamina because the nutrients are easier to digest R4 R6. Raw diets also tend to be lower in carbohydrates and fillers, which help support lean body condition and effective weight management R7.

Risks Of Raw Feeding

Although there are many benefits to feeding raw, every type of diet carries risk if it is not properly balanced, handled and prepared. An unbalanced raw diet can result in nutritional deficiencies such as inadequate calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, or trace minerals, while excesses of certain nutrients can negatively affect bone and kidney health R8.

If not handled properly, raw meats can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause infections to both dogs and humans R9. Whether raw or cooked, bones carry risks including choking, broken teeth and gastrointestinal perforations R5. Because bone is an important ingredient of raw diets, protein sources should always contain ground bones. 

Raw diets require careful sourcing, storage and preparation to ensure both food safety and nutritional balance R10. Proper refrigeration, freezing and hygiene practices are essential and guardians should follow strict protocols to prevent contamination R9. Choosing reputable suppliers that test raw meat for pathogens is also recommended to reduce risk R10.

How To Balance A Raw Diet

Providing a balanced raw diet requires the right combination of protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral proportions. A widely used guideline is the 80/10/10 approach, which means 80% muscle meat, 10% edible ground bone and 10% organ meat, with liver making up about half of the organ portion R3. Muscle meat provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair, organs provide important vitamins such as A, D and B-complex, and bones provide calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bones R3 R5.

Providing a range of protein sources such as beef, chicken, turkey, fish and lamb ensures that the dog receives an assortment of amino acids and trace nutrients R3. Rotating both protein and organ sources helps prevent nutrient deficiencies and adds variety to the dog’s meals. A canine nutrition expert can help put together a recipe to maintain nutrient balance and customize the diet to the dog’s age, activity level, breed and health status R1 R3.

Fruits, Vegetables & Supplements

For those who prefer a simple way to ensure their dog receives all the essential nutrients, a “Just Add Meat” supplement such as Hillary’s Blend can be added to each meal to provide complete and balanced nutrition without the need of adding fruits and vegetables. 

Fruits and vegetables play an important role in a balanced diet, supplying antioxidants and vitamins that are lacking in raw meat alone R4. They support digestion, strengthen the immune system and provide low-calorie snack options. Safe choices include carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, spinach and green beans, while toxic foods such as grapes, raisins, onions and avocado should not be included R4. It’s important to research any fruits or vegetables before adding them to a raw diet to ensure they are safe for dogs.

Fruits and vegetables should make up 10 to 15% of the overall diet to maintain energy balance R4. Cooking or pureeing vegetables can improve nutrient digestibility particularly for fibrous vegetables such as broccoli or kale R4. Supplements such as fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, digestive enzymes and vitamin/mineral blends can also be added to ensure all nutritional requirements are met R1.

Safe & Nutritious Vegetables

​(Can be lightly steamed or pureed to improve digestibility)

• Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, romaine, parsley, dandelion greens) Vitamins A, C, K, folate, calcium, iron
• Broccoli & Brussels Sprouts – fiber, vitamin C, cancer-fighting compounds
• Carrots – beta-carotene (vitamin A), fiber
• Pumpkin & Squash – digestive fiber, beta-carotene, potassium
• Green Beans and Zucchini – low-calorie fiber, manganese, vitamin C
• Seaweed (kelp) – iodine and trace minerals

Safe & Nutritious Fruits

​(Approximately 5% of the diet as dogs don’t require much sugar)

• Blueberries – antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber
• Apples (no core or seeds) – vitamin C, fiber
• Bananas – (use sparingly due to sugar) – potassium, vitamin B6 
• Pears (no seeds) – fiber, vitamin C
• Strawberries & Raspberries – antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese
• Cantaloupe & Watermelon (no seeds/rinds) – hydration, vitamin A & C

Transitioning From Processed Food To Raw

When switching from processed food to a raw diet or introducing a hybrid approach, careful planning can help ensure a smooth transition. While many dogs tolerate an immediate change from processed to raw food, sensitive dogs can experience gastrointestinal upset with symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting. A gradual introduction can help prevent these issues. Begin by mixing small portions of raw food with the current diet and gradually increasing the ratio over a 7 to 10 day period while monitoring for any adverse reactions R17. Dogs with specific health conditions such as pancreatitis, allergies or obesity could require adjustments to the diet R15 R16.

Elimination Diet

If a dog begins to react to a raw diet even after a gradual transition, an elimination diet may be necessary to identify which ingredients are causing the reaction. This process begins with choosing one protein and one simple carbohydrate R32. If the dog has no reaction to these two ingredients, they are fed exclusively for 4 weeks, avoiding all other foods, treats and supplements R33. If the dog has no reaction during this period, new ingredients can be introduced one at a time, allowing at least a week between each addition R34. If symptoms return after adding a new food, that ingredient is a trigger and should be permanently removed from the diet R35. The goal is to gradually create a balanced diet using ingredients the dog tolerates well R36.

Age-Specific Nutrition

Puppies have higher protein, calcium and phosphorus requirements to support growth, where senior dogs could benefit from diets lower in calories and enriched with antioxidants and joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin R16. Breed-specific tendencies, including susceptibility to hip dysplasia, bloat or dental issues will also influence ingredient choices R8. Monitoring the dog’s body condition as well as coat, stool quality and activity level is recommended to ensure the diet meets the dog’s specific needs.

Introducing Raw Food To Puppies

Ideally, breeders would introduce puppies to a raw diet as soon as they are weaned from their mother’s milk however, this must be done carefully to ensure balanced nutrition and food safety. 

Transitioning puppies from processed food to raw requires a recipe that supports healthy growth, bone development and nutrient balance. While many puppies adapt well to an immediate change, some could be sensitive to certain ingredients. For this reason, a gradual transition is recommended, starting with small portions of raw food mixed with the current diet and slowly increasing the ratio over a 7 to 10 day period. This approach helps minimize the risk of gastrointestinal upset and symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting R17 R19.

It’s important to avoid overfeeding bones or high-calcium organs to young puppies as too much calcium can lead to skeletal deformities, particularly in large or giant breeds R8 R20. Using a balanced formula such as the 80/10/10 ratio of muscle meat, bone and organ helps maintain proper nutrition, but it’s important to watch portion sizes and organ types, especially for growing puppies R3 R20.

Gradually introduce a variety of protein sources one at a time – to provide a wide range of amino acids and micronutrients while watching for signs of food sensitivities or allergies R12 R13 R18. Puppies can also benefit from small amounts of easily digestible vegetables or purees such as pumpkin or carrots, and fruits such as bananas and blueberries, which provide additional nutrients without overloading their developing digestive systems R4 R18.

Consulting a qualified canine nutrition expert can be beneficial when feeding a raw diet to puppies. A nutritionist can help ensure the diet meets the puppy’s developmental needs, monitor growth and body condition as well as recommending appropriate supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamin and mineral blends R1 R3 R18.

How Much Raw Per Day?

The amount of raw food a dog should eat daily depends on its age, weight, metabolism and activity level. As a general guideline, adult dogs typically require approximately 2 to 3% of their ideal body weight per day in raw food R37. Puppies and highly active dogs may need closer to 5 to 10% of their body weight divided into smaller meals to support growth and energy demands R38. Seniors and less active dogs should thrive on the lower end of the scale at around 1.5 to 2% to prevent unhealthy weight gain R39. 

It’s important to monitor weight and adjust portions based on the dog’s body condition. If the ribs are easily felt but not visible on a shorthaired dog, the dog is at a healthy weight. If the ribs are sticking out, the dog needs more food and if you can’t find the ribs, the dog needs less. For longhaired dogs you have to judge by feel. Guardians should monitor their dog’s ribs and energy levels on a regular basis and fine-tune portions accordingly R40. To properly check a dog’s weight, the dog should be standing and relaxed while the guardian stands over it and feels the rib cage from above.

Food Safety & Sourcing

Proper food safety and careful sourcing of raw ingredients are essential to minimizing contamination risks. Guardians should obtain meats from reputable suppliers that perform pathogen testing, store raw food at appropriate temperatures and maintain strict hygiene by thoroughly washing hands, utensils and surfaces R9 R10. To prevent cross-contamination, raw meat should always be kept separate from other foods, and utensils and containers should only be used for raw meat. Freezing meat for several days before use can lower the risk of parasites and rotating suppliers and protein sources can promote nutritional variety, while keep meals appealing for the dog R10.

Raw Feeding in Belleville, Ontario

​In Belleville, Ontario, we source our raw dog food from Furball’s Choice, located at 1-300 Bell Blvd. They also operate local delivery routes (Belleville/GTA, etc.), provide bi-weekly GTA deliveries and maintain a network of independent distributors across Canada. To find a location near you, call 613-743-3600 or visit their website.

Our preferred product is their House Blend, packaged in bags containing 1 lb frozen bricks that can be thawed as needed. This blend offers a balanced mix of proteins, bones and organs to meet your dog’s nutritional needs and is made up of 40% chicken, 25% beef (including red meat, heart, green tripe and bone), 10% offal (liver, kidney and other internal organs), 20% pickerel and 5% cooked eggs. For more information about their House Blend and other available products, visit https://furballschoice.com/

Summary

​Choosing between raw feeding and processed food involves carefully weighing the risks and rewards of each approach, taking into account a dog’s individual needs as well as ensuring safety and nutritional balance. A properly planned raw diet will provide essential nutrients for optimal health while minimizing many of the risks associated with processed foods. Informed choices are essential for guardians who wish to support their dog’s overall health, longevity and quality of life.

Disclaimer

​The information in these chapters is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects the author’s research and opinions. It includes information from pet food websites, pet food industry critiques and advocacy materials from natural/raw diet promoters, consumer reports and anecdotal evidence from pet owners. It also includes selective interpretations of scientific research and regulatory data, concerns from special interest groups including holistic veterinarians and alternative pet food companies, veterinary nutrition papers and independent testing on ingredient quality and processing effects. It is not veterinary, nutritional or professional advice. When making nutritional choices or changes to your dog’s diet, you are advised to consult with a qualified, professional, canine nutrition expert. Readers assume full responsibility for their decisions. References to specific products or companies are for critical discussion only.

References

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R29: Smith, J., Brown, L., & Davis, M. (2020). The effects of high-heat processing on pet nutrition. Pet Health Publications.
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R31: Brown, K. (2009). The dog food detective: How to choose the best food for your pet. St. Martin’s Press.
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R33: Mueller, R. S., Olivry, T., & Prélaud, P. (2016). Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): Common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research, 12(9). Discusses standard elimination trial durations and protocols.
R34: Olivry, T., & Mueller, R. S. (2017). Evidence-based veterinary dermatology: A systematic review of the pharmacotherapy of canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinary Dermatology, 28(1), 7-e2. Details timing and reintroduction strategies for identifying allergens.
R35: Jackson, H. A., & Hammerberg, B. (2002). Allergic skin diseases of dogs and cats. Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice, 17(3), 158–167. Explains identifying trigger ingredients during elimination trials.
R36: Dodds, W. J. (2017). Canine nutrigenomics: The new science of feeding your dog for optimum health. Dogwise Publishing. Provides guidance for maintaining balance while customizing diets based on tolerated ingredients.
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R38: Brown, S. (2010). Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet: Healthier Dog Food the ABC Way. Dogwise Publishing. Explains energy and growth-based feeding percentages for puppies and active dogs.
R39: Case, L. P., Daristotle, L., Hayek, M. G., & Raasch, M. F. (2011). Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals (3rd ed.). Mosby Elsevier. Discusses caloric adjustments for aging and sedentary dogs.
R40: Freeman, L. M., & Heinze, C. R. (2012). Feeding dogs: Balancing diets and monitoring body condition. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 241(11), 1426–1433. Provides guidelines for evaluating body condition and adjusting feeding amounts.
R41: Knueven, D. R. (2018). The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog (5th ed.). Quarry Books. Outlines benefits of properly portioned raw diets on energy levels and body composition.
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