RAW FEEDING RANGE FOR DOGS

Start by considering your dog's current weight, age, activity level, body condition and feeding goals. Portion requirements can vary significantly between dogs, so use a raw feeding calculator or feeding guide as a starting point rather than assuming every dog requires the same amount. Monitor your dog's condition regularly and adjust portions when necessary.

When introducing raw food for the first time, keeping meals simple can make the transition easier to manage. Choose an appropriate protein your dog tolerates well and introduce additional meats gradually rather than offering several unfamiliar ingredients at once. A gradual approach also makes it easier to identify ingredients that may not agree with your dog.

Some dogs transition to raw feeding quickly, while others benefit from a slower change. Introduce new raw foods gradually and watch your dog's appetite, stool quality, energy and general response. Dogs with sensitive digestion or an existing health condition may require a more individualised transition plan.

Once your dog is comfortable with raw feeding, introduce greater protein variety over time. Rotating suitable options such as chicken, duck, turkey, lamb, beef, fish or novel proteins can make meals more interesting while helping you build a broader raw feeding routine.

Rather than relying on the same ingredient every day, explore different raw meats, organs and appropriately selected products according to your dog's individual requirements.

Raw meaty bones can provide chewing enrichment and variety within a raw feeding routine, but choosing the correct type and size is important. Select bones appropriate for your dog's size, age, experience and chewing behaviour, and supervise your dog whenever raw bones are offered.

Never feed cooked bones, as cooking changes their structure and can make them more likely to splinter.

Treat raw pet food with the same food-safety precautions you would use when handling raw meat for your household. Keep frozen products properly frozen, defrost them safely, wash hands after handling and thoroughly clean bowls, preparation areas and utensils that come into contact with raw meat.

Maintaining good hygiene is particularly important in homes with young children, elderly family members or people with weakened immune systems.

Raw feeding should evolve with your dog. Monitor their body condition, weight, appetite, digestion and activity level, and make adjustments when their requirements change.

Puppies, senior dogs, highly active dogs and dogs with medical or nutritional requirements can have very different needs. If you are unsure whether your dog's overall diet is nutritionally appropriate, seek guidance from your veterinarian or a suitably qualified canine nutrition professional.