What Is Raw Dog Food? A Beginner’s Guide

Raw dog food is becoming one of the most discussed alternatives to traditional kibble and canned diets. Many pet parents have heard about it, but few know exactly what it is or how to start. Should you feed raw? Is it really healthier than kibble? And how do you make sure it’s safe and balanced?

This article will walk you step by step through what raw feeding is, the proven health benefits, potential risks, and my own journey of switching my dogs to a raw diet. By the end, you’ll understand why so many owners are making the switch and how you can start easily - even with a busy schedule.

At the end, you’ll also find my ebook “Start with BARF”, created to help beginners introduce raw dog food safely and without stress.

What Is Raw Dog Food?

The concept of raw dog food was popularized in the 1990s by Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst. He argued that dogs thrive best on a diet similar to their wild ancestors: raw meat, bones, organs, and a small proportion of fruits and vegetables.

BARF - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food - became the model. Instead of highly processed kibble, dogs eat fresh, minimally processed ingredients.

The key difference from kibble? No high-temperature processing.

• When pet food is extruded, it loses heat-sensitive vitamins and amino acids.

• Cooking also creates advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which have been linked to inflammation.(Freeman et al., JAVMA 2013).

• In contrast, studies show raw diets preserve more natural enzymes, antioxidants, and trace minerals that support digestion and immunity.(Kohm-Algya et al., 2018).

  
  

Recent research also shows raw-fed dogs tend to have a more diverse gut microbiome and healthier stool composition compared to kibble-fed dogs.(DVM360 – OSU study, 2024).

My First Experience With Raw Dog Food

I first heard about raw feeding 10 years ago from my dog trainer. At the time, I was a student and had three big worries:

• Time - how could I prep meals while studying and working?

• Cost - wasn’t raw feeding too expensive for a student?

• Knowledge - I didn’t know how to make sure meals were balanced.

I tried raw feeding on my own at first but quickly realized that raw diets aren’t just “throwing a piece of meat in the bowl.” They need structure to provide complete nutrition.

The breakthrough came when I worked with canine nutritionist Anna Górniak. She designed balanced meal plans, and within weeks the results were clear:

• My dogs had more energy during the day,

• They slept soundly at night instead of pacing,

• Their coats became glossy,

• The “doggy smell” disappeared from my apartment,

• Their breath was fresher,

• And surprisingly - their poop was smaller, less smelly, and less frequent.

With three dogs, I even joked about how much money I saved on poop bags!

These changes inspired me to create my ebook “Start with BARF” reviewed by dog dietitian Ania Górniak, so new dog owners don’t have to struggle with the same doubts I had.

Why Raw Dog Food Works — Proven Health Benefits

1. Healthier Gut Microbiome

A 2024 Ohio State University study found that dogs fed raw dog food had a more diverse and stable gut microbiome than kibble-fed dogs (OSU study, DVM360). A healthy microbiome supports digestion, immune health, and lowers inflammation.

2. Reduced Inflammation

That same study showed beneficial differences in inflammatory markers and metabolites in raw-fed dogs, suggesting a lower risk of chronic diseases.

3. More Antioxidants, Fewer Toxins

High-heat processing in kibble destroys antioxidants and creates pro-inflammatory compounds. Raw diets avoid this, preserving natural antioxidants and enzymes (PMC, Food Processing Effects).

4. Shinier Coat and Healthier Skin

Owners consistently report shinier coats and healthier skin on raw diets. Surveys back this up - BARF-fed dogs often have fewer dermatological issues (BMC Vet Res, 2019).

5. Cleaner Teeth and Fresher Breath

Chewing raw meaty bones naturally scrapes away tartar and plaque. Studies show raw-fed dogs have healthier mouths compared to those on commercial diets (BVA Journals).

The Risks and Limitations of Raw Feeding

While the benefits are compelling, raw feeding isn’t risk-free.

1. Bacterial Risk

Raw meat may contain Salmonella or E. coli. This poses risks for both dogs and humans, especially children. Safe handling, freezing, and hygiene practices are essential (Cornell University Vet).

2. Nutrient Imbalance

Many homemade raw diets are deficient in calcium, zinc, or essential vitamins (ScienceDirect, 2023). A proper balance of meat, bones, organs, and supplements is key.

3. Veterinary Associations’ Position

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) states there’s no definitive scientific proof that raw is superior to high-quality cooked or commercial diets, but emphasizes strict hygiene and careful formulation (WSAVA Toolkit).

In my case, working with a nutritionist helped me avoid mistakes and keep my dogs safe.

What Changed in My Dogs After Switching to Raw

The improvements I saw were undeniable:

• More energy and better mood during the day,

• Calm, deep sleep at night,

• Glossy coats and less shedding,

• No “dog smell” in the house,

• Fresh breath,

• Smaller, less frequent stools.

  
  

The only hiccup? At first my dogs refused to eat liver. I solved it by lightly searing it before feeding, and after a few tries they loved it raw.

Types of Raw Dog Food

Raw feeding isn’t limited to beef or chicken. There are many protein options, each with its own benefits:

• Raw rabbit dog food - lean, hypoallergenic, and ideal for sensitive dogs.

• Raw lamb dog food - rich in iron and healthy fats, often highly palatable.

• Pork raw dog food - nutritious variety option, provided it’s sourced fresh and handled carefully.

• Answers dog food raw - a commercial raw brand offering balanced, ready-made raw meals for owners who prefer convenience.

In my home, I rotate lamb, duck, goat, venison, rabbit, and fish to ensure nutritional variety and prevent deficiencies.

My Top Tips for Beginners

1. Introduce proteins slowly. Start with one meat source before adding others.

2. Keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate recipes - balance matters more than novelty.

3. Don’t get overwhelmed. The flood of online information can be intimidating, but once you start, it becomes routine.

4. Batch prep is your friend. I prepare 43 meals for my three dogs in just 2 hours, freeze them, and thaw one portion per dog the night before. For a single dog, that’s over a month’s worth of meals in just one prep session.

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FAQ - Common Beginner Questions

Is raw dog food time-consuming?

Not if you batch prep and freeze meals. It’s often faster than cooking daily.

Is raw feeding expensive?

It doesn’t have to be. With smart shopping and bulk buys, raw can cost less than premium kibble.

Is raw dog food safe?

Yes - provided it’s balanced and handled hygienically. Always wash hands, bowls, and surfaces. Consult a canine nutritionist if possible.

Want to Start Without Mistakes?

When I began, I wished for a simple roadmap. That’s why I created my ebook “Start with BARF” - a step-by-step plan to safely and confidently feed your dog raw.

You’ll learn:

• How to balance meat, bones, and organs,

• Which proteins to introduce first,

• How to save time with batch prep,

• Which supplements are necessary.

  
  

Download “Start with BARF” and start your raw journey today.

Conclusion

• Raw dog food is a natural, biologically appropriate way to feed your pet.

• Research suggests it may support gut health, reduce inflammation, and improve coat and dental health.

• Risks exist - bacterial contamination and nutrient imbalance but with the right guidance, they can be avoided.

• My personal experience shows raw feeding is not complicated, expensive, or time-consuming when done right.

Raw feeding isn’t a fad - it’s an investment in your dog’s health and happiness.

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Resources

• Freeman et al., JAVMA 2013

• Kohm-Algya et al., 2018

• DVM360 – OSU study, 2024

• OSU study, DVM360

• PMC, Food Processing Effects

• BMC Vet Res, 2019

• BVA Journals

• Cornell University Vet

• ScienceDirect, 2023

• WSAVA Toolkit