Raw meaty bones (like chicken necks, wings, or lamb ribs) are generally safe and provide essential calcium and phosphorus. However, you must never feed cooked bones. Cooking makes bones brittle, causing them to splinter, which can lead to choking or internal perforations. Always supervise your pet while they are consuming bones to ensure they chew them thoroughly.

While raw meat can contain bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, a healthy pet's digestive tract is highly acidic and shorter than a human's, allowing them to process these bacteria without getting sick. The primary risk is often to the humans handling the food. You can mitigate this by practicing safe food handling: wash all surfaces, bowls, and hands thoroughly after preparing your pet's meal.

A "prey model" or BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet usually aims to provide all nutrients through meat, bone, and organ meat. However, depending on the variety of proteins used, some owners add Omega-3 fatty acids (like fresh sprats, fish oil), kelp, or probiotics to fill nutritional gaps. If you are not using a "complete and balanced" commercial raw blend, consulting with a veterinary nutritionist is recommended.

Transitioning a pet from dry kibble to a raw diet is best done gradually to prevent digestive upset. A 7 to 10-day transition is the standard recommendation for most healthy adult pets.

The Transition Schedule ​

Key Transition Strategies ​
• 1. The "Separate Meals" Method ​

  Because kibble and raw meat digest at different rates, some pets experience gas if they are mixed in the same bowl. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, try feeding kibble for breakfast and raw for dinner. This allows the digestive tract to process each food type independently while the gut microbiome adjusts.

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• 2. Start with a "White" Meat ​

  Begin the transition with a single, lean protein like chicken or turkey. These are generally easier on the digestive system than "red" meats like beef or lamb. Stick to this single protein for the first two weeks before introducing variety to ensure there are no allergic reactions.

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• 3. Use Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes ​

  The shift from high-carb kibble to high-protein raw food changes the stomach's pH level. Adding probiotics (like goat milk or specialized pet supplements) during the transition can help populate the gut with healthy bacteria, reducing the likelihood of loose stools or diarrhea.

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• 4. The "Cold Turkey" Exception ​

  While a slow transition is usually best, some pets—particularly young puppies—have very resilient digestive systems and can switch "cold turkey" after a 12-hour fast. However, for senior pets or those with history of gastrointestinal issues, the 10-day gradual method is much safer.

Monitoring Success ​

During the transition, keep a close eye on your pet's stool consistency. It is normal to see slight changes, but if you notice persistent diarrhea or vomiting, slow the transition down and stay at the current percentage for a few extra days until their system stabilizes.

As a general rule of thumb, most adult dogs and cats require 2% to 3% of their ideal body weight in raw food per day. This amount can vary based on age, metabolism, and activity level. For example, a 50lb dog would typically eat between 1lb and 1.5lbs of food daily. It is essential to monitor your pet's weight and adjust portions to maintain an ideal body condition.

Yes, a raw food diet is safe for most healthy pets when handled correctly. Proponents of raw feeding argue that it aligns with a carnivore’s natural digestive system, which is designed to process raw proteins and bone. However, safety depends on nutritional balance and hygiene practices. To minimize risks, ensure you source high-quality ingredients and follow strict food safety protocols to prevent bacterial contamination.

Many pet owners report significant health improvements after switching to raw. Key benefits include shorter, firmer stools, improved skin and coat condition, increased energy levels, and better dental health due to the natural abrasion of raw bones. Additionally, raw diets are free from the fillers, artificial preservatives, and high-carbohydrate content often found in processed kibble.