What is raw feeding?
Raw feeding means replacing commercial kibble or canned food with a diet of uncooked meat, bones, and organs — and in some models, fruits and vegetables. The concept gained mainstream attention in 1993 when Australian veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst published Give Your Dog a Bone, arguing that dogs thrive on the evolutionary diet of their wild ancestors rather than heavily processed commercial food.
Since then, raw feeding has grown from a fringe practice to a significant movement within the dog community. Breeders, in particular, have been early adopters — many report observable improvements in coat quality, dental health, and stool consistency after switching their dogs to raw diets. The commercial raw food market has expanded rapidly, with freeze-dried, dehydrated, and frozen raw options now widely available.
That said, raw feeding remains controversial in veterinary medicine. Major organizations including the AVMA, FDA, and AAHA have issued statements against raw diets, primarily citing bacterial contamination risks and the potential for nutritional imbalance. Understanding both the potential benefits and real risks is essential before making the switch.
BARF vs PMR: the two main models
There are two dominant approaches to raw feeding. BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) was developed by Dr. Billinghurst and includes plant matter alongside animal products. PMR (Prey Model Raw) aims to replicate a whole prey animal using only animal-sourced ingredients, excluding all fruits, vegetables, and supplements.
| Component | BARF model | PMR model |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle meat | 70% | 80% |
| Raw meaty bone | 10% | 10% |
| Liver | 5% | 5% |
| Other secreting organ | 5% | 5% |
| Fruits & vegetables | 10% | 0% — not included |
| Supplements | Optional (fish oil, kelp) | Minimal — variety replaces supplements |
| Philosophy | Broader nutrition through diverse food groups | Mimic whole prey animal composition |
Dr. Ian Billinghurst (BARF), Raw Feeding Community (PMR)
In practice, many experienced raw feeders use a hybrid approach — following PMR ratios as a foundation while adding select fruits and vegetables for fiber and phytonutrients. Neither model is inherently superior; both can produce balanced diets when followed with attention to variety and proper ratios.
Claimed benefits of raw feeding
Raw feeding advocates report a range of improvements after switching their dogs. While many of these are based on owner observation rather than controlled studies, they are consistently reported across the raw feeding community.
- Shinier, softer coat — often the first change owners notice, typically within 2-4 weeks. Likely related to higher fat content and omega-3 fatty acids in raw diets.
- Improved dental health — chewing raw meaty bones provides mechanical cleaning. Many raw-fed dogs have noticeably less plaque and tartar buildup.
- Smaller, firmer stools — raw diets are more digestible than kibble, producing less waste. Stools are typically smaller, firmer, and less odorous.
- Increased energy and muscle tone — higher protein content and bioavailability may contribute to improved body composition.
- Reduced allergic reactions — some dogs with kibble-related skin issues or digestive sensitivities improve on raw, though this may simply reflect the removal of specific allergens or additives rather than a benefit of raw feeding itself.
Risks and safety concerns
Raw feeding carries real risks that should not be dismissed. Understanding these risks — and how to mitigate them — is just as important as understanding the potential benefits.
Bacterial contamination
Raw meat commonly carries Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter. While healthy adult dogs rarely show illness, they shed bacteria in stool for days, posing serious risk to humans — especially children, elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
Nutritional imbalance
An improperly formulated raw diet can cause severe deficiencies or excesses over time. Calcium-phosphorus imbalance is the most common and most dangerous, particularly in growing puppies where it causes permanent skeletal deformities.
Bone impaction or injury
Feeding too much bone, bones that are too hard, or bones inappropriate for the dog's size can cause constipation, intestinal blockage, fractured teeth, or in rare cases, perforation. Always match bone type and size to your dog.
Cost and time commitment
Raw feeding costs 2-5x more than kibble and requires sourcing, storage (freezer space), meal prep, and strict food safety practices. Many people underestimate the ongoing time investment.
The 10-day transition plan
Switching from kibble to raw should be done gradually to allow your dog's digestive system to adjust. Abrupt changes commonly cause diarrhea, vomiting, or refusal to eat. This 10-day plan provides a safe, structured transition.
| Day | Kibble | Raw | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | 75% | 25% | Introduce a small amount of boneless raw meat alongside regular kibble |
| Day 3-4 | 50% | 50% | Equal split — monitor stool quality closely |
| Day 5-6 | 25% | 75% | Mostly raw now — stools may be softer during adjustment |
| Day 7-8 | 0% | 100% | Full raw — boneless meat only, no bone yet |
| Day 9 | 0% | 100% | Introduce a small amount of raw meaty bone (chicken back or neck) |
| Day 10+ | 0% | 100% | Begin building toward full BARF or PMR ratios over the next 2-4 weeks |
Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS), raw feeding community guidelines
After completing the transition, gradually introduce bone content, then liver (start with very small amounts — liver is rich and causes loose stools if introduced too quickly), then other organs. Add one new element at a time and wait 3-5 days before adding the next. Once your dog is stable on the full ratio, begin rotating protein sources.
What to feed: a complete ingredient guide
Muscle meat sources
Muscle meat forms the bulk of both BARF and PMR diets. Aim for a variety of at least 3-4 different animal proteins rotated over each month. Include both lean and fattier cuts for balanced nutrition.
| Protein | Common cuts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Thighs, breast, ground | Affordable staple — start transitions with chicken |
| Turkey | Thighs, ground, gizzards | Lean, easy to digest — good rotation protein |
| Beef | Chuck, heart, cheek, trim | Nutrient-dense — beef heart is an excellent muscle meat |
| Pork | Shoulder, loin, ground | Must be frozen for 3+ weeks to eliminate Trichinella risk |
| Lamb | Shoulder, ground, ribs | Higher fat — good for active or underweight dogs |
| Duck | Whole duck, ground | Rich and fatty — good for dogs needing weight gain |
| Rabbit | Whole, ground | Novel protein — useful for dogs with common protein allergies |
| Venison | Ground, trim | Very lean — may need added fat source |
RFVS, NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Raw meaty bone options
Raw meaty bones provide calcium, phosphorus, and dental benefits. The bone should always be surrounded by meat — bare bones are recreational chews, not dietary bone. Never feed cooked bones — cooking makes them brittle and dangerous.
| Bone type | Best for | Bone % |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken backs & frames | All sizes — soft, easy to digest | ~30% bone |
| Chicken necks | Small to medium dogs | ~36% bone |
| Turkey necks | Medium to large dogs | ~42% bone |
| Duck frames | Medium to large dogs | ~30% bone |
| Pork ribs | Medium to large dogs | ~30% bone |
| Rabbit (whole) | All sizes | ~28% bone |
| Cornish hen (whole) | Small dogs — excellent starter bone | ~39% bone |
Raw Feeding Community, USDA Nutrient Database
Organ meat guide
Organs are the most nutrient-dense part of the diet. Liver is essential — it provides vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and copper in concentrations no other food can match. Other secreting organs add complementary nutrients. Non-secreting organs (like heart and gizzard) count as muscle meat, not organ meat.
| Organ | Category | Key nutrients |
|---|---|---|
| Liver (any animal) | Secreting — required (5%) | Vitamin A, B12, iron, copper, folate |
| Kidney | Secreting — other organ (5%) | B12, selenium, riboflavin |
| Spleen | Secreting — other organ | Iron, vitamin C, taurine |
| Pancreas (sweetbreads) | Secreting — other organ | Digestive enzymes, zinc, manganese |
| Brain | Secreting — other organ | DHA, EPA, omega-3 fatty acids |
| Testicles | Secreting — other organ | Zinc, selenium, protein |
| Heart | Muscle meat (not organ) | Taurine, CoQ10, B vitamins — feed as muscle meat |
| Gizzard | Muscle meat (not organ) | Protein, iron — feed as muscle meat |
USDA FoodData Central, NRC
Fruits and vegetables for BARF
If following the BARF model, fruits and vegetables make up about 10% of the diet. They should be pureed or lightly steamed to break down cell walls — dogs lack the enzymes to efficiently digest raw plant cellulose. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and avocado.
| Safe produce | Preparation | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Lightly steamed, chopped small | Fiber, vitamin C, sulforaphane |
| Spinach / kale | Steamed or pureed — feed in moderation | Iron, calcium, vitamin K (limit due to oxalates) |
| Carrots | Raw grated or steamed | Beta-carotene, fiber, low calorie |
| Blueberries | Fresh or frozen, whole | Antioxidants, vitamin C |
| Apples (no seeds) | Sliced or pureed | Fiber, vitamin A and C |
| Pumpkin | Steamed or canned (plain, no spice) | Digestive support, fiber |
| Sweet potato | Steamed, mashed | Beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin B6 |
| Green beans | Raw or steamed | Low calorie, fiber |
AKC, PetMD, BARF diet guidelines
How much to feed
Raw feeding amounts are calculated as a percentage of your dog's ideal body weight. These are starting guidelines — adjust based on your dog's body condition, activity level, and individual metabolism. A dog that is gaining unwanted weight needs less; a dog losing condition needs more.
| Life stage | % of body weight per day | Meals per day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (2-4 months) | 8-10% | 4 | Rapid growth — highest caloric need relative to size |
| Puppy (4-6 months) | 6-8% | 3 | Still growing quickly — monitor body condition weekly |
| Puppy (6-12 months) | 4-6% | 2-3 | Growth slowing — begin reducing toward adult percentage |
| Adult (typical) | 2-3% | 1-2 | Most dogs maintain well at 2.5% — adjust to body condition |
| Active / working dog | 3-4% | 2 | Higher demand — increase fat content rather than volume |
| Senior (7+ years) | 1.5-2% | 1-2 | Reduced metabolism — monitor weight and adjust downward |
| Pregnant dam (first 5 weeks) | 2-3% | 2 | Normal feeding — fetal growth is minimal early on |
| Pregnant dam (last 4 weeks) | 3-5% | 3-4 | Gradually increase as puppies grow rapidly |
| Nursing dam | 5-8%+ | 3-4 or free feed | Enormous caloric demand — adjust to litter size |
RFVS, NRC, raw feeding community guidelines
Common mistakes beginners make
Most raw feeding problems come from the same handful of beginner errors. Avoiding these from the start will save you — and your dog — significant trouble.
Related tools
Raw Food Calculator
Calculate BARF or PMR portions by weight and model
Feeding Calculator
Daily calorie and portion estimates for any diet type
Food Safety Checker
Search 50+ foods rated safe, caution, or toxic for dogs
Sources: Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS), NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (2006), USDA FoodData Central, AVMA Policy on Raw Meat Diets, Dr. Ian Billinghurst — Give Your Dog a Bone (1993), Freeman et al. — "Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats" (JAVMA, 2013), PetMD, AKC. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace individualized veterinary nutritional advice.
Raw feeding FAQs
1Is raw feeding safe for dogs?
Raw feeding can be done safely, but it requires careful planning. The main risks are bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria), nutritional imbalance, and bone-related injuries. Working with a veterinary nutritionist, following established ratio guidelines, and practicing strict food-handling hygiene significantly reduce these risks. Raw feeding is not recommended for households with immunocompromised people, very young children, or elderly individuals due to bacterial exposure risk.
2How much does raw feeding cost compared to kibble?
Raw feeding typically costs 2-5 times more than premium kibble, depending on your protein sources, dog size, and whether you buy in bulk. For a 50-pound dog, expect roughly $150-$300 per month. Costs can be reduced by buying in bulk from co-ops, sourcing from local farms, and using less expensive proteins like chicken and turkey as staples. Some raw feeders offset costs by purchasing whole animals or primal cuts and processing them at home.
3Can puppies eat a raw diet?
Puppies can be raised on raw diets, but the stakes are higher because nutritional deficiencies during growth cause permanent skeletal and developmental damage. Puppies need higher calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, more calories per pound of body weight, and more frequent meals. If you want to raw feed a puppy, consult a veterinary nutritionist to formulate an age-appropriate diet — do not simply scale down an adult raw recipe.
4Can I switch my dog back to kibble after raw feeding?
Yes. Transition back to kibble gradually over 7-10 days, just as you would when switching any diet. Start by replacing 25% of the raw meal with kibble and increase over time. Some dogs experience temporary digestive upset during the switch because kibble and raw food digest at different rates. Feeding them separately (raw in one meal, kibble in another) can help during the transition period.
5What supplements does a raw-fed dog need?
At minimum, most raw-fed dogs need fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin E, and a kelp or seaweed supplement for iodine and trace minerals. Dogs not eating much oily fish also benefit from additional EPA/DHA. Depending on the diet composition, some dogs may need zinc, manganese, or vitamin D supplementation. A veterinary nutritionist can analyze your specific recipes and identify gaps.
6Do I need to worry about Salmonella when raw feeding?
Yes. Raw meat commonly carries Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. While healthy adult dogs rarely show symptoms from Salmonella, they can shed the bacteria in their stool for up to 7 days, posing a risk to humans in the household. Practice strict hygiene: wash bowls and surfaces with hot soapy water after every meal, wash your hands thoroughly, and keep raw meat separate from human food. Do not let your dog lick faces after eating raw food.
7Is the BARF or PMR model better?
Neither model is objectively better — they represent different philosophies. BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) includes fruits, vegetables, and sometimes dairy, aiming for a broader nutritional profile. PMR (Prey Model Raw) feeds only animal-sourced ingredients, mimicking what a wild canine would eat. Both can produce balanced diets when followed correctly. Many experienced raw feeders use a hybrid approach, primarily following PMR ratios but adding select plant foods for fiber and phytonutrients.
8Can I feed raw and kibble at the same time?
This is debated in the raw feeding community. Some claim raw and kibble digest at different rates and should not be combined in the same meal. However, there is no published veterinary research supporting this claim. Many dogs do fine with mixed feeding — for example, raw in the morning and kibble in the evening. If you want to transition gradually or feed raw part-time, mixed feeding is a practical approach. Monitor your dog's stool quality as the best indicator.
9How do I know if my raw diet is balanced?
Balance is achieved over time, not in every single meal. Aim for variety across proteins (at least 3-4 different animals per month), include the correct ratios of bone, liver, and other organs, and rotate protein sources regularly. For confidence, use a nutrient analysis tool or consult a veterinary nutritionist who can run your recipes through formulation software. Signs of imbalance include dull coat, loose stools, lethargy, weight loss, or dental issues developing over weeks to months.
10What bones are safe to feed raw?
Raw meaty bones that are appropriate for your dog's size are generally safe. Good options include chicken backs, necks, and frames; turkey necks; duck frames; rabbit; and pork ribs. Never feed cooked bones — cooking makes them brittle and prone to dangerous splintering. Avoid weight-bearing bones from large animals (beef femurs, marrow bones) as recreational chews, as they can fracture teeth. Always supervise bone consumption and match bone size to your dog's chewing style.