Finding the Best Raw Food for Your Dog: A Guide for Australian Pet Owners

Considering a raw food diet for your pets? You're in good company! Many pet owners are turning to raw feeding as a more natural and species-appropriate method of feeding. However, before you start serving raw meat patties, it’s crucial to understand the different types of raw foods and whether they suit your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

Decoding the Differences: Raw vs. Fresh vs. Kibble

Before exploring how to select the best raw dog foods, it’s helpful to understand the various popular food options for dogs.

1. Raw Dog Food Diet: Made from uncooked, whole animal-based proteins like muscle meat, organ meats, raw bones, and ground bone. Options include frozen dog food, fresh foods, or freeze-dried recipes like those from Frontier Pets. These nutrient-rich foods are balanced for essential amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins.
2. Fresh Dog Food: Often cooked, fresh dog food may include protein sources like ground beef, chicken liver, or salmon oil. While not raw, fresh foods can still provide a balanced diet for dogs.
3. Kibble/Dry Dog Food: Convenient and shelf-stable, dry food often lacks the essential nutrients found in raw diets. Choose high-quality options with no fillers or harmful additives like freeze-dried dog food.
4. Canned/Wet Food: Higher in moisture, canned food is appealing to picky eaters or dogs with digestive issues. Look for options without synthetic vitamins, instead opting for a complete diet with natural ingredients.

The Benefits of a Raw Food Diet

Many pet owners have observed numerous advantages when feeding their dogs raw food:

• Improved Digestion: Raw feeding aligns with an ancestral diet, promoting smaller, firmer stools.

• Healthier Coats and Skin: Nutrient profiles rich in fatty acids and antioxidant-rich fruits may improve coat shine and reduce itching.

• Enhanced Dental Health: Chewing on raw bones and connective tissue can naturally clean teeth.

• Weight Management: Raw food options, being low in unnecessary fillers, can support healthy weight control.

• Reduced Allergy Symptoms: Switching to quality raw ingredients often alleviates food allergy issues in dogs.

Choosing the Right Raw Food Options for Your Dog

DIY Raw Diet

Creating a homemade diet lets you control the ingredients in your dog’s food, ensuring the inclusion of essential nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins:

• Protein Ratio: Use sources like muscle meat, ground meats, or raw chicken.

• Balanced Diet: Include raw bones (like chicken necks) and organ meats for a complete range of nutrients.

• Natural Supplements: Boost with herring oil, Vitamin E, or chia seeds.

• Safety: Ensure hygiene when preparing ingredients to prevent pathogenic bacteria.

Example Recipe:

• 1 kg ground beef

• 250 g beef liver

• 1 cup green beans, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons salmon oil

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider your dog’s weight, age, and activity level when determining portion sizes to ensure they receive the right amount of nutrients without overfeeding or underfeeding.

If following the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, include other components such as raw bones, fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds to balance the meal. For instance, carrots, pumpkin, apples (without seeds), or flaxseeds can add fibre and additional nutrients to your dog’s diet.

Commercial Raw Dog Food

For convenience, choose commercial freeze-dried or frozen raw dog food. Brands like Frontier Pets offer balanced meals with a variety of proteins and an easy-to-use freeze-dried recipe.

What to Look for in Raw Dog Food Brands

• High-Quality Ingredients: Look for human-grade meat, organic fruits and vegetables, and meaty bones.

• Variety of Proteins: Ensure a diet with options like chicken liver, beef, or salmon recipes for complete nutrition.

• Essential Nutrients: Opt for foods with added health supplements like folic acid and mixed tocopherols.

• Ingredient Safety: Avoid harmful bacteria by choosing brands with robust quality control.

By understanding these options, you can make informed decisions about providing the best nutrition for your dog.