5 Common Errors to Avoid When Feeding Dogs a Raw Food Diet

The raw food diet, often called BARF (biologically appropriate raw food) or raw meaty bones diet, has grown hugely popular among UK dog owners seeking natural alternatives to commercial dog foods. This diet replaces kibble, cooked and processed foods with raw ingredients mimicking a dog's ancestral diet.

While the raw food diet has its supporters and critics, its rising popularity is undeniable. However, feeding raw demands careful planning, basic knowledge of canine nutrition, and attention to food preparation and storage. Providing a balanced and safe meal is essential to avoid health risks and nutritional gaps.

If you're starting your dog on a raw diet, or already feeding raw, understanding the right way to do it is vital. Avoiding common pitfalls ensures your dog gains the diet’s potential benefits without unintended harm.

Here are five key errors to avoid when feeding your dog a raw food diet, along with practical advice on how to get it right.

1. Selecting Inappropriate Meats for Your Dog’s Raw Diet

Not all meats are equally suitable for dogs on a raw food diet. Dogs require a balanced intake of lean muscle meat, organ meats like liver and kidney, fat, and raw meaty bones. This combination provides essential nutrients including protein, vitamins, minerals, and calcium.

Feeding only ground beef mince or bacon, for example, falls short of providing all necessary nutrients. It’s important to consider variety and ensure nutritional completeness. Educate yourself on canine nutritional needs or consider commercial raw diets that meet established standards, such as those recognised by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

2. Neglecting Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Nutritional Components

Despite perceptions that dogs are purely carnivorous, they are actually omnivores in the wild, consuming both animal and plant matter. Raw feeding should include appropriate amounts of fruit and vegetables to supply fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants supporting overall health and digestion.

Essential additions like eggs can also be beneficial as a rich source of protein and nutrients. Avoid feeding your dog only meat; a well-rounded raw food meal must incorporate plant-based elements for balanced nutrition.

3. Improper Storage and Safe Handling of Raw Meats

Handling raw meat entails certain hygienic responsibilities. Poor storage and preparation can lead to bacterial contamination with pathogens like salmonella or E.coli, posing health risks to dogs and humans alike.

Freeze or refrigerate raw meats promptly, avoid cross-contamination with cooked foods, wash your hands and feeding bowls thoroughly, and never leave raw meat at room temperature for long periods. Following these precautions ensures the raw diet remains safe and hygienic for your dog and your household.

4. Miscalculating Meal Portions and Caloric Needs

Commercial dog foods usually include clear feeding guidelines accounting for age, weight, and activity level, but when feeding raw you must calculate these yourself. Different meats and ingredients have different calorie densities.

Determining your dog’s daily caloric requirements and tailoring meal portions accordingly avoids underfeeding or overfeeding, both of which can cause health issues. Regularly monitoring your dog’s weight and body condition score helps fine-tune meal sizes for optimal health maintenance.

5. Failing to Monitor Your Dog’s Health and Adjustment

Regularly assessing your dog’s coat condition, energy levels, digestion, and stool quality is essential when feeding a raw diet. A thriving dog on the right raw diet will have a shiny coat, normal bowel movements, good muscle tone, and vibrant energy.

If you notice hair loss, lethargy, diarrhoea, or other signs of ill health, it may indicate the diet isn’t meeting your dog’s needs or there is an imbalance. Always be objective and ready to adjust the diet or seek veterinary advice to ensure your dog’s wellbeing.

Where to Find Quality Raw Food and Advice

Choosing reputable sources for raw food is just as important as good nutritional knowledge. Consider finding reliable reputable raw dog food suppliers or consult with your vet or a canine nutrition specialist to formulate a safe and balanced diet plan.

Remember, responsible feeding includes supporting animal welfare by sourcing food ethically and feeding your dog a diet that truly suits their individual health and lifecycle needs.

Summary

Feeding your dog a raw food diet can be rewarding but requires care, informed choices, and attention to detail. Avoid these five common mistakes: selecting unsuitable meats, neglecting balanced ingredients, improper storage, inaccurate portioning, and insufficient health monitoring. With proper management, a raw diet can be a nutritious and enjoyable feeding choice.