Proponents of a raw food diet point to benefits like increased energy and improved weight management, both of which are helpful to an active, healthy lifestyle. When it comes to giving raw food to pets, you can add shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and smaller stools to the list. 

August is RAW-gust Month at Care-A-Lot Pet Supply, and we are proud to offer our customers a variety of raw options to satisfy their pets’ appetites. If you are interested in switching your dog’s diet to include more raw, here are some important points to keep in mind:

The Basics of BARF

We’re not talking about illness here. BARF stands for Bones And Raw Food, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. Introduced thirty years ago by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, BARF is a widely-used adult pet diet which focuses on this recommended daily intake:

• 70% muscle meat for protein and vitamins. Beef, chicken and game meat fall into this category along with raw animal fat and non-secreting organs like gizzards and hearts.

• 10% soft, raw edible bone for calcium and firm stools. Poultry wing and neck bones are suitable for this diet. Avoid feeding cooked bones to pets.

• 7% vegetables for fiber and other essential nutrients. Because dogs cannot digest veggies like humans, some processing is recommended for your pets to properly enjoy these foods. Puree or ferment vegetables before serving.

• 5% liver for vitamin A, which aids in eyesight and immunity, and other essentials like folic acid and B vitamins.

• 5% other secreting organs for essential vitamins and minerals. Kidney, spleen, and brain meat fall into this category.

• 2% seeds or nuts for essential fatty acids. It’s recommended to soak and grind seeds and nuts for easy ingestion and digestion.

• 1% fruit for antioxidants. Blueberries and blackberries are recommended in small amounts for dogs.

Grass-fed, organic products are ideal for raw diets. Certain meats like pork and salmon should be frozen for two weeks prior to serving to prevent parasitic infection. Limit organ meats to fifteen percent or lower of your pet’s diet every day.

Care-A-Lot Pet Supply offers Primal and Instinct frozen raw diets which provide whole-food raw diets without having to mix and measure ingredients yourself. Convenient and available in patties, nuggets, or bite sized morsels.

Raw Food Safety

For the protection of your dog as well as your family, it’s important to properly prepare your pet’s meals. Raw pet foods, especially meats, should be frozen in advance to prevent spoiling, and served only after they are completely thawed in the refrigerator. Only thaw the portions you plan to feed your pet, and keep red meats and poultry separate from other raw foods in storage. Be sure to clean and disinfect all prep areas after feeding, and thoroughly clean pet bowls after supper. If your dog leaves any food behind, seal the portions in the refrigerator. They should keep no longer than three days.

Stainless steel bowls are highly recommended for holding raw meals. Care-A-Lot Pet Supply carries an extensive selection of Durapet feeding bowls which are dishwasher safe, and the Messy Mutts Bowl Scrubber helps keep them clean. The Messy Mutts Silicone Feeding Mat also works for serving raw foods.

Freeze-Dried Pet Food

If you are not able to prepare raw meals every day for your dog, freeze-dried raw food is an option. Freeze-dried foods do not require the stringent prep of fresh ingredients, and may be pantry-stored instead of refrigerated. 

When you’re short on time to prep a meal, Stella & Chewy’s and Primal both offer a wide selection of freeze-dried foods.

The Benefits of Goat’s Milk

High summer temperatures call for essential pet hydration. For dogs on a raw diet, goat’s milk is a great addition to their meal plan. Raw goat’s milk contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals and electrolytes, and works as a digestive aid. Serve goat’s milk alone or with your pet’s meal, or freeze into small pops for a special treat on a hot day.

Goat milk is perfect for dogs and cats! Try Primal Raw Goat Milk or TEXsauce Raw Goat Milk in their drinking bowl.

Before you transition your pet to a raw diet, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best steps to maintaining your pet’s health. Shop Care-A-Lot Pet Supply online or at any of our four locations in Hampton Roads and Moyock for the best raw foods, supplements, and supplies to keep your pets energetic and happy.