Have you ever considered introducing a raw food diet to your dog? A raw diet offers many benefits that support your dog's digestive, immune, skin, coat, muscle, and overall health while providing the high-protein, meat-based diet that your dog naturally craves from their wolf ancestors. Keep reading to learn more about feeding raw food and a B.A.R.F. (biologically appropriate raw food) diet for your dog.
So... What actually is a Raw Food Diet?
A raw diet consists of uncooked, unprocessed food. Think of a salad: a big bowl of fresh, whole, often organic and uncooked ingredients that make up a balanced, healthy meal—that’s raw food!
Typically, commercial raw food diets for dogs, like Stella & Chewy's, are formulated to mirror a dog's ancestral diet (AKA the diet of wolves, their most recent ancestors) with 85-95% meat, organs, and bone, then 5-15% organic fruits, veggies, vitamins, minerals, and sometimes probiotics. These diets are packed with protein and nutrients that support healthy teeth and gums, optimal digestion, vibrant skin and coat, and stamina. Raw food diets can also contain a high moisture content that helps keep your dog hydrated.
Why Raw?
1. Raw Food Diets for Dogs Promote Healthy Digestion
Because raw diets are formulated based on your dog's biological needs, these wholesome meals digest more gently and efficiently and can be helpful for dogs with stomach issues. All Stella & Chewy's recipes also include added probiotics to promote optimal digestion. Once your dog is fully on a raw diet, you may even notice that their stools are less frequent—as their body is utilizing so much of the food, less is being eliminated. This more efficient use of nutrients from their food will also help your furry friends with weight loss and sustaining healthy energy levels!
2. Raw Food Diets are Helpful for Allergies
Allergies can cause a variety of issues including tummy troubles, itching, dry and flaky coat, and more. Raw diets are beneficial for many dogs with allergies as they contain quality ingredients and natural oils to support healthy skin and a shiny coat. Stella & Chewy's also offers many single source protein recipes as well as novel protein options such as venison, pork, and rabbit. Learn more about Food for Dogs with Allergies here.
3. Raw Food Diets are Great for Senior Dogs
Studies show that senior dogs need more dietary protein to maintain healthy muscle mass, which makes feeding a raw diet that's high in protein a great choice for senior dogs. Whether you choose a freeze-dried or frozen raw option, the soft texture and moisture content of raw diets make them easy to eat, even if your older pup is missing teeth or has mouth problems. The high moisture content in raw food diets can also make you feel confident that your dog is getting proper hydration from their meals which is so important for kidney function.
And more!
Check out our full Why Raw Page to learn about all of the benefits of feeding your dog a raw diet.
Is a Raw Food Diet Right for My Dog?
Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried and frozen raw diets offer complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all life stages, meaning that our raw diets are appropriate for puppies, adults, and seniors alike. Dogs of every age can benefit from raw, minimally processed nutrition!
How to Transition Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet
As with any new food, you should always start with a slow transition over 7-10 days. Introducing a new food or new food type (like raw) too quickly can lead to stomach upset or diarrhea. Your dog may also need some time to get used to a new texture if they're used to eating dry kibble.
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Days 1-3:
Mix 75% of the old food with 25% of the new raw food.
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Days 4-6:
Mix 50% of the old food with 50% of the new raw food.
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Days 7-9:
Mix 25% of the old food with 75% of the new raw food.
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Day 10:
Feed 100% of the new raw food.
If your dog normally has a sensitive stomach or experiences any digestive issues from a raw diet, you can extend the transition over a longer period of time. You can also read our full guide on How to Transition Dog Food here.
More Frequently Asked Questions about Raw Feeding for Dogs:
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How much raw food do I feed my dog? It depends on many factors, such as the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Make sure to check the back of the package for feeding guidelines, and if you’re still unsure, consult your veterinarian for their expert recommendation.
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Is feeding my dog a raw food diet easy? It is now, thanks to Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried raw food for dogs! Freeze-drying is the most convenient way to feed a raw diet to your dog, since this natural process makes raw food shelf-stable.
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Is feeding a raw meat diet safe for my dog? If it’s done right, yes! You may have concerns about the potential dangers of raw foods for your dog, but rest assured that there are safe ways to feed raw, such as choosing raw diets made by brands that prioritize food safety like Stella & Chewy’s. Learn more about safe raw feeding and Stella & Chewy's key food safety measure, high-pressure processing (HPP).
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There are so many options—Are all raw diets the same? Not all raw diets are created equal. From the quality of the ingredients to food safety measures and whether a brand uses proceeds to support charitable casuses, there are many factors that differentiate the premium and safe raw food made by Stella & Chewy's from what is made by other brands.
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Is feeding my dog a raw diet expensive? The answer to this question is related to question 1, because it depends on the same factors and how much food your dog eats. It also depends on the amount of raw you want to add to your dog’s diet. There are many ways to add the benefits of raw to your dog’s diet, from occasional treats to daily raw toppers or raw-coated kibble, Stella & Chewy’s has something for every dog and every budget!
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Is it better to make a raw food diet for my dog at home? It can be very difficult to make complete and balanced raw dog food made at home that includes all of the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your dog needs in the proper quantities. Stella & Chewy’s was founded by Marie Moody after her journey of making raw food for her dogs, Stella and Chewy, showed her just how inaccessible proper raw feeding was in 2003. Ever since, we have been perfecting the art and science of raw food diets for dogs and cats, earning the title of the #1 Freeze-Dried Raw Pet Food Brand in the USA.
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How is “Raw” Different from “Fresh?” We’re so glad you asked! We explained earlier that a "raw" food diet consists of uncooked, unprocessed food, like a salad. However, "fresh" dog food, like our FreshMade, usually refers to food that has been gently cooked with heat to some extent. Stella & Chewy's FreshMade is made with 100% human-grade whole foods, then sous-vide in juicy bone broth, and frozen to be served to your furry friend at peak freshness.
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Are raw diets veterinarian-approved? Yes! And, in fact, many veterinarians recommend—and even feed their own pets—raw food diets from trustworthy brands like Stella & Chewy’s.
And, of course, there are always more! Read more about raw diets for dogs and common misconceptions pet parents have in our FAQs, or shop our full catalog to help you decide What's Right for Your Pet.
