How to Start Raw Feeding in Ontario: A Beginner’s Guide

Switching your dog to a raw diet can feel like a big step, but with the right guidance, it’s easier than you think. Raw feeding isn’t just a trend—it’s a return to the kind of nutrition dogs were designed to thrive on. This guide will walk you through the basics of raw feeding, why it’s beneficial, and how to transition your dog safely.

Why Raw Feeding?

Dogs thrive on raw diets because they mirror what their ancestors ate in the wild—fresh, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense foods. Raw feeding offers numerous benefits, including:

• Improved Digestion: No fillers or additives make raw food easier to digest.
• Healthier Coats and Skin: High-quality proteins and omega-3s lead to shinier coats.
• Higher Energy Levels: Nutrient-dense meals support active and healthy lifestyles.
• Smaller, Less Smelly Stools: Raw-fed dogs absorb more nutrients, leaving behind less waste.

Choosing raw feeding is about giving your dog the best start toward a longer, healthier life.

Step 1: Choose a Trusted Supplier

Not all raw dog food is created equal. To ensure your dog’s safety and health, look for a supplier that:

• Uses human-grade ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers.
• Meets AAFCO guidelines for balanced nutrition.
• Offers pre-portioned options for convenience.

At Natural Raw Dog Foods, we take pride in offering pre-portioned, locally sourced meals that are balanced and easy to serve. Our blends are crafted to meet the highest nutritional standards, giving pet parents peace of mind.

Step 2: Transition Gradually

Switching to raw too quickly can upset your dog’s stomach. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:

1. Days 1-2: Mix 25% raw food with 75% of your dog’s current diet.
2. Days 3-4: Adjust to 50% raw and 50% of their usual food.
3. Days 5-6: Move to 75% raw and 25% old food.
4. Day 7: Feed 100% raw.

This gradual approach allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt without discomfort.

Step 3: Handle Raw Food Safely

Raw feeding requires some extra care to ensure safety for both your dog and your household:

• Storage: Keep raw food frozen until ready to use. Thaw in the refrigerator.
• Serving: Serve meals at room temperature to make them more appealing.
• Cleaning: Always wash your hands and clean feeding areas thoroughly to prevent bacteria spread.

Natural Raw Dog Foods’ pre-portioned packaging makes it easy to serve the right amount without any mess.

Step 4: Understand What to Expect

As you transition, you may notice some changes in your dog:

• Shinier Coat: Thanks to nutrient-rich ingredients.
• Increased Energy: A result of the high-quality protein and lack of fillers.
• Smaller Stools: Because raw food is highly digestible, there’s less waste.

These are all signs that your dog is thriving on their new diet!

Common Myths About Raw Feeding

1. “Raw food is unsafe for dogs.”
   Truth: Dogs’ digestive systems are designed to handle raw meat, and when handled properly, raw feeding is safe.
2. “It’s too expensive.”
   Truth: While raw food may cost more upfront, the health benefits can reduce vet bills in the long run.
3. “It’s too hard to balance meals.”
   Truth: Pre-made blends like ours are fully balanced to meet all your dog’s nutritional needs.
   

Take the First Step Today

Ready to give your dog the gift of better health? At Natural Raw Dog Foods, we make raw feeding simple, convenient, and accessible. Whether you’re feeding a playful pup or a senior dog, our blends are designed to support their unique needs.

📍 Serving Ontario, including the GTA, Durham, York, Peel, Halton, and Toronto.

🌐 Visit www.naturalrawdogfoods.com for more tips, and check out our beginner-friendly blends to get started.