Why Consider Raw Dog Food?

The number of owners that switch to raw dog food is growing each year. Many owners see it as the closest to natural way to feed their dog or cat. It is the most wholesome and natural option for feeding dogs. Many owners have switched to raw because their dog has certain food intolerances or are trying to figure out which foods their dogs are allergic to. By following an elimination diet using raw may help to isolate which proteins, veggies are triggering allergic reactions. Raw food is the best choice for elimination diets as there are just pure protein options and novel protein options. Oher benefits that owners see when they feed their dog raw is improved coat health, higher energy levels, better digestion, and cleaner teeth. Is the switch too complicated or onerous? Commercial raw dog brands make this diet accessible, offering pre-prepared, proportioned, nutritionally balanced options without the hassle of sourcing and preparing ingredients at home.

Our customer often asks or tell us…….

I don’t want to portion out my dog’s raw food.

The typical Squamish Dog is approx. 50-70 pounds. That means you will need to feed your dog between 1 to 1 ½ lbs of raw a day. Great news that is the normal portion size of our raw brands. If you are looking for a quick thaw and don’t want to mess around with proportioning, then we suggest choosing raw brand that have ½ lb portions. Usually these come in the form of ½ lb patties or ½ pound bricks. Then you can thaw what you need the night before and you don’t have to mess around with weighing out your raw food each time.

For smaller dogs K9 Naturals has 2 oz medallions and these medallions thaw really quickly and are perfect for the amount that a 10lb dog requires. Added bonus they take no time to thaw.

Brands: Carnivora ½ lb patties, Healthy Paws ½ portions, K9 Choice ½ lb portions, Bold By Nature ½ lb patties, K9 Choice 2oz medallions.

Good for: Owners that prefer to have a standard raw portion each meal and who don’t want to weigh their food out each meal. Ideal for those who are having someone watch their dog for them who is not familiar with raw. Takes the guess work out of portioning.

I need novel and Single-Ingredient Proteins what do you have?

On an elimination diet? Most of the dog food brads we carry have a PURE protein version of their complete raw meal. They do not have added supplements or fruits and veggies so make sure you consult your vet or be sure to supplement on your own. Novel proteins such as kangaroo, rabbit, venison, salmon, bison and elk are the most sough after. These products are perfect for elimination diets or for combining with additional ingredients to create a custom meal plan.

Brands: Rawbone, K9 Choice, Red Dog Blue Kat, 3P Naturals, Carnivora, Crudo By Surrey Meat, Big Country Raw (all in 1 lb portions)

Great for: Elimination diets, dogs that have intolerances to more common protein. Those that want to add variety to their dogs meal or are more DIY raw feeders.

Rotational Diet is it necessary?

Rotational feeding not only add variety to your dog’s meal but also helps to maintain a healthy gut and ensures that your dog is getting optimal nutrients from a variety of proteins. If you want to take the guess work and tracking of what protein you last fed your dog and opt for a Variety Pack. Most of our brands have a larger bulk variety box that combine at least two proteins. Rotational feeding is highly recommended but not a must do. It is nice that there are many brands out there that help facilitate adding variety.

Brands: Big Country Raw 30 lb Box, Big Country 18lb Grab and Go, Healthy Paws 16lb Variety Pack, Healthy Paws 24lb Variety Pack, Carnivora Variety Pack 25lb, K9 Choice Econo Box, Bold By Nature 24lb Variety Pack, Iron Will K9 Buffet, Iron Will Canine Complete, Bold By Nature 24lb Mega Blend, Bold By Nature Variety Pack 24lb.

Good For: Households with more than one dog or a dog that eats a least 1 lb a day. Those that have the additional freezer space.

What’s good if I feed my dogs different amounts of raw.

There are raw food that come in a 1lb tube. This is a great option for example if you have a 60lb dog at home that doesn’t quite fit in the ½ lb or 1lb daily serving. The tubes are handy as you can portion them out yourself when they are semi thawed to 1/3 portions or what ever you dog may need. They are easier to handle if they are semi thawed and you simply just need to cut them in a cross section into individual disc portions. As a rule of thumb, raw food is generally cheaper if they are in tubes larger portions as there is less handling that goes into the packaging. Also, if you are an owner that loves to take the time the prepare your dogs meal and want to save a little bit of money the 1lb tubes are a good choice for you.

Brands: Crudo by Surrey Meat, Rawbone and Healthy Paws 24lb case.

Good For: Owners who prefer to portion food out on their own.