The world of raw pet food diet and meal preparation can seem daunting, but once you’ve made the switch many pet caregivers find that it’s a breeze!
In this blog, we’ll look at how you can start introducing your pet to raw feeding.
Start with one protein
Feed just one minced protein when first introducing your pet to a raw pet food diet. For example, white and light meats such as minced chicken, chicken carcass, chicken wings or legs can be a good option to begin with. To start building a balanced diet, we’d recommend introducing new proteins every three days. You shouldn’t start feeding richer meats such as venison and beef until your pet has settled into raw feeding.
Once you’re confident your pet has settled into their new diet, you can start introducing a little more variety. Feather, fur, offal, oily fish, mussels, egg and goat’s milk can all be added!
Feed the correct amount
Generally, 2% of body weight for an adult dog and 3% of body weight for an adult cat. This amount should spread across two meals each day. You don’t need to be too strict with this – it is just a guideline.
Feel free to mix it up
There’s nothing wrong with feeding a bit of raw, dried and wet food – this is actually the most successful way to entice cats to try a raw food diet. You can dabble in home-prepared meals until you feel more comfortable feeding raw.
Add a source of marine-based omega 3
Dogs and cats generally do best with a source of marine-based omega 3 in their raw pet food diet.
Some dogs enjoy whole fish, some don’t. It can be easier to feed them frozen or a fish mince if they’re not keen. For dogs who do not tolerate fish or fish oils, you can try flaxseed oil which is high in omegas 3 and 6.
Cats usually love oily fish, but this should be limited to a couple of meals per week. Other sources of omega 3 are krill oil and phytoplankton powder.
Use bones as a source of calcium
Bone is essential for calcium. It should be uncooked to avoid splintering. Most of our own minces and brands of minces have 10 to 15% bone incorporated. Raw meaty bones given in whole form will also help to keep your cat or dog’s teeth clean.
Flash fry if you would like
If you’d prefer to or if your dog or cat prefers it, you can lightly flash fry all of our minces – but only lightly.
If you’re concerned about bacteria and parasites, be assured that dogs and cats are well equipped to handle raw food. Their saliva has antibacterial properties and they have short digestive tracts. As a result of pet food regulations, raw pet food has to return zero traces of salmonella. However, common sense prevails just the same as when handling raw meat for humans – three days in the fridge stored at a low level.
In most cases, there will be an alternative available for your pet if you find they cannot tolerate or refuse certain foods when introducing a raw diet. We stock a wide range of raw meals, supplements and toppers designed to cater for every meal plan.
Healthy Pet Store in Totton is a pet food and accessories retailer, specialising in raw food diets for meat eating pets. If you are interested in transitioning your pet, our friendly in-store team will be happy to help you create a bespoke raw meal plan.