Feeding Guidelines
As a general rule, dogs should eat approximately 2-3% of their body weight daily. This will vary depending on the dog’s energy and activity levels.
If your pet is overweight and needs to lose a few extra pounds, feed them closer to 2% of their body weight and give them more exercise.
For a higher level activity or if you are looking for weight gain or to gain muscle, 3% per day is generally fine.
Transitioning to Raw Dog Food
Some people recommend a Gradual Shift. As a breeder for almost 10 years, my method is simple. I suggest fasting your pup 24 hours when you switch from Kibble to Raw. This allows the system to purge and get cleaned before introducing the raw food. If you feel that fasting 24 hours is too much for your pup, you can give things like your treats, cottage cheese, greek yogurt or a high quality canned food during this time.
Poop: When you feed raw, the poop of your pup will change. The poop will be darker black and a lot smaller as opposed to much larger piles. The reason for this is your pup will absorb the “goodness” from the raw food.
Sanitation Tips
When handling raw food, it’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure food safety. To start, using plastic or latex gloves is advisable. Raw food should also be kept separate from other foods and food surfaces to prevent cross-contamination. Store raw food in the freezer until you’re ready to thaw it, and when thawing, do so in the refrigerator.
Additionally, to further prevent cross-contamination, it’s a good practice to keep raw food in the lowest compartment of the fridge. Opt for a leak-proof container with a lid, preferably made of glass or stainless steel, for storing raw food.
Furthermore, maintaining cleanliness is vital. After portioning each protein, make sure to wash your cutting board and knives to prevent cross-contamination. Always remember to wash your hands and utensils thoroughly with hot, soapy water after handling raw food.
To maintain a hygienic meal preparation area, clean surfaces with antibacterial wipes and bleach. These measures help ensure the safety of the food you prepare and consume.