The raw dog food diet is one of the most controversial feeding methods.

Opinions are mixed on whether or not the diet is safe or if it could lead to diseases caused by the bacteria found in raw food.

This healthy raw diet for dogs won’t be suitable for all pups, so be sure to check with you veterinarian before feeding it to your pet.

Before we dive in, I wanted to ask you, are you currently feeding your dog commercial dog food?

Is your dog having skin problems, ear infections, lack of energy, or other stomach problems?

Or maybe they aren’t that old and are having other health complications. Now some breeds are more susceptible to health issues, but it could be another reason.

It could be their diet. In fact, it most of the time is their diet.

Well, commercial dry dog food is the equivalent to fast food. It’s mostly cheap, accessible, ultra-processed food.

I know we all go get some fast food every now and then, I am guilty of it. But imagine if you ate that every day.

You would start to feel awful.

And unfortunately our dog’s can’t speak, so they always “seem” to be fine and enjoy their food.

They eat it because commercial dog food companies add flavoring and dyes back in once the kibble has been processed to make it more interesting and enticing for your dog.

Well, we have put together a course to teach our readers how to make and prepare homemade dog food!

Now you may be thinking, woah what’s the point that sounds like a lot of effort. “They do fine on this brand!” “My last dog lived till 15 on Hill’s Science why would I switch”.

Great points, but you would never know if they could have lived longer or had a healthier end of their life.

Well no need to doubt because we have living proof.

In fact, we recently interviewed a woman who has been cooking food for their dog for 20+ years!

She has a mastiff that is 15 years old.

Just so you know, the average lifespan of mastiffs are between 6-12 years.

She even said that all of her littermates have already passed on and some of the litter of her littermates have passed on as well.

The course will change your life, but most importantly change your dog’s life.

Here’s what you will get when you buy the Homemade Dog Food Mini-Course

• Lifetime access to the course
• Lifetime access to us, and our well known Youtuber, Samantha, where you can ask her any question you want about homemade dog food
• Your first recipe and supplement recommendations for starting your homemade dog food journey
• Your very own “Batman Utility Belt” of cooking for your dog
  • Understanding why nutrition is important for your dog
  • Learn the exact equation on how much homemade food to feed your dog
  • Knowing exactly how many calories your dog needs for maintaining and even losing weight
  • The ideal rule of thumb on feeding your dog a “balanced” diet
  • Worksheets that are yours to keep and print

And lastly, we feel so confident that you will benefit that we are going to throw in a 100% guarantee that if you are not satisfied with the product and customer service we will refund you your money back.

Check Out Our Homemade Dog Food Mini-Course!

The Best Homemade Dog Food Mini-Course
	How To Make Homemade Dog Food Mini-Course Enjoy more years with your pup! No more skin problems! No more loose bowels Leave your dog with more energy and shinier coat	Check Price

The raw dog food diet is based on the natural diet of wild dogs (your dog’s ancestors), which consists of the prey they catch and the stomach contents of those animals.

Most people think of raw protein sources when it comes to this diet choice, but there’s a lot more to it than that.

Wild dogs eat grass and other plants.

The stomach contents of their prey contains a variety of plants.

That’s why a raw dog food diet must contain a balanced amount of meat, fruits and vegetables.

Healthy Raw Diet for Dogs

As with all raw dog food recipes, this is extremely simple to make.

Because it requires no cooking, all you have to do is prep all of the ingredients and then combine them in a large bowl.

Print

For More Information

We publish many homemade dog food and treats recipes every month. For more recipes, pet food cooking tips and advice, see our “Recipes” section.

---

— Update: 13-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article 10 Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipes [Vet Approved] from the website pawleaks.com for the keyword raw food recipe for dogs.

Taking your dog’s diet into your own hands can be daunting and oftentimes you don’t know where to start.

Although there are many homemade dog food recipes available online, few of them are targeted toward a raw diet.

Homemade dog food is usually processed in some way with cooked or boiled ingredients.

But once you have learned what a raw meal usually consists of, you will be crafting and preparing your own meals in no time that are specifically tailored to your dog.

If you are not 100% familiar with a raw diet for dogs, make sure to check out this article for in-depth tips and guidelines.

The following homemade raw dog food recipes are easy to make, balanced, and will definitely have your dog drooling in the kitchen.

Homemade Dog Food Recipe by Rodney Habib

Homemade dog food doesn’t have to be difficult and complicated. This recipe provides your dog with a balanced and tasty meal.

Ingredients

• 14 oz lean ground beef 90%
• 2 tsp hempseed oil or 3 oz hemp seeds
• 1/2 can sardines in water or 1/2 tsp cod liver oil
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp kelp powder
• 1 egg
• 1/2 eggshells
• 1 oz beef liver
• 1 oz broccoli
• 1 oz spinach
• 1 oz red bell pepper

Directions

1. Mix together the ground beef, eggs, kelp, ground ginger, hemp seed oil, and sardines until well combined. Save half of an eggshell for later.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth.
3. In a bowl, combine the blended ingredients with the beef mix.

This recipe makes about 1lb of food for an adult dog.

Store: Store the raw food for 3-4 days in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge or freeze it.

A Homemade Raw Dog Recipe by Walkerville Vet

Walkerville vet combines the best from both worlds, as it is based on the raw food diet of wolves but also takes into account the dietary changes in domesticated dogs.

Ingredients

• 250g chopped beef or lamb
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped apple
• ¼ cup frozen peas, defrosted
• 1½ cups chopped pumpkin or squash
• ⅔ cup brown or basmati rice (will cook to 3 cups)
• 4 teaspoons sunflower oil
• 4g fish oil

This recipe serves an 8kg dog for 3-4 days.

Zucchini Chicken Burgers by Rodney Habib

To mix it up, try these juicy chicken burgers that are flavorful and clearly mouth-watering.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken wings
• 6 oz beef liver
• 6 oz chicken hearts
• 3 os blueberries
• 1 oz flaxseeds
• 1 oz pumpkin seeds
• 3 oz oyster
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 cans sardines
• 4 oz zucchini
• 1/2 tsp kelp

Easy Raw Dog Food by Topdogtips

With only 6 ingredients needed, this recipe is truly an easy and quick choice when meal prep has to go a little faster.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless chicken (chopped)
• 1 cup red cabbage (shredded)
• 1 apple (cored, peeled, and chopped)
• 1 cup spinach (shredded)
• 2 eggs with shells
• 1 tbsp cod liver oil

The serving size for this recipe is 1/2 cup of food per 20 pounds of body weight.

Homemade Raw Dog Food by Running to the Kitchen

Another simple recipe that uses yogurt as a dairy source and some olive oil instead of the usual animal-based oils.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 4 ounces chicken livers
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 small apple, cored
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 2 whole eggs (including shell)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Raw Rabbit, Chicken & Beef Dog Food by Dogs Naturally

For a well-balanced diet, it is important to switch out proteins regularly.

The following recipe uses rabbit as a protein source which my dog truly loves.

Ingredients

• 2.5 pounds rabbit (typical whole rabbit carcass)
• 1 pound chicken heart
• 1/4 pound beef liver
• 4 pasture-raised eggs without shells
• 8 ounces broccoli
• 1/2 ounce chopped spinach
• 6 ounces blueberries or mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries)
• 2 grams green lipped mussel powder

Beef Bomb by Perfectly Pawsome

This recipe is designed as supplemental food for dogs that require lots of energy or are underweight.

Ingredients

• 7.9oz (224.5g) Beef, ground, 70% lean meat / 30% fat, raw
• 0.7oz (19g) Butter, without salt
• 0.5oz (15g) Almonds
• 1/3cup (91g) Coconut Water, liquid from coconuts
• 0.1oz (2g) Nutritional Yeast
• 0.1oz (1.5g) Seeds, chia seeds, dried
• 0.1oz (0.75g) Psyllium Husk Powder

Homemade Dog Food by Rachel Fusaro

This is a nutritionally packed recipe designed specifically for Rachel’s dog Fin so feel free to adjust the ingredients for your dog’s unique dietary requirements which applies to every recipe.

Ingredients

• 5.5 oz ground beef
• 2 oz chicken wings
• 1 oz beef heart
• 1.5 oz beef liver
• 1 oz pork kidney
• 3.5 oz canned sardines
• 1 oz canned oyster
• 2 oz spinach
• 2 oz kale
• 1 medium egg
• 1 tsp fish oil
• 1/8 tsp flaxseed oil
• 1 drop vitamin e oil
• 1/2 scoop kelp powder

Fish and Meat Combo by Wamiz

To provide your dog with some healthy omega 3 salmon or herring are great options.

Most owners like to feed their raw fed dogs fish once a week.

Ingredients

• 150 g wild salmon (frozen)
• 100 g beef muscle meat
• 50 g beef lung
• 20 g omasum
• 20 g beef liver
• 30 g leaf lettuce, for example lollo rosso
• 30 g parsnip
• 40 g apple
• 1 tsp rapeseed oil
• 5 g bone meal

Directions

As this is a german recipe I will provide you with a short and simplified translation.

1. After defrosting, cut the salmon and meat into pieces and place them in your dog’s bowl.
2. Finely puree the fruits and vegetables in a blender and add them to the bowl.
3. Now just add the canola oil and the bone meal over the meal.

Mixed Veggies by Wamiz

If one meatless day per week is part of your feeding plan, this vegetarian meal will be perfect for that.

Ingredients

• 100 g cream cheese
• 100 g sweet potatoes
• 100 g mixed leaf lettuce, for example iceberg lettuce and lollo rosso
• 50 g carrots
• 25 g berries, for example blueberries
• 25 g apple
• 1 tsp hemp oil

Disclaimer: We are not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you try from these sites. Consult your pet nutritionist before using any recipe if you have concerns.

Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet.

---

— Update: 13-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Complete Raw Dog Food Recipe Guide from the website rawbistro.com for the keyword raw food recipe for dogs.

If you’re interested in putting your dog on a raw food diet, making your own dog food is one option to get started.

But before you begin, it’s important to understand all the components of a healthy raw diet. Doing so will allow you to feed your dog a complete meal with all the necessary nutrients, and avoid feeding anything that could be harmful or toxic.

Since 2010, Raw Bistro has been dedicated to creating nutritious raw dog food products, and we’d like to pass on some of that knowledge in this guide. 

In the article below, we address some important information about a dog’s dietary needs and raw dog food recipe examples:

Is Raw Dog Food Good for Dogs?

There are quite a few health benefits to feeding your dog a raw food diet. These include:

• Leaner, more muscular build; nearly 60% of dogs are overweight or obese based on body condition scoring, which leads to a number of related conditions
• Skin and coat improvements
• Cleaner teeth and fresher breath
• Less odor
• Vibrant, calm energy

The environmental impact is another compelling benefit: feeding raw lowers our ecological footprint. A raw diet is more fully utilized by dogs’ and cats’ bodies, which equates to smaller stools and cleaner litter boxes. A raw diet also uses animal parts like organ meats which can help reduce waste.

In short: what’s good for our pets is also good for our environment. It’s truly a win-win. For more information, check out our full guide on a raw diet for dogs.

“My No. 1 choice for optimal nutrition for dogs and cats is a nutritionally balanced, fresh homemade diet (offered raw or gently cooked).”

• Dr. Karen Becker

Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Dog Food?

Making homemade dog food can cut some of the costs of commercial food. However, it’s important to consider the effort it takes to make the food in a commercial facility – it may be challenging to do in your home. For instance, we recommend grinding up bone-in products, which can be difficult to achieve with home products. 

However, it is important to note that making dog food at home can create other costs: time, effort and potentially unbalanced formulas are all risk factors. We recommend weighing the pros and cons and deciding what’s best for you and your family (including your pup).

And remember: a raw diet doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Raw can be used as a treat, one meal a day, etc. Just getting fresh food into your dog’s diet is beneficial and they will reap the benefits – not much different than for us humans. 

We outline 5 cost-effective ways to ease into feeding raw in our post How to Feed Your Dog Raw on a Budget.

Nutritional Needs for Dogs

Dogs rely on us to provide them with a healthy, balanced diet. If you want to create that for them, you need to understand their nutritional needs. 

Generally measured in terms of calories, your dog’s energy comes from three major dietary components: protein, fats and carbohydrates.

In her Pet Food Label Seminar, Dr. Karen Becker shares the dietary percentages that are biologically appropriate for dogs:

• Protein: 30-52% of your dog’s calories should be protein sources: meat, poultry, fish. 
• Fat: 47-63% of your dog’s calories should be fat sources: animal fats, seed oils from various plants.
• Carbohydrates: 1-7% of your dog’s calories should be carbohydrates: vegetables, nuts, seeds and minimal fruit.

Protein

Dogs cannot survive without protein in their diets. Dietary protein contains 10 specific amino acids that dogs cannot make on their own. Known as essential amino acids, they provide the building blocks for many important biologically active compounds and proteins. 

High-quality proteins have a good balance of all of the essential amino acids. A dog’s diet too high in fat may be lacking critical amino acids without supplementation. That’s why it’s so important to feed an appropriate and balanced amount of protein. 

Fats and Fatty Acids

Dietary fats provide the most concentrated source of energy in the diet. They supply essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized in the body and serve as carriers for important fat-soluble vitamins.

They also supply essential fatty acids which play a role in cell structure and function, and are necessary to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.

Carbohydrates

While both fats and carbohydrates provide energy, the biologically appropriate dietary recommendations limit carbohydrate consumption to 7%. This is because dietary fats are essential for dogs and cats whereas carbs are not. 

Many dry pet foods are loaded with high glycemic carbs (40 to 50 percent of total content in some cases), which can lead to blood sugar fluctuations, insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes and other health problems in pets.

So while carbs provide energy more rapidly than fats, an overabundance can create health problems in dogs. For more information, read our post on why kibble is bad for dogs.

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins and minerals provide a host of functions, from the activation of clotting factors, bone proteins, and other proteins, to supplementing strong bones and teeth.

Bloodwork needs to be done to determine if your dog has any existing nutrient deficiencies that you may need to supplement in their diet. That’s why it’s important to consult your veterinarian to decide what’s best for your dog. 

The vast majority of these nutrients can be supplied through food; however, there are some limitations. It’s a balancing act to find the right amount of the nutrients from mostly whole foods and minimize the additional supplements. And remember: quality is key when it comes to vitamins and minerals for your dog. 

Raw Dog Food Recipes

Now that you understand the composition of a balanced raw diet, below are two *raw dog food recipes to get you started:

Beef Recipe, Adult

Ingredients

• 10 lbs 85% lean ground beef
• 1 lb beef heart
• 1 lb beef liver
• 2 lbs veggies, finely puréed
• 1/3 lb freshly ground hempseed
• 44 grams plant based calcium carbonate (Animal Essentials
• Seaweed Calcium)
• 11 grams krill oil
• 4 grams Thorvin Kelp (equivalent to 3mg Iodine)
• 5 mg Manganese
• 1200 IU Vitamin D
• 200 IU Vitamin E

Analysis

51 kcal/oz

Chicken Recipe, Adult

Ingredients

• 6.5 lbs chicken thigh meat (no bone, skin & separable fat
• removed)
• 1 lb chicken heart
• 1 lb chicken liver
• 1.75 lbs chicken necks, with skin & fat
• 1.75 lbs chicken necks, with skin & fat removed
• 2 lbs veggies, finely puréed
• 1/4 lb freshly ground flaxseeds
• 8 grams krill oil
• 3 grams Thorvin Kelp (equivalent to 2.1mg Iodine)
• 50 mg Zinc
• 9 mg Copper
• 5 mg Manganese
• 1200 IU Vitamin D
• 200 IU Vitamin E

Analysis

37 kcal/oz

*These recipes are formulated for healthy, adult dogs (do not feed to puppies) and must be followed exactly to be nutritionally complete. Based upon USDA data and typical test data for bone-in products that can vary by lot, manufacturer, season and so forth. All nutrient content numbers are approximate.

Read more  10 Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipes [Vet Approved]

How Much to Feed

A general rule to follow is to feed 2-4% of your pet’s body weight. Smaller dogs will require a higher percentage of their body weight, while larger dogs will require a smaller percentage of their body weight. The daily portion should be split between morning and night.

• a 10 lb. dog will eat about 2 to 2-1/2 lbs. per week or about 10 lbs per month
• a 25 lb. dog will eat about 5 lbs per week or about 20 lbs per month
• a 50 lb. dog will eat about 8 lbs per week or about 32 lbs per month
• a 75 lb. dog will eat about 10-1/2 lbs per week or about 42 lbs per month
• a 100 lb. dog will eat about 13-1/2 lbs per week or about 54 lbs per month

Feed puppies anywhere from 2-3x the amount an adult dog of the same weight would eat. For example, a puppy that weighs 10 pounds would eat 2-3x the amount a 10 pound adult dog would eat. Feed very young puppies 3 or 4 times per day. Older puppies generally do fine with twice-daily feedings.

Try our handy raw dog food calculator for a baseline recommendation based on your dog’s specific weight. 

Pre-Made Raw Dog Food Products

Perhaps you’re interested in feeding your dog a raw diet, but don’t have the time or desire to create the recipes listed above.

Our line of raw dog food products offers a balanced diet solution that’s ready for your dog to eat. All of our products are made with organic ingredients, sourced from farmers who embrace sustainable and humane farming practices. 

Browse our products lines to get started:

• Our frozen raw dog food is available in 4 pack and 6 pack quantities.
• For a shelf-stable alternative to raw with the same healthy ingredients, check out our dehydrated entrees and treats.

---

— Update: 13-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article 7 Best Raw Dog Food Recipes from the website topdogtips.com for the keyword raw food recipe for dogs.

Giving your dog homemade raw dog food is a big step and should not be taken lightly. Making raw dog food for beginners, the process can be confusing.

Moreover, there are also risks that raw food diets may have.

But when done correctly, the best raw dog food recipes can be a healthy and beneficial dietary change for your dog.

Staying Objective on the Best Raw Dog Food Feeding

There’s a lot of talk about raw feeding and how this diet is based on the way ancestors of dogs survived in the wild.

However, contrary to veterinarians’ opposition to raw feeding, recent studies found a number of benefits this diet provides to dogs. But it’s important not to romanticize easy raw dog food diets.

With all the advantages, like any other type of food, raw feeding still has its negatives.

It’s no secret that it takes more time to make homemade meals, whether it’s raw food or cooked recipes.

They can also be more costly, especially if shopping for fresh meat at your local butcher’s shop.

Finally, because we’re dealing with raw meat, bacterial contamination is a big concern if it’s not done correctly.

For the uninitiated, raw feeding is exactly what it sounds like: a diet that consists of uncooked and unprocessed ingredients.

Because the foods are raw and haven’t been tampered with, they are natural and wholesome, containing no by-products, artificial preservatives, food colors, and no filler.

Moreover, ingredients in the best raw dog food recipes most commonly include meat of different types (muscle and organs) and eggs.

Furthermore, other recipes will also include seeds, nuts, grains, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, beans, dried fruits (with no additives), and other foods.

Before you delve into trying these best raw dog food recipes for your pet, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of preparing easy raw dog food meals.

There are many recipes out there, but not all are safe or appropriate for all dogs.

Feeding Raw Food Diet for Dogs and Its Potential Drawbacks

Moreover, feeding a raw food diet for dogs isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it can be accomplished with the right information.

This diet has many positive aspects that improve the dog’s health, as witnessed by dog owners, but it’s not without its drawbacks either.

Just as many pet owners are noticing positive health effects from raw feeding in their dogs, there are about just as many people who dislike this diet and after trying it went back to commercial dog foods or simply cooking homemade dog food meals that aren’t raw.

Maggie from OhMyDogBlog.com shares her experience with raw feeding and why she doesn’t do it, and Meagan from Collared-Scholar.com shares her experience here.

In the majority of cases, it all comes down to a few same reasons:

1. Raw feeding can be time-consuming.

Firstly, whichever the best raw dog food recipes you decide to use, it will never match the convenience of dry dog kibble.

Dry food is simply easier to use. That’s why people love it – you buy it and you pour it into your dog’s food bowl.

For a lot of busy dog owners, preparing homemade meals is just too much hassle.

2. Raw Dog Food Recipes can be more expensive.

Secondly, preparing easy raw dog food is generally a bit more expensive than buying commercial dog food brands.

It depends entirely on what ingredients you are using, of course, but assuming you are feeding your dog with high-quality and diverse foods, it will usually cost you more, and there’s no way around it.

3. Quality and Nutrition depends on you.

Thirdly, many dog owners fail to make nutritious homemade easy raw dog food meals for their pets.

This is often because they are misinformed or misled by websites and so-called “dog food specialists” that don’t know what they are talking about. It’s a very dangerous practice.

A few years ago the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) examined 200 homemade dog food recipes from websites and veterinarians alike.

Of the 200 recipes, only 9 matched the NRC’s requirements for high-quality dog food. You can find most of their studies online in the AVMA library. Here’s a 2013 Stockman et al. study and here’s a 2012 Larsen et al. study.

The general consensus among veterinarians is that they usually do not support raw feeding dogs, mostly because they do not trust pet owners to make the right choices.

4. Bacterial contamination is a real concern.

Yes, dogs are much more resistant to things such as Salmonella and E. coli germs than we are and bacterial contamination is quite rare for dogs.

Still, it should be mentioned that it’s a risk with using easy raw dog food recipes and that caution should be used.

That said if you know the source of your meats, and buy USDA certified organic, and prepare it correctly, the chances of contamination are very low.

5. Few things to consider in making Easy Raw Dog Food

Lastly, there are more aspects of the raw food diet for dogs and homemade dog food recipes in general that you’ll need to consider.

Two of our writers have previously reasons why you should feed raw and why you shouldn’t, many of which are very valid.

Finally, Kimberly from KeepTheTailWagging.com, a proponent of raw feeding and a great source of information on this subject, gives five more important reasons that you should consider.

With everything above considered, if you’ve decided to feed your dog with homemade raw food, make sure you inform yourself about all the specifics this includes – vitamins, minerals, calcium, etc.

Also, make sure you consult with not one, but at least several different vets once you’ve chosen a particular diet.

Reasons to Consider the Best Raw Food Diet for Your Dog

Even with all of those things to consider, there are still a lot of reasons you may want to give your dog a raw food diet and make it yourself.

Some of the most popular reasons include the following, some of which we have already touched on: 

• The ability to adjust to your dog’s dietary needs or allergies
• The ability to adapt recipes as your dog passes through various life stages
• The ability to control all of the ingredients, including the quality of the source
• The ability to take advantage of bulk buying or sales 
• Not having to worry about recalls from dog food manufacturers
• The knowledge that you reduced your environmental impact

Additionally, a raw food diet can be associated with the following benefits for your pup: 

• Firmer stools
• Reduced allergy symptoms
• Improved dental health
• Weight management
• More muscular build 
• Healthier skin
• Healthier coat
• Improved digestion
• Reduced odor 

How to Feed Dogs Raw Diet Correctly

While drawbacks do exist, like with any other diet, if you do it right, you and your dog can happily enjoy the benefits of raw dog food. And they are numerous:

• stronger immune system
• better overall health
• better skin and coat
• more muscle mass
• more energy
• better digestion and better long-term health of the digestive and urinal tracts

How do you achieve it? Below I’ll list seven of the best raw dog food recipes based on what your dog requires in his diet.

But you shouldn’t simply follow the recipes; you need to clearly understand what goes into making safe homemade raw dog food for your Fido.

If possible, which – when it comes to raw feeding – isn’t always the case, try to work with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to find out your dog’s exact nutritional needs and adjust the diet based on that.

Your pet’s requirements will vary depending on his age, weight, breed, activity level, and overall health condition.

Some of the most important things for your to remember to include:

1. Importance of Calcium

One of the main problems of some bad raw dog food recipes you’ll find online is the lack of calcium.

Many dog owners are afraid to include bones in their dogs’ food, but bones are essential for the calcium and other minerals they have.

A proper raw dog food includes between 12% and 15% bone. This means that about a third of the food must include nice, meaty bones.

These can be chicken wings, necks, legs or thighs, turkey necks, lamb necks or ribs, beef tail bones, and others.

2. Don’t Skip the Organs

Because we stopped eating organ meat, for the most part, we also forget to include it in our dogs’ diet.

However, organs such as livers, kidneys, lungs, hearts, brains, etc., are the most nutrient-rich parts of the animal.

If you skip on the organs, you either have to include a lot of artificial supplements (at which point you’re missing the goal of the best raw dog food diet) or you’ll leave your dog malnourished.

A proper raw dog food recipe includes anywhere between 10% and 30% organs.

The liver is usually the easiest one to find. However, if the only organ you’re going to include in your dog’s diet is the liver, then don’t make it more than 10% of the food because then you can overdose your dog on some vitamins, like Vitamin A.

However, only go above 10% of organ meat if you use liver with other organs.

3. Muscle Meat is the Basis of a Raw Dog Food Diet

Muscle meat should make up 35% to 50% of your dog’s raw dog food meal (depending on how much organ meat you’re using).

Muscle meat is the key source of protein, vitamins, and enzymes.

Don’t skip it. Proper raw dog food recipes must include one of the following:

• beef (ground, cheek, stewing)
• beef heart (but not more than 5% of the diet, since it’s very rich)
• bison (ground or stewing)
• lamb (stewing, ground, shoulder, or breast)
• pork (cushion, boneless rib, loin, shoulder, or butt)
• chicken (breasts or boneless thighs)
• turkey (ground, boneless thighs, breast, or tenderloin)

4. Fat is Important (But Accuracy is Crucial)

Fat is another place where many homemade raw dog food recipes fail – some owners use too much fat in their dogs’ diets, while others skip on it entirely.

Remember that dietary fat is not what makes your dog gain weight; it’s the over-consumption of calories.

Fat in itself is as important as protein in the dog’s diet; you just don’t need as much of it.

Generally, your dog’s food’s fat shouldn’t exceed 10%.

5. Fruits and Veggies for Raw Food Diet (In Small Amounts)

Some people find it surprising, but dogs aren’t obligatory carnivores – they are omnivorous.

Even in the wild, canines don’t just eat meat and will munch on things like berries.

Being a long-lost relative of bears with a close DNA sequence, it’s not surprising.

Veggies and fruits provide vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, chlorophyll, flavonoids, carotenoids, and fibers.

However, this doesn’t mean they should be the main part of your dog’s diet.

Muscle meat, meaty bones, organs, and fat are essential.

Fruits and veggies are welcomed, but moderation is key.

6. Grains in Homemade Raw Dog Food

Furthermore, raw dog food proponents do not believe that most grains and foods like peas and potatoes should be welcomed in your dog’s diet.

While dogs can digest them, they don’t bring anything nutritional (Souliere, 2014; PDF) to your dog’s diet that would warrant their inclusion.

Most training raw treats for dogs do include a small number of grains, and that’s fine, but you don’t need to include them in your dog’s raw food meals.

7. Variety Over Time Can Be Good (But Not Essential)

As with all other things in life, variety and long-term balance can be good, but it depends.

Generally, dogs do not require as much variety in their diet as humans do; they can eat the same food that they really enjoy for very long periods.

So if your raw dog food recipes are complete and nutritionally balanced, and your dog loves them, then you can stick to just one.

But it’s best to work with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist on this and decide whether you’ll need to switch it up now and again.

RECIPE: Easy Raw Dog Food Recipe with Ground Beef and Chicken Liver

The Best Raw Dog Food Recipes

1. Chicken and carrots

• 35% – 50% Chicken thighs or breasts
• 10% – 30% Chicken hearts and liver
• 12% – 15% Ground chicken bone
• 5% lightly boiled chicken eggs
• 5% – 20% Organic carrots
• 5% – 20% Organic green beans

Simply mix and freeze or serve. The eggs should be lightly boiled as protection against Salmonella.

2. Beef and greens

• 35% – 50% Beef – ground, cheek, or stewing
• 10% – 30% Beef hearts and liver
• 12% – 15% Beef tail bones
• 5% – 10% Organic green apples (very high on fiber and rich in nutrients)
• 5% – 10% Organic celery (it’s quite rich in water when it is raw, but it is still a great source of dietary fiber)
• 5% lightly boiled chicken eggs
• 5% – 10% Organic collard greens (high vitamin and mineral content)
• 5% – 20% Organic kale (rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C, vitamin K, and calcium)

Simply mix and freeze or serve. The eggs should be lightly boiled as protection against Salmonella.

3. Chicken and greens

• 35% – 50% Chicken thighs or breasts
• 10% – 30% Chicken hearts and liver
• 12% – 15% Ground chicken bone
• 5% lightly boiled chicken eggs
• 5% – 10% Organic broccoli (like kale, broccoli is very rich in vitamin C and fiber and a lot of other nutrients)
• 5% – 10% Organic celery (it’s quite rich in water when it is raw, but it is still a great source of dietary fiber)
• 5% – 10% Organic spinach (very high vitamin and mineral content, excellent nutrient)
• 5% – 10% Organic carrots
• 5% Alfalfa meal

Simply mix and freeze or serve. The eggs should be lightly boiled as protection against Salmonella.

4. Turkey and greens

• 12% – 15% Turkey necks
• 35% – 50% Turkey boneless thighs, breast or tenderloin
• 10% – 30% Turkey hearts and liver
• 5% – 10% Organic lettuce
• 5% – 10% Yams or sweet potatoes – a decent source of complex carbohydrates fiber, beta carotene, and other healthy nutrients
• 5% – 10% (or more, if you want to skip on the yams) Organic zucchini – great for complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber
• 5% – 10% Turkey gizzard (subtract this from the amount of turkey muscle meat)

Simply mix and freeze or serve.

5. Sweet turkey

• 35% – 50% Turkey boneless thighs, breast or tenderloin
• 10% – 30% Turkey hearts and liver
• 5% – 10% Yams or sweet potatoes – a decent source of complex carbohydrates fiber, beta carotene, and other healthy nutrients
• 5% – 10% Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) – highly rich in natural fiber
• 5% – 10% Organic green beans – very rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural fiber
• 5% Organic cranberries – highly nutritious and rich in natural fiber
• 5% – 10% dried eggs – dehydrated shell-free eggs

Simply mix and freeze or serve. The eggs in this recipe are dehydrated instead of lightly boiled as protection against Salmonella.

6. Chicken and beef delight

• 20% – 25% Chicken thighs or breasts
• 20% – 25% Beef – ground, cheek, or stewing
• 10% – 30% Beef hearts and liver
• 12% – 15% Ground chicken bone
• 5% – 10% Yams or sweet potatoes – a decent source of complex carbohydrates fiber, beta carotene, and other healthy nutrients
• 5% – 10% Organic broccoli (like kale, broccoli is very rich in vitamin C and fiber and a lot of other nutrients)
• 5% Linseed meal – an amazing source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber
• 5% Sunflower meal – very high on protein

Simply mix and freeze or serve.

7. Chicken and turkey with a fish twist

• 12% – 15% Ground chicken and turkey bones
• 35% – 50% Herring – a marine fish, the herring is an exceptional source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and essential oils
• 10% – 30% Chicken and turkey hearts and liver
• 5% lightly boiled chicken eggs
• 5% – 10% Organic spinach (very high vitamin and mineral content, excellent nutrient)
• 5% – 10% Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) – highly rich in natural fiber

Simply mix and freeze or serve. The eggs should be lightly boiled as protection against Salmonella.

Get Creative With the Raw Food Diet For Dogs Recipes

Once you have followed the above recipes a few times, go ahead and get creative.

As long as your dog gets the proper nutrition, you can mix and match ingredients from the various recipes.

Moreover, you can also use them as inspiration to come up with something else your dog would love.

You could even get creative with ingredients and try introducing your dog to something like rabbit meat.  

If you decide to create your own recipe, make sure it gives your dog the nutrients he needs. 

Most importantly, remember that you want meat (with fat) to make up about 80% of the food.

Another 10% should be from organs, and 5% each should come from fruits and vegetables and dairy and supplements. 

Your dog should get about 30-52% of his calories from protein, 47-63% from fat, and 1-7% from carbohydrates.

The dietary fat provides concentrated energy and helps with essential fatty acids to maintain coat and skin health. Carbs also provide energy. 

What Foods are Toxic to Dogs?

Moreover, always remember that dogs don’t have the digestive capabilities of a human. Some human foods can be toxic or poisonous to our pets.

Most importantly, as the owner, you are responsible for looking over certain ingredients and recipes for your dog’s diet.

Here are some dangerous foods for dogs:

• Grapes and Raisins
• Onions and Garlic
• Milk
• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Salt
• Citrus
• Coffee
• Macadamia Nuts
• Avocado
• Alcohol

However, if you use a wild-caught game in your dog’s raw food, freeze it for three weeks or longer before using it.

This kills any parasites.

If you catch raw trout or salmon, freeze it for at least 24 hours to kill parasites. 

Extra Tips When Following Raw Dog Food Recipes

Moreover, as you plan and make your dog’s raw food, here are some extra tips to keep in mind: 

• Firstly, know how much raw food to give your dog. It should be about 2-3% of your canine’s ideal body weight per day. You can increase this a little for very active dogs. If your dog is pregnant, talk to your veterinarian for ideal quantities. 
• However, if the recipe calls for a bone meal, always get it from a grocery store or other food-related retailer. Never get it from hardware stores or garden centers as it could contain chemicals and fertilizers to stabilize it. To avoid issues, always read the label to confirm that your chosen bone meal is just the bone meal and nothing else. 
• Try incorporating your dog’s omega-3 supplements into their meals. 
• Furthermore, when you buy organ meat for your dog’s food, try to get enough for a few batches. You can chop or grind them, put them in a labeled bag, and freeze them. This saves you the hassle of buying organ meat as often, especially if you don’t eat it yourself. 
• Choose meats with a fat content of 10-20% (or 80-90% lean). 
• Always buy the highest quality ingredients that fit your budget. 
• However, if you want to give your dog raw food but don’t have the time to prepare it yourself, you can buy it. Just beware that pre-made raw food for dogs will be more expensive.

Common Questions About the Best Raw Dog Food Recipes

Meanwhile, do you have lingering questions about feeding your dog raw food, its health benefits, or what to include or avoid?

We gathered the most common questions and answered them to make sure we cover all of the bases. 

What is the best raw food for dogs? 

However, if you prefer to buy raw food instead of making it yourself, consider the options from Primal, BARF World, Steve’s Real Food, Stella and Chewy, Nature’s Variety, or TruDog. 

Read more  When to Euthanize a Dog with Hemangiosarcoma

How can I make my own raw dog food?

Moreover, following the abovementioned recipes is the simplest way to make your dog raw food at home.

You can also get creative and combine ingredients from various recipes.

Use the ingredient lists and the other information we outlined to create a balanced meal your dog will love based on the ingredients you have on hand. 

What to mix with a dog’s raw food?

However, any of the ingredients we included in our above recipes can be a great addition to dog food.

Some good choices include turkey, chicken, fish, chickpeas, brown rice, carrots, cod liver oil, peas, spinach, eggs, and cranberries. 

Can I feed my dog raw meat from the grocery store?

Yes, it is typically safe for dogs to eat raw meat, even though that is not the case for humans.

Make sure you take steps to avoid contamination or disease and give your dog a balanced diet.

He will also need carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals from veggies, and other ingredients in his diet in addition to the meat.

Is it cheaper to make your own raw dog food?

Furthermore, if you want to feed your dog raw food, you will definitely save money if you choose to make it yourself instead of buying raw food that has been premade.

That said, keep in mind that you will still spend more feeding your dog homemade raw food than you are likely to if you just fed him traditional dog food, even a moderate-quality brand. 

Is it okay to mix Kibble with Raw?

Meanwhile, there’s a myth that you can’t mix kibble with raw because kibble takes longer to digest than raw.

But dogs are perfectly safe to eat a mix of kibble and raw.

However, watch out for dogs that have digestive problems. That’s why it is still important to consult with your vet every time.

Conclusion for the Best Raw Dog Food Recipes

Moreover, there are plenty more other great recipes out there, but these are the seven best raw dog food for beginners.

I believe if you just started the raw food diet for dogs, then this is a great place to start.

Furthermore, do not take them for granted or any other homemade raw dog food recipes you find online.

As I said, every recipe should be very carefully thought out and examined.

You should consult with at least a couple of veterinarians and/or canine nutritionists before making raw dog foods for your furry friend.

READ NEXT: Benefits of Commercial Raw Dog Food Diets

Want to share this?

---

— Update: 13-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article The Best Easy Dog Food Toppers To Give Your Pup  from the website thismessisours.com for the keyword raw food recipe for dogs.

Looking for ways to change up meals for your furry friends? Well no need to look any further– we have put together a list of 15 of Hooch & Rebel’s favorite dog food toppers for your pups to try!!

***Please note, I am not a veterinarian, just a very passionate dog owner! The information in this blog post documents our own personal experiences, research, and the recipes that we feed our dogs under our veterinarian’s supervision. Please, consult with your vet and use your own personal judgment when changing your dog’s diet or when using probiotics***

Adding dog food toppers to your dogs meals is an easy way to boost your dog’s nutrition!

Dog food toppers are a lot easier to incorporate into your dogs meals than you might think. They are as easy as the name – simply add any of these delicious treats on top of your dogs food!

Blueberries

Blueberries are full of antioxidants that protect cells in dogs making them perfect dog food toppers. They’re also high in fiber and phytochemicals.

Antioxidants found in blueberries aid in the battle against free radicals, which cause molecular and cellular damage in dogs.

Antioxidants in a dog’s food have been shown to minimize the impact of neurodegeneration, which is fantastic news if you have an older dog.

Click here for our dog’s favorite blueberry dog treat recipe!

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs. They’re especially ideal for dogs on a diet because their low-calorie content provides a good treat without adding extra weight.

Cucumbers contain 96% water, making them a refreshing and delightful snack for any pup.

DO NOT feed your dog pickles, though. Spices and salt added to pickles could be detrimental at worst.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has numerous advantages for your dog. It is high in phytonutrients, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, among other things. It can keep skin hydrated and develop a beautiful coat.

If your dog has been refusing to eat recently, a slight drizzle of olive oil is enough to transform the flavor and texture of their regular meal, and it could be what you need to rekindle their appetite.

Fish Oil

One of the best supplements for your dog’s diet is fish oil. Fish oil enhances a glossy coat, decreases itchy and flaking skin, and can help ease allergies and joint pain in your pup. 

Bone Broth

Bone broth is safe for dogs! It can be a delightful and nutritious addition to your dog’s regular meals. Although nutritional, it should not be a dog’s primary source of nutrition.

Bone broth contains a variety of nutrients that are good for dogs. It’s high in protein, glycine, collagen, and glucosamine, as well as vitamins and minerals.

Glycine: This neutral amino acid is helpful in the kidneys of dogs suffering from ischemia-reperfusion (tissue damage caused when blood supply returns to tissue).

Collagen– A protein that has positive effects on mobility, skin, and coat, and digestion

Glucosamine– This nutrient can help lubricate your dog’s joints and boost the making of core proteins, which can aid in the health and overall of joints. 

Bone broth is a tasty and nutritious supplement to your dog’s daily diet. Although it is nutritious, it should not be a dog’s primary source of nutrition.

Bone broth is high in nutrients that are beneficial to dogs. Protein, glycine, collagen, and glucosamine are all abundant, as are vitamins and minerals.

In our opinion some of the best bone broths for dogs are:

Our dogs love our homemade bone broth recipe below, but they also really dig Native Pet’s Beef Bone Broth Topper when I’m running low.

How much bone broth to feed at a time to your dog.

• Dogs under 20 pounds, serve them 1 oz of bone broth a day.
• For dogs between 20-40 pounds, serve them 2 oz of bone broth a day.
• Dogs between 50-80 pounds, feed them 4 oz of bone broth a day.
• For dogs 80+ pounds, feed them 6 oz of bone broth a day

Nonfat Greek-Style Yogurt

Yogurt is high in protein, calcium, and probiotics, which aid your dog’s immune system and help them recover from stomach problems. 

Plain nonfat Greek yogurt is the best yogurt to give your dog, and you can add a variety of ingredients to make it even more delectable.

Any yogurt containing xylitol, a popular sweetener in human foods, should be avoided by dogs. Xylitol accumulates in the liver tissue; even a modest amount of xylitol-sweetened yogurt is hazardous to dogs and can lead to liver failure. 

**If you suspect that your dog has a lactose issue, you should refrain from giving your dog yogurt altogether.**

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin is beneficial as a dog food topper to all dogs, large and tiny, but especially those with digestive difficulties. Plus, they think it’s delicious! 

Plain canned pumpkin with no additional sweeteners, additives, or fillers, and plain raw pumpkin and pumpkin flesh are all excellent dog food toppers for dogs. 

You should avoid giving your dog the sugar-free canned pumpkin at all costs. The primary issue with sugar-free canned pumpkin is that it could contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is pretty safe for dogs to eat; just make sure that it is natural peanut butter containing ZERO XYLITOL on the ingredient list. It is very important to check the Xylitol label as an ingredient because it is toxic to dogs.

When consumed in moderation, peanut butter can be a good source of protein, good fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E.

Unsalted peanut butter, peanut butter made for dogs, or homemade peanut butter is the healthiest option since high sodium levels can be harmful to dogs.

***IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Did you know that everyday items like candy, gum, toothpaste, and even peanut butter are often sweetened with xylitol? Xylitol can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol!***

Carrots

Carrots are a low-calorie snack full of fiber and beta-carotene, a vitamin A source. Also, carrots are good for your dog’s teeth and are found in many dog foods.

Hooch and Rebel love to eat whole carrots (minus the greens) just like bones! When we put them in their food, we find it’s easier for them to eat shredded carrots. 

When introducing foods like cucumbers, carrots, and apples to your dog try starting in small quantities and working your way up to whole fruits and vegetables. Our dogs have definite palette and texture preferences. They can sometimes even be incredibly picky with new foods. But we find that when we shred new ingredients as dog food toppers over their meal, they are more likely to give it a try. From there we increase the size of the fruit and veggie treat gradually.

Apples

Low in protein and calories, apples provide all their health benefits without filling up your dog’s tummy, leaving plenty of room for the regular diet of healthy food that is so important in developing dogs’ bodies.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial effects. Antiviral effects are also known to exist in lauric acid. 

Coconut oil helps with digestion. Excess weight can harm a dog’s health by causing joint pain and making movement difficult. Coconut oil can help dogs have a healthier metabolism, more energy, and better joints. As well as, giving your dog a luscious coat.

Start with modest amounts and gradually increase the dosage if you wish to feed coconut oil to your dog. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about your dog’s coconut oil dosage. Oily stools or diarrhea are common side effects that occur when the dose is too high.

Herbs

Herbs are amazing dog food toppers that most people probably never think of adding to their dog’s food. I prefer to use dried-out herbs from the grocery or dry them myself.

Basil

Basil has a high concentration of beta-carophyllene, making it effective in treating inflammatory bowel illness. We started integrating basil into Hooch’s meals to help decrease symptoms of arthritis. Basil also has mood-lifting, stress-relieving, and anxiety-relieving properties for dogs.

***While very rare, some dogs can be allergic to basil, so incorporate it slowly into your dog’s diet and work up from there. ***

Dill

Dill is a digestive aid that can assist with gas, nausea, cramps, and hunger. This herb is also an excellent breath refresher for dogs.

According to Gregory L. Tilford and Mary L. Wulff’s Herbs for Pets, Dill’s breath-freshening effect originates from its antibacterial properties, which work well in the mouth for foul breath produced by germs and gingivitis.

Parsley

Parsley, which is high in flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamins, is commonly used as a breath freshener in dog treats and can also ease the stomach.

The beneficial effects of parsley on the kidneys are only preventative; if your dog has already been diagnosed with renal disease, parsley will not reverse the condition’s progression. 

Because parsley has a significant level of oxalates, you should avoid providing it to a dog who is prone to kidney stones.

Rosemary

There’s a reason rosemary essential oil is so prevalent in dog food: it’s an excellent pathogen-fighter against common food bacteria, which means it can help protect food from rotting!

Those pathogen-fighting powers also extend to your pet’s body, where they can aid in the battle against germs and fungi! Because rosemary is high in antioxidants, it’s an excellent herb to include in your dog’s food to help prevent age-related ailments like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

***While big-name dog food brands use rosemary essential oil, I personally only recommend using dried rosemary at home as essential oils are SUPER concentrated and can have adverse effects if not portioned correctly.***

Oregano

Because of its strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral characteristics, feeding moderate amounts of oregano to your dog can help cleanse their body of pollutants.

Oregano contains more than 40 times the antioxidants found in apples, as well as vitamins A, C, and K, as well as Omega-3s, calcium, iron, manganese, and dietary fiber, all of which are vital in your dog’s diet.

Eggs

We not only add boiled eggs as dog food toppers, but we also add them to their dinner every night. If you haven’t tried our easy homemade dog food recipe, click the link below to blow your dog’s mind!

Cooked eggs are an excellent source of nutrients for your dog. They’re full of vitamins, protein,  and fatty acids, all of which help your dog stay healthy on the inside and out.

***Some dogs with certain medical issues should not consume eggs, so if in doubt consult with your vet first.***

Eggshell Calcium Powder

One of the most important nutrients for dogs is calcium. It is necessary for bone health, muscle mobility, and blood clotting.

The recommended calcium intake for healthy adult dogs is 50 mg per kilogram of body weight. This means a 10 lb dog will require roughly 225 mg of calcium per day.

The amount of calcium a dog requires in their diet is determined by its age, breed, gender, and lifestyle.

Calcium aids in the development of bones in puppies and slows the loss of bone density as they age. Calcium is especially beneficial to senior dogs since it lowers the risk and symptoms of bone diseases including arthritis and osteoporosis.

 If a dog is pregnant and/or nursing, she will require more calcium than usual in order to preserve her strength and encourage healthy bone formation in her puppies. Too little calcium while pregnant is a worry since it can cause eclampsia, a potentially fatal illness.

Pet probiotics

Probiotics may be beneficial to some dogs but not to others. Probiotics can help with a wide range of digestive problems and illnesses.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are bacteria that are good for your health and your pet’s health. Hundreds of billions of them dwell in the stomachs of dogs and other animals to aid in illness prevention, immune system strengthening, food digestion, and vitamin and nutrient production.

This powdered mix of probiotics and organic prebiotics help promote good gut bacteria and address acute and chronic diarrhea.

Thanks to their pet-loving crew, Native Pet offers innovative supplements, toppers, and chews that provide balanced nutrition to all pets!

Native Pet works with experts to create each formula from the ground up. They engage with professional nutritionists, veterinarians, specialized food scientists, and manufacturing experts to make the right treats for your pets.

If you’ve tried any of these dog food toppers for your pup I would be so grateful if you would let me know what you think in the comments below!

---

— Update: 13-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe Round Up from the website thismessisours.com for the keyword raw food recipe for dogs.

Feeding your pup a diet of 100%  human grade dog food is easy, cost-effective, and WAY better for them than a traditional doggie diet of only processed kibble. Our fresh dog food recipes are all easy to make, are loaded with protein, vitamins, and nutrients and according to our pups are all downright delicious!

8/23/2022.***

We get asked a lot, “Why do you make all of your dog’s meals?”

Making meals for our animals wasn’t something I always did. This, like many lifestyle changes, came after a medical scare that opened our eyes and changed everything.

When people find out we make our dog’s food at home they always ask us, “What about a raw diet?”, so let’s get that out of the way first…

There are LOTS of thoughts and theories on feeding your dog a raw diet, especially a dog that is living with kidney disease. Our vet, however, was personally opposed to feeding a raw diet due to the fact that dogs, just like us, are very susceptible to food poisoning. Besides that, a raw diet can be tricky to get just right!

You run the risk of giving your dog a horrible belly ache by mixing a raw diet with cooked treats, so if you decided to go raw it is important to have both raw meals and raw treats planned for your pup at all times. NO MIXING the two! Since raw and cooked foods digest at different rates any combination of the two can wreak serious havoc on your pup’s gut which can lead to some pretty unpleasant situations for you – if you get my drift.

Of course, you don’t have to go all in like we did; you can simply make a few wholesome treats or dog food toppers to increase the nutrient and yum factor of your dog’s high-quality kibble too.

All of our pup’s favorite Homemade Dog Food recipes are only a scroll away!

Easy and delicious dog food toppers for boosting your pup’s meals.

There are LOTS of healthy and delicious ways to top your dog’s meals. From mixing in fresh berries or shredded carrots to pouring over a bit of bone broth to soften the food while increasing hydration, vitamins, and nutrient intake. There are lots of reasons dog food toppers are a great addition to your pup’s daily mealtime routine.

Our tried and true homemade dog treat recipes.

Once we had a solid dog food recipe that Hooch (and our vet) seemed to love we started toying around with dog treat recipes in the kitchen too. Now we have a literal library of dog treat recipes from frozen to bakes and everything in between. We have even now shared a few softer baked treats that both of our dogs love that are perfect for dogs with sensitive teeth and gums.

Have a dog with food allergies? Check out the post below!

While our dogs thankfully do not have food allergies, some of our pal’s pups do. I know the recipes below have been well researched and tested, so I am happy to share them here with you.

---

— Update: 13-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article 5 Easy To Make Raw Dog Food Recipes from the website www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com for the keyword raw food recipe for dogs.

Commercial pre-made raw diets are popular for one simple reason. They’re easy.

You don’t need to figure out the calcium:phosphorus ratio. Or the percentage of muscle meat vs secreting and non-secreting organs. Or what you should include for fruit and vegetables. And the good news is there are several good commercial raw food companies in the marketplace. 

But for others, pre-made raw isn’t affordable or they want to try making meals themselves. Maybe your favorite brands just aren’t available in all parts of the country.

Whatever the reason, dog owners like you want totally balanced raw dog food recipes. Recipes with all the measurements and accessible ingredients. Recipes that include the right balance of meat, bones, organ meats and produce.

You want to make your own dog food to solve problems, not create them. And making your own dog food is the perfect way to do that. Here are just some benefits …

Take Control Of Your Dog’s Diet With Homemade Raw

When you make your own raw dog food, you get more control. You can …

• Address special needs and allergies
• Quickly adjust your dog’s diet for different life stages 
• Control the source of your ingredients
• Avoid commercial food recalls
• Enjoy better budgeting and bulk buying ability

And making your own raw food is taking a huge step towards better health for your dog. Dogs of all ages … from puppies to seniors … are healthier on a raw food diet. 

Here are just some health benefits.

• Improved digestion
• Healthier skin and coat
• Better dental health
• Reduced allergy symptoms
• Firmer stools
• Weight management 

My Story

When I switched to raw many years ago I had another reason. I wanted to know what was in my dogs’ food. The internet was a new research tool. Instead of finding out how to feed, I found out what not to feed. I stumbled onto horror stories about what was going into kibble. It disgusted me. I was more determined than ever to feed raw.

The ingredient list on the bag didn’t help either. There were a lot of chemicals, “meals” and other mystery ingredients. They disguised waste turned into dog food. Sadly, not much has changed in 20 years.
When I started feeding home prepared raw to my pups, I could ignore every dog food recall. And there were many serious ones. I knew what I was putting in their bowls.

Without further delay, let’s take a look at some easy recipes so you can take control of your dog’s health. Just choose the foods that work for you and your dog. The calculations are done for you.

RELATED: How to balance calcium in your dog’s homemade meals …

5 Simple Raw Food Recipes

These are 5 of our best homemade dog food recipes. Make and serve them right away or freeze them in individual servings.

Some recipes have bone, some have a calcium supplement. Some recipes are for adult dogs. Some are for all life stages. That means you can feed those to puppies too. And they all meet The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimum requirements.

I’m excited to share these recipes with you: beef, chicken, turkey, fish, pork and … rabbit. Yes rabbit. You can get several meals out of it for a 50 pound dog. 

Let’s start with a beef and chicken recipe. These are the most common proteins fed to dogs.

Read more  Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe Round Up

1. Beef & Chicken Neck Dog Food Recipe: With Bone – All Life Stages

Puppies love to chew. Anyone who’s lost a good leather shoe to a puppy’s teething frenzy will understand. That’s what makes this recipe perfect for puppies. 

Chicken necks give puppies a little … or a lot to chew. You decide. Plus there’s the right amount of calcium to balance this recipe for a growing puppy. And it’s balanced for adult dogs too. 

This recipe gives you the option of grinding chicken necks into the meat mixture. Or you can grind in some of the necks. Then feed the rest whole. Most puppies are able to work through chicken necks. And larger dogs will love these crunchy treats throughout the day as well.

Worried about giving your puppy bones? No need … replace chicken necks with bone meal. Locally sourced, food grade bone meal is best. Bone meal is also available through online retailers. 

Caution: Don’t use bone meal that you see in garden centers or hardware stores. It can contain added fertilizers and chemical stabilizers that can be toxic to your dog. 

Ready to get started? Here’s the full recipe: Raw Beef & Chicken Neck Raw Dog Food Recipe: All Life Stages

2. Rabbit, Chicken & Beef Dog Food Recipe: With Bone – Adult

Rabbit is a novel protein. That means it’s not a meat that’s commonly fed. It’s a good choice when you’re looking for a protein other than beef and chicken. 

Rabbit can also be great for dogs with food sensitivities. And it can be used as part of an elimination diet to identify what your dog is sensitive to. During the elimination diet, you remove the proteins your dog usually eats, and feed a single novel protein like rabbit. But if you’re feeding rabbit for this reason, you don’t want to feed it with eggs or organs from other animals. In that case, restrict your dog’s diet to rabbit alone and monitor your dog’s reaction.  

And rabbit also has benefits for other dogs as well. It’s a very lean meat plus it’s higher in protein than chicken, pork, turkey, fish or beef. And it’s sustainable. It’s true that rabbits reproduce quickly and they need less food and water compared to other animals. They’ll produce six pounds of meat eating the same amount as a cow needs to produce one pound of beef 

You can feed rabbit in pieces to your dog or use a nice sharp cleaver and a deliberate swing to chop it. You can also feed it whole … your dog will figure out what to do. To add texture you can grind the rabbit and add chopped organs. Some dogs don’t like chunks while others don’t mind. 

Here is the full recipe: Raw Rabbit, Chicken & Beef Raw Dog Food Recipe: Adult

3. Pork & Fish Dog Food Recipe: With Calcium Supplement – Adult

Feeding pork is a great addition to your dog’s raw diet. Pork has great advantages. It’s very digestible. If it’s pasture raised, it’s higher in omega-3 fatty acids than factory-farmed meat. And it has more vitamins, especially vitamin E. 

But pork diets can be hard to formulate. That’s because they’re quite high in omega-6 fatty acids. That’s why you want to add fish … to help balance out the fats.

Whole fish is a great addition to your dog’s diet and this recipe. It’s high in omega-3 fats and contains important nutrients like protein, calcium, selenium and niacin.

Add sardines fresh, frozen or canned. They pack a nutritional punch. Mackerel are also a good option.

Here’s the full recipe: Raw Pork & Fish Raw Dog Food Recipe: Adult

4. Raw Boneless Turkey & Egg Dog Food Recipe: All Life Stages

Eggs are an easy addition to your dog’s raw food diet. If you can get free-range eggs, even better. Most supermarkets carry them now. But I’m still wary. Some egg cartons proudly proclaim “Vegetarian Diet.” Chickens are not vegetarian. You want eggs from free-range hens allowed to hunt and peck outside for worms and bugs.

To be sure, I get mine from farmers’ markets or directly from the farm. I’ll take a drive through the countryside looking for farms. Those with laying hens often have a simple sign saying “Eggs For Sale.” Drive in, leave your money and take your eggs. 

Now you’re ready for this easy combination of turkey, organs and eggs.

Here’s the full recipe: Raw Boneless Turkey & Egg Raw Dog Food Recipe: all life stages

5. Raw Boneless Beef & Egg Dog Food Recipe: All Life Stages

Beef and egg combine for another simple recipe. Visit your butcher for beef heart and liver. Buy it by the organ or the pound. And don’t be surprised by the size … cows are pretty big animals. 

This recipe is boneless so you’ll need to add a supplement. Bone meal will supply the extra minerals puppies need. Give adult dogs bone meal or seaweed calcium. 

[HINT: You can also try adding powdered bone to your dog’s meals. Visit the Natural Dog Store to buy our grass-fed bone powder.]

Caution: Seaweed calcium has higher bioavailability so do not give it to puppies.

Here’s the full recipe: Raw Boneless Beef & Egg Raw Dog Food Recipe: All Life Stages

Raw Recipes Meet AAFCO Requirements

The ingredients in these five recipes have been carefully chosen to meet AAFCO minimum nutrition requirements for adult dogs. Where indicated, recipes are balanced for all life stages including puppies. 

How Much To Feed

Adult dogs should eat about 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily in raw food. So, if your dog’s ideal weight is 50 lbs, 1 to 1.5 pounds of food a day is good. If your dog’s really active, you may want to give him a little more. If he enjoys lounging more than a good game of fetch, you may want to feed a bit less. You can also adjust the amount you’re feeding if your dog begins losing or gaining weight. That’s about as scientific as it gets.

Puppies should eat 2-3% of their ideal adult weight. A puppy might weigh 15 lbs right now, but his ideal adult weight could be 50 lbs. You’ll want to be feeding for that future weight, not the current weight. With that amount of food, you’ll want to split it into 3 meals a day. Feed this way until 6 months old. Some puppies will wean themselves off of 3 meals earlier or later than 6 months. Adult feedings are usually 1-2 times a day.

Now you’ve got a good collection of raw dog food recipes with lots of variety. 

But before you head off to the store with your shopping list, there’s one last thing you may want to know … 

How To Choose The Best Ingredients 

Now that you know what you want to make … it’s time to put together a shopping list and do some sourcing. 

The staple of your dog’s diet is meat. Some dog owners will be lucky enough to have a local farmer, meat processor or abattoir nearby. But supermarket meats are ok too. Knowing your butcher or farmer makes it easier to get a selection of organs and various types of meat. 

When choosing meat, the fat content should be between 10% and 20%. Packaged meat should say 80%, 85% or 90% lean. The fat content is the remaining amount … so 20%, 15% or 10%. That’s what you need to look for.

As well as meat, you’ll need a selection of organs for these recipes. I’ve built up a rapport with my butcher so I can text and have him put organs aside. Then I don’t have to worry about him selling out if I can’t get there. 

Buy the best quality meat, poultry, eggs and produce you can afford. Remember, this is a long-term commitment so you want to stay within your means. At the top end of the scale are free range, grass-fed or organic meats. They’ll be free of antibiotics and growth hormones and raised on pastures in the fresh air. 

Avoid genetically-modified products (GMO) as much as possible. So look for organic produce. Organic means it has been grown without the use of harmful pesticides or GMO seeds. The cleaner the food, the better it is for your dog’s health. 

It isn’t necessary to make these changes all at once. After all, making your own raw dog food is a big step. Make small changes when you can. Eventually it becomes second nature.

Now it’s time to get started with homemade raw. And you’re sure to have tasters standing by, eager to try some samples. 

Want more nutritious homemade dog food recipes? …

• Chicken and oyster adult dog food recipe
• Beef and broccoli adult dog food recipe

---

— Update: 13-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article 10 Simple Raw Food Recipes for Dogs from the website keepthetailwagging.com for the keyword raw food recipe for dogs.

Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of emails from people who want a simple raw food recipe for their dog and I usually share a simple recipe that I use and direct them to contact a meal formulator for recipes that are tailored to their individual dog. But, the other day, I received a message from someone asking for simple raw food recipes and I cannot find the message to reply – so if you sent me that message, I’m sorry for not responding. This blog post is for you.

Why create simple recipes when someone can buy them from Planet Paws or work with a meal formulator?

Not everyone has the funds for a meal formulator or to buy recipes online – no judgment, this is a uncertain time for many of us. I hope that this blog post will help those folks get started on raw feeding.

10 Simple Raw Dog Food Recipes

What You Should Know About These Recipes

• I’m not a veterinarian or an animal nutritionist. I’ve been feeding raw since 2013 to six dogs (over that time) and I’m self taught.
• Each recipe is based on what I feed to my dogs and this is just the food; not the whole food supplements like eggs, sardines, veggie mix, etc. You’re more than welcome to adjust each recipe to meet your dog’s needs.
• There isn’t much of a difference between each recipe beyond the main protein because each recipe calls for a base mix from Dr. Harvey’s (I’m not an affiliate) – these are simple recipes, remember?
• Each of these recipes calls for bulk meal prep and they can be fed to any dog of any size; these recipes can all be fed to puppies with a few tweaks (noted below).
• I alternate between an organ blend created by GreenTripe.com and organs sourced from local farms (which are usually heart, liver, and kidneys).

Balance Over Time

I believe that my dogs’ raw food diet reaches “balance” over time. This isn’t the only way to feed a nutritious raw diet and there are great resources if you would like to balance by macro and micronutrients, using meal formulator software or the NRC guide to reach balance.

There are people who disagree with this manner of feeding raw and I completely understand. Sadly, there just isn’t enough information out there to tell us EXACTLY how to feed our dogs a raw food diet if we’re choosing DIY. So, each of us figures out what works best for our individual dogs – Feed the Dog In Front of You.

Creating an Organ Blend for My Dogs

When I don’t have access to GreenTripe.com’s organ blend, I mix up my own with either pork or beef organs and there are times when it’s a blend of pork and beef. My organ blend is a mixture of heart and liver. And, when I can get it, I’ll also add pork kidneys as well. This is the only blend that I make; I don’t buy poultry organs for my blend because they aren’t as easy to source for me.

You may be tempted to ask me how much of each organ is added to my blend and I’m going to disappoint you by saying that I grind and mix up everything I receive. If four pigs were butchered, then my blend may have four hearts, four livers, and eight kidneys. I transfer my blend to freezer-safe containers and use it when needed.

1 – Grass Fed Beef * Raw Dog Food Recipe

Does it have to be grass-fed beef? No. This is just what I feed to my dogs (on occasion) because I’m fortunate enough to have an affordable local source. The reason people push for grass-fed proteins is that it’s believed that how the animals are fed contributes to the nutrient levels, with grass-fed equating to higher nutrient levels than grain-fed.

Ingredients

The following is split between three 8-quart, stainless steel mixing bowls.

• 20 lbs Grass-fed beef (ground or in chunks)
• 6 lbs of organ blend (yes, this is a lot, but this is also an excellent source of nutrients)
• 3 lbs of duck wings (or green tripe)
• 3 cups of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm (dehydrated)
• 3 cans of boiled oysters (optional)

2 – Duck * Raw Dog Food Recipe

I source my duck through a local raw food co-op. Duck can also be sourced in bulk from restaurant meat suppliers.

Ingredients

The following is split between three 8-quart, stainless steel mixing bowls. I prefer to grind the drummette of the duck wings (or the entire duck wing). Sometimes, I buy a case of the wing without the drummette and I leave those whole when feeding the dogs.

• 10 lbs duck wings
• 5 lbs duck necks
• 5 lbs duck gizzards
• 6 lbs of organ blend (yes, this is a lot, but this is also an excellent source of nutrients)
• 3 cups of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm (dehydrated)
• 3 cans of boiled oysters (optional)

3 – Rabbit * Raw Dog Food

I source my rabbit through a local raw food co-op. I only have three sources of rabbit and, at the moment, none have inventory as supply lines slow down.

Ingredients

The following is split between three 8-quart, stainless steel mixing bowls.

• 20 lbs whole rabbit (ground or in chunks)
• 3 cups of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm (dehydrated)
• 3 cans of boiled oysters (optional)

4 – Lamb * Raw Dog Food

I source my lamb through a local raw food co-op. Lamb can also be sourced in bulk from restaurant meat suppliers but it’s crazy expensive where I live.

Ingredients

The following is split between three 8-quart, stainless steel mixing bowls.

• 20 lbs lamb (ground or in chunks)
• 6 lbs of organ blend (yes, this is a lot, but this is also an excellent source of nutrients)
• 3 lbs of duck wings (or green tripe)
• 3 cups of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm (dehydrated)
• 3 cans of boiled oysters (optional)

5 – Pork * Raw Dog Food

I source my pork through a local raw food co-op. Pork can also be sourced in bulk from restaurant meat suppliers and local farms. I usually order pork cushion meat and pork loin meat.

Ingredients

The following is split between three 8-quart, stainless steel mixing bowls.

• 20 lbs pork (ground or in chunks)
• 6 lbs of organ blend (yes, this is a lot, but this is also an excellent source of nutrients)
• 3 lbs of duck wings (or green tripe)
• 3 cups of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm (dehydrated)
• 3 cans of boiled oysters (optional)

6 – Venison * Raw Dog Food

I source my venison through a local raw food co-op. Venison can also be sourced from hunters; a friend of mine scores big time each year with bags of venison and moose. I only scored once on this protein.

Ingredients

The following is split between three 8-quart, stainless steel mixing bowls.

• 20 lbs venison (ground or in chunks)
• 6 lbs of organ blend (yes, this is a lot, but this is also an excellent source of nutrients)
• 3 lbs of duck wings (or green tripe)
• 3 cups of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm (dehydrated)
• 3 cans of boiled oysters (optional)

7 – Wild Goose * Raw Dog Food

I source my goose through a friend who hunts. This is a very nutritious protein, I feed it as red meat (it’s crazy dark), and it’s been a bonus for my dog that has food sensitivities (he does great on it).

Ingredients

The following is split between three 8-quart, stainless steel mixing bowls.

• 20 lbs wild goose (ground or in chunks)
• 6 lbs of organ blend (yes, this is a lot, but this is also an excellent source of nutrients)
• 3 lbs of duck wings (or green tripe)
• 3 cups of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm (dehydrated)
• 3 cans of boiled oysters (optional)

8 – Emu * Raw Dog Food

I source my emu through a local raw food co-op. Emu isn’t something I feed that often. I used to place an order for a couple of hundred pounds once a year but then restaurants clued in on this nutritious, lean protein and the price skyrocketed. And, now, the supplies are low due to the pandemic.

Ingredients

The following is split between three 8-quart, stainless steel mixing bowls.

• 20 lbs emu (ground or in chunks)
• 6 lbs of organ blend (yes, this is a lot, but this is also an excellent source of nutrients)
• 3 lbs of duck wings (or green tripe)
• 3 cups of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm (dehydrated)
• 3 cans of boiled oysters (optional)

9 – Goat * Raw Dog Food

I no longer have a source for goat; but when it pops up in our raw food co-op, then I’ll pick up a bit. Another great source of goat, besides local farms, is Raw Paws Pet Food.

Ingredients

The following is split between three 8-quart, stainless steel mixing bowls.

• 20 lbs goat (ground or in chunks)
• 6 lbs of organ blend (yes, this is a lot, but this is also an excellent source of nutrients)
• 3 lbs of duck wings (or green tripe)
• 3 cups of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm (dehydrated)
• 3 cans of boiled oysters (optional)

10 – Turkey * Raw Dog Food

I don’t often feed turkey because Rodrigo struggles with this protein. But when I do order it (he can eat minimal amounts), I pick it up from a local farm, through a raw food co-op. It’s a blend of ground turkey necks with turkey liver, heart, and gizzards.

Ingredients

The following is split between four 8-quart, stainless steel mixing bowls.

• 20 lbs turkey blend (ground or in chunks)
• 2 cups of Dr. Harvey’s Paradigm (dehydrated)
• 2 cans of boiled oysters (optional)

Duck Wings vs. Green Tripe

You may have noticed that I added green tripe as an alternative to duck wings in my simple recipes above. When I’m out of duck wings, which I use as my bone source (they’re 60% meat, 40% bone), I use green tripe, which is a good source of calcium.

I don’t make a habit of this, but I have learned that it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan.

Additional Foods Added to Raw Dog Food

I do add supplements to each dog’s dish that are specific to each dog, along with whole foods:

• raw egg (or cooked for Rodrigo) for choline and other important nutrients
• canned sardines (or ground) for Omega 3 fatty acids
• additional vegetables for fiber

When it comes to supplements, as I said, I give supplements based on each individual dog’s needs. The following is a list of what I’m supporting through supplementation for each dog.

• Rodrigo: joint health/arthritis, aging, cognitive care, allergies, gut health, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
• Scout: cancer survivor, joint health, gut health
• Zoey: joint health, gut health, glandular support (for female dogs)
• Apollo: joint health, gut health

What About Fasting Day?

I fast my dogs once or twice a week depending on how the week is going. One fast is a raw goat’s milk (or kefir) fast and the second one is a true fast (for about 20 hours). I recently wrote about our fasting routine. It’s pretty easy to follow and not a requirement for all dogs. And definitely NOT something you should do with puppies.

While fasting offers many benefits, I fast my dogs to give my dogs’ gut a break, while boosting gut health and their immune system.

DIY Raw Feeding for Puppies

I haven’t fed a puppy in a couple of years; the last one being Apollo. When it comes to feeding puppies, I prefer to feed commercial raw because, despite my feelings on “balance,” I understand that puppies need a balanced diet because they’re growing so quickly.

However, commercial raw is expensive and mixed breed puppies (we usually adopt) are fed three times daily at 10% of their body weight. So, I transtioned Scout and Zoey to DIY raw when they were around four or five months of age. And when Apollo came around, I transitioned him to DIY (cold turkey), feeding him the same as I feed the adult dogs with a few exceptions:

• I added more calcium to the diet to support growing bones.
• I prefer adding green tripe because it’s a 50/50 balance of calcium and phosphorus.
• I make sure there are Omega 3 fatty acids in the bowl to support brain development.
• I go easy on the organs, building up over time (for younger puppies) because organs are rich.
• I limit the supplements I add to a puppy’s meal, sticking to whole foods (sardines, eggs) and digestive enzymes, on occasion if needed.

This is a good start, but it’s important to educate yourself, which is why I’m not sharing amounts – every dog (and puppy) is different and the numbers would change based on the size of your puppy. It’s also important to keep in mind that some breeds may require adjustments to their diet. Also, if you have a puppy (or dog) with health issues, that adds something more to consider when formulating their diet.

Nutritional Blueprint Testing for Raw Fed Dogs

You might wonder how I can share these basic recipes and feel confident that they work. Well, they work for my dogs. I’ve fed five dogs this way for years, successfully. I know this because I have them nutrient tested with ParsleyPet to confirm that they are receiving all of their nutrients. So far, so good.

Keep Educating Yourself

Raw feeding is a marathon, not a spring (unless you stick with commercial raw). Many things that I learned when I started feeding raw have been proven false. It can be tempting to panic, thinking that we’re harming our dogs, but my dogs haven’t been harmed as I taught myself about their nutritional needs. I believe that as long as you’re committed to educating yourself, raw feeding can be easy to manage.

Read More About Raw Feeding

• 5 Foods that Aren’t Safe for Puppies
• Benefits of Boron for Raw Fed Dogs
• Is DIY Raw Dog Food Nutritionally Complete?
• Debunking an Anti-Dr. Becker YouTube Video
• Spotting Bad Science in the Raw Feeding Community