Over the years, interest surrounding raw dog food and raw dog food recipes has grown alongside our own interest in eating healthy meals packed with natural nutrition.
At its core, experts say feeding raw is all about making sure dogs get the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need from natural ingredients to help maintain health inside and out. And it can also be a great way to keep a dog’s weight in check.
In this article, we talk with Amy Maisey, a huge pet lover to find out more about the basics of raw dog food recipes.
She tells us about the most beneficial and nutritious ingredients dogs should be eating, and why, if you’re considering feeding raw.
Raw dog food for beginners
“A dog’s digestive tract has evolved very little over the past 100 years which means that it is well equipped to be able to digest meat, bone, and also some plant matter which would have naturally been part of an ancestral diet,” Amy explains.
The quality of protein in a dog’s raw diet is very important, whatever a dog’s age, and you’ll often find meals specifically tailored to a dog’s age and lifestyle.
Learn more: A beginner's guide to raw dog food »
Raw dog food recipes
Puppy owners should look for raw dog food recipes for puppies because these will have the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratios to support growth and development.
While owners of larger dog breeds, such as Labradors or Great Danes, should look for recipes that cater to their dog’s size because they will include more ingredients with Vitamin C to assist in musculoskeletal growth.
Recipes for older dogs will often contain additional supplements for joint support and you can even find recipes created specifically for working dogs as well as low-fat raw dog food recipes which are considered ideal for dogs on a weight reduction diet.
Raw dog food recipes are based on biologically appropriate raw feeding (the ‘BARF’ principle) which includes fruit and vegetables as part of the diet.
Because of this, Amy tells us that all of their complete meals use only 100% British meats and contain carrots, apples, and butternut squash, and shares why they are good for dogs.
Carrots: “They are an excellent antioxidant, source of vitamin A, and fiber.”
Apples: “They are a good source of Vitamin C and Fibre. They also help maintain a steady blood sugar level.”
Butternut Squash: “This assists with anal gland problems, keeps the gut clean, is an anti-inflammatory and a good source of Vitamin C which helps to assist the immune system.”
But before you do anything, do your research because Amy tells us it's important to know the company selling raw dog food is cleared to do so by official bodies.
She says, “Ensure that the company is registered to manufacture raw pets. They will have an approval number with the Animal Plant and Health Agency (“APHA”).
“Use a company who are members of the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA). These members adhere to ‘Guidelines for Manufacture of Raw Pet Food in the UK’.
These Guidelines offer best practices and were written by the PFMA in conjunction with Defra, APHA, and the Food Standards Agency."
Raw dog food recipes for dogs with allergies
Dogs with skin allergies or upset tummies might especially benefit from a raw diet. Amy explains why.
“There is no reason why any dog with allergies cannot be fed raw. In fact, feeding a human-grade, unprocessed single protein, grain-free diet can benefit many dogs with an allergy that presents either with skin disease [such as itchy skin] and/or gut upset [such as an upset tummy].
“Allergies is one of the most common issues dealt with in small animal practice and the diet is normally one of the first things addressed by vets.
It is important in these cases to determine as far as possible what your dog is allergic to, remembering that tests are only as good as what they are testing for.
“ There are now good blood tests available for environmental and food allergies plus a saliva test for food allergies. Your vet will be able to help advise you about these tests.
Where food sensitivity and/or allergy is involved then it is important to avoid any foods that have shown a strong positive reading in the tests. The recipes are all grain-free and there is lots of evidence from years of testing that many food-allergic dogs have sensitivity to grain."
Seasonal raw dog food recipes
With Easter approaching, it’s important to make sure your dog avoids some of the most common and hazardous foods on our tables and in our cupboards. Amy shares some of the biggest no-nos for dogs.
“Chocolate is the biggest one to avoid – it’s poisonous for dogs! But at any time of year, dogs should also avoid raisins and grapes, coffee, alcohol, cooked bones, avocado, gravy and sauces, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be found in many low-sugar foods, such as peanut butter and sports bars.”
