How much should I feed?
đž Feeding amounts vary across different groups and brands will even suggest varying amounts. We, however, recognise that every dog is an individual so we take this into account with our Feeding Allowance Calculator
Should I feed my pup less meals than recommended?
Ideally pups should eat 4 meals a day until 16 weeks old however this does not suit every dog.
â ď¸ It is though important that young pups get a regular source of food throughout the day so please do not go any lower than 3 meals for pups.
When can my dog eat adult raw food / move away from puppy raw?
If you are feeding a puppy mince this is likely a complete food to FEDIAF guidelines.
Dogs can actually eat any raw pet food from the age of 8 weeks and older, though the puppy minces do tend to be more finely minced.
As long as you feed all of the basics, and are aware of the more coarse grind in adult raw, your dog can move to adult raw from 8 weeks of age
Your calculator and other groups ones differ, which is right?
Both are in essence correct as both follow their own processes. The best we can suggest though is to follow our guidance & process as it is all designed to work hand in hand and is thoroughly researched by the group owners.
There is a lap-over of feeding amounts based on age for my dog what should I do?
Feed the dog in front of you. It's vital we all move away from weight as a measure of health and look at Body Condition Scoring.
If your dogs body condition allows room for a reduction or increase, do so gently.
Can I defrost, portion and refreeze my dogs food?
Yes! As long as you defrost gently in the fridge you can portion up the raw food (ensure it is still cold to the touch) and refreeze it.
Can I used a raised feeder?
This is always a controversial topic with many advising against using a raised feeder, believing this can lead to bloat however, there is absolutely no evidence of a link between bloat and raised feeders, and many professionals including Vets, Vet Physiotherapists, and Massage Therapists recommend using them to alleviate pressure on the spine by feeding at Chest height. Some may recommend this as a precaution such as if Megaoesophagus runs in the family, others will recommend it for pain related reasons.
Therefore, we recommend using personal choice whether or not you use a raised feeder, or following professional advice where it has been given.
What is the best raw food for my dog?
When it comes to raw feeding, any raw pet food is good for any breed of dog - as long as you feed a variety and include all of the essentials.
A poor raw diet such as "just some supermarket mince" every day for life is just as bad as a ultra processed kibble diet. Check out our blog on mastering the basics for more information.
My dog wonât eat their food, every meal is a battle, what should I do?
Ensure they are they are not ill or injured. If in doubt & worried, contact your vets.
Could they be teething?
Are they due in season / heat?
Is it warmer weather recently?
Are they exhausted from a walk or play session?
Could they be self regulating?
â ď¸ A healthy dog will never starve itself, so some perseverance may be needed BUT if in doubt get a vet check to ensure no medical reason is the cause
Refer to our Guide on Fussy Eaters for more help & support
My dogs food states "complete" but has no fruits or vegetables added, do I need to add them?
A true complete contains a blend of vegetables and fruit as well as herbs or seeds. Some even contain oily fish and eggs.
If you food does not contain all of these aspects, you will need to add them yourself.
Some brands still use the terminology complete on food that is just eat, bone and offal so it is vital that you read all of the ingredients. If the ingredients are not listed please check with your supplier or manufacturer.
Please see our blogs on 801010 vs Complete and Mastering The Essentials for more information
Should I fast my dog?
It is not ethical for us to recommend this practice. If your dog is pregnant or a puppy (under 18 months of age), it is strongly advised not to subject them to forced fasting. In cases of pre-existing health conditions, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian for tailored advice.
If you are considering fasting your adult dog, this decision should be made thoughtfully by you, the pet guardian. It is essential to weigh the potential benefits of fasting against the risks of undesirable behaviours, including but not limited to barking, counter surfing, scavenging, and resource guarding.
For dogs exhibiting any behavioural concerns, seeking guidance from a qualified behaviourist with a commitment to continuous learning and affiliation with reputable organisations, such as the Association of Pet Behaviour Council (APBC), is highly recommended.
Do dogs need Serotonin added to their food?
This question frequently arises, particularly when dogs exhibit behaviour or training challenges. Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter, plays a multifaceted role in the body, governing energy balance, food intake, and functions within the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems. Its impact extends to behavioural processes, encompassing mood, perception, reward, anger, aggression, appetite, memory, and attention. Notably, canine aggression has been linked to lower serotonin levels compared to non-aggressive counterparts.
Tryptophan serves as the precursor for serotonin synthesis. However, during periods of stress, there's a phenomenon known as the "tryptophan steal," diverting this essential amino acid. Tryptophan also contributes to the kynurenine pathway, vital for various processes. Yet, during stress or inflammation, this pathway intensifies, further reducing available tryptophan.
To naturally boost serotonin levels in dogs, consider incorporating the following foods into their diet:
Banana
Pineapple
Pomegranate
Strawberry
Spinach
Nettle
Kiwi
Lettuce
Turkey
Chicken
Nuts and Seeds
Is raw high protein?
This question often raises concerns among veterinarians and dog trainers, but in reality, it shouldn't be a cause for worry. The protein requirements for dogs range from approximately 15-23% on a dry matter basis, depending on factors such as age, activity level, breed, and size. Although raw pet food contains a significant amount of moisture (approximately 60-70%, rich in vitamins and minerals), it undergoes analytical testing, and the protein content is specified on the labelling.
When you remove the 60-70% moisture, then the fat content of the product, it is clear to see that most raw pet food that is licensed easily falls into this requirement. There is a risk where using non-licensed pet food may be high in fat, such as butchers using trim to make a mince for dogs. If you buy raw pet food from your butcher it is vital that you understand all ingredients, only buy it if they are licensed to sell raw pet food, and can see the analytical breakdown of the product including fat and protein.
Contrary to a common misconception, raw pet food is not solely composed of protein. It includes essential components like amino acids, animal fats, protein, calcium, and phosphorus. All raw pet food licensed by DEFRA/APHA meets the required standards.
When it comes to feeding dogs, the quality of the diet can be crucial. Dogs are carnivores with the ability to tolerate some level of plant matter, unlike obligate carnivores such as cats. However, they are primarily carnivores. Opting for raw pet food ensures that the protein is in its most bioavailable form. For a more in-depth understanding of dietary needs, Dr. Conor Brady's book, "Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind the Dry vs Raw Debate," is recommended. The book delves into various aspects of dietary requirements, supported by extensive references.
Can I feed wholeprey?
Yes! We love seeing people feed wholeprey as this really is as natural as things can get. Again though, if it is fresh produce we of course recommend you freeze it firstly as per the above health & safety advice.
Wholeprey is anything from whole oily fish like mackerel, herring and sardines to 'day old' chicks, ducklings or rabbits. All the way up to whole grey squirrels, hares, pheasants, ducks etc.
When I feed wholeprey, what if it's a higher bone amount than my dog should have? Or what if it weighs more or less than my dog's allowance?
Don't worry.
If it is higher bone, simply feed boneless around the day of the wholeprey item to counteract this. Every dog's tolerance of bone differs, the average is 10% but some need more, some need less. Just watch the poop like a hawk and feed boneless until things are back to normal.
If it weighs less than your dog's daily allowance you can either add a little more food on other days to counteract the reduction day, or if its significantly less you can add some chunks or mince to the wholeprey day (or meal) to balance it out.
If it weighs more than you dogs allowance, you can either deduct some food each day in the lead up, and after the wholeprey day, or you can use a meat cleaver and a mallet to cleanly whack through the wholeprey and feed it in pieces that roughly total the allowance, over a day or 2 (if needed keep it in the freezer in portions to feed over a week or so).
I've never seen wholeprey, where can I get it?
Wholeprey can be purchased from many raw pet food retailers, usually already frozen. You can also get it from game shoots via Facebook groups such as Giving Up The Game.Â
Can I buy from the butchers or Abattoir?
Ultimately it is your choice however there are risks involved such as fat & protein content differing to your dogs needs (such as using a mince that is predominantly trim also known as fat).
Unless your butcher has a DEFRA licence number that allows them to manufacture raw pet food, they legally & ethically should not be doing it. All UK raw pet food manufacturers must have a DEFRA licence as this means they have approval from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to safely do so.
Check out the government information here on pet food manufacturing using animal by-products
Another risk factor is the lack of variety in butcher shops. Dogs need a well varied diet, covering high fat, moderate fat and low fat proteins, from red meat, white meat and game meat groups.
The final risk factor is around the lack of testing carried out. Raw pet food manufacturers have to send samples for testing to check the composition and also for bacterial risks including e.Coli and Salmonella. As butchers sell raw food to humans, the assumption is that humans will store it appropriately and cook it before consumption, but raw pet food is not cooked and therefore requires extensive testing to be carried out and analysis, to keep manufacturers accountable.
Over 90% of pet food manufacturers are members of UK Pet Food. UK Pet Food (previously known as the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association or PFMA) works to advance pet health and well-being with quality nutrition from a sustainable, progressive pet food industry.
How can I stop urine patches on my lawn?
There are some beliefs that raw diets may help with urine burn on lawns however we are yet to see any science to support this. Many pet guardians say the first urination of the day is the worst, and that males are worse than females. Again we have no science to support this at present. There are things you can do to help, although it may be a case of trial and error to find what works best for you and your dog
Some rely on using rocks in water bowls, however others have reported their dogs have tried to remove these from the water bowl. Therefore due to choking hazards, we do not recommend this.
We recommend using Green Peez which is dropped into the FOOD instead of the water and is 100% natural
Others recommend watering the urinated area immediately
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