Beginner's Guide to Raw Feeding: How to Start Your Dog on Raw Food
Beginner's Guide to Raw Feeding: How to Start Your Dog on Raw Food
Thinking about switching your dog to raw food but not sure where to begin? You're in the right place. Raw feeding is one of the fastest-growing trends in dog nutrition across the UK — and for good reason. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to get started confidently, from choosing the right proteins to transitioning safely from kibble.
At Raw To Your Door, we're Liverpool's home of premium raw dog food, with next day delivery across the UK and a loyalty scheme that rewards you every time you shop.
What Is Raw Feeding?
Raw feeding — sometimes called the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) — is a way of feeding your dog a diet that closely mirrors what their ancestors would have eaten in the wild. Instead of processed kibble, your dog eats raw meat, organs, and bone in the right proportions.
The most common model is the 80/10/10 ratio:
- 80% muscle meat — the main protein source
- 10% raw meaty bone — for calcium and dental health
- 10% offal — of which half should be liver, for essential vitamins and minerals
Many complete raw meals (like those from Southcliffe and Stobart) are already balanced to this ratio, making them ideal for beginners.
Benefits of Raw Feeding
Thousands of dog owners across the UK have made the switch to raw — and the results speak for themselves. Common benefits reported include:
- ✅ Shinier coat and healthier skin
- ✅ Smaller, firmer stools (and less of them)
- ✅ Improved digestion and reduced bloating
- ✅ Better dental health — less tartar and fresher breath
- ✅ Increased energy and vitality
- ✅ Reduced allergies and sensitivities
- ✅ Healthy weight management
Many owners also notice improvements in dogs with skin conditions, itching, or digestive issues after switching from processed food.
How to Start Raw Feeding: Step by Step
Step 1: Choose Your Starting Protein
For most dogs, chicken is the ideal starting protein — it's highly digestible, widely available, and gentle on the stomach. Once your dog has settled on chicken for 1–2 weeks, you can begin introducing other proteins.
Great starter options from our range:
- Southcliffe Chicken Complete — a perfectly balanced 80/10/10 complete meal, ideal for beginners
- Stobart Complete Meals — convenient, nutritionally complete, and available in a range of proteins
- Just Natural range — a great option for dogs with sensitivities, using simple, clean ingredients
Step 2: Calculate the Right Portion Size
A general rule of thumb for adult dogs is to feed 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day, split across two meals.
| Dog Weight | Daily Amount (2%) | Daily Amount (3%) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | 100g | 150g |
| 10 kg | 200g | 300g |
| 20 kg | 400g | 600g |
| 30 kg | 600g | 900g |
| 40 kg | 800g | 1,200g |
Puppies need more — typically 5–10% of their body weight, fed 3–4 times a day. Senior dogs or less active dogs may need closer to 1.5–2%. Always adjust based on your dog's condition and energy levels.
Step 3: Transition from Kibble
There are two main approaches to transitioning:
Option A — Cold Turkey (recommended for most dogs): Simply stop kibble and start raw. Dogs' digestive systems adapt quickly, and mixing kibble with raw can cause digestive upset as they digest at different rates.
Option B — Gradual Transition: If your dog has a sensitive stomach, transition over 7–10 days by replacing a small portion of kibble with raw each day, increasing the raw proportion gradually.
Expect some loose stools in the first few days — this is completely normal as your dog's gut adjusts. Most dogs settle within a week.
Step 4: Rotate Proteins Over Time
Once your dog is settled on their first protein, start rotating through different meats to ensure nutritional variety. Popular proteins in our range include:
- Southcliffe Duck, Beef, Turkey, Lamb
- Dougies 80/10/10 range — including rabbit, tripe, and fish options
- Nutriment — premium complete meals with added superfoods
- Mersey Raw — locally sourced, great value complete meals
Fish-based meals (salmon, sprats, mackerel) are excellent for coat health and omega-3s — try rotating them in once a week.
Common Questions About Raw Feeding
Is raw feeding safe?
Yes — when handled correctly. Always defrost raw food in the fridge, wash hands and surfaces after handling, and use stainless steel or ceramic bowls (easier to clean than plastic). Feed-grade raw dog food from reputable suppliers like those we stock is produced to strict hygiene standards.
Can I feed raw bones?
Raw meaty bones are a natural and important part of a raw diet — they provide calcium, clean teeth, and give your dog mental stimulation. Never feed cooked bones, as these can splinter. Always supervise your dog when feeding bones. Browse our raw food range for bone options.
What about bacteria like Salmonella?
Dogs' digestive systems are designed to handle raw meat — their short, acidic digestive tract processes bacteria efficiently. Standard food hygiene practices (defrost in fridge, clean surfaces, wash hands) are all that's needed for safe handling.
Do I need supplements?
If you're feeding a balanced complete raw meal (80/10/10), you generally don't need to add supplements. If you're feeding a DIY prey model diet, you may want to add fish oil, kelp, or a multivitamin. Check out the Dougies supplements range for options.
Can puppies eat raw food?
Absolutely — many breeders wean puppies straight onto raw. Puppies need higher feeding percentages (5–10% of body weight) and more frequent meals. Choose finely minced complete meals to start, and avoid large bones until they're older.
My dog is a fussy eater — will they take to raw?
Most dogs take to raw immediately — the smell and taste are far more appealing than processed kibble. If your dog is hesitant, try lightly searing the outside of the meat to release the aroma, then gradually reduce cooking time until they're eating it fully raw.
Our Top Picks for Raw Feeding Beginners
Not sure where to start? Here are our most popular choices for new raw feeders:
- 🐔 Southcliffe Complete Range — chicken, duck, beef, turkey, and lamb. Perfectly balanced, great value, and a firm favourite with our Liverpool customers.
- 🥩 Stobart Complete Meals — convenient and nutritionally complete, ideal for busy owners.
- 🌿 Just Natural — clean, simple ingredients for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
- 🐟 Dougies — a brilliant range including superfoods, 80/10/10 meals, and supplements.
- 🏆 Browse All Raw Dog Food — explore our full range and find the perfect fit for your dog.
Raw Treats to Complement Your Dog's Diet
Raw treats are a brilliant way to reward your dog while keeping their diet clean and natural. Our raw treat range includes dried sprats, fish skins, duck necks, and more — all natural, single-ingredient treats with no additives.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Raw feeding doesn't have to be complicated. Start with a quality complete meal, get your portions right, and let your dog's results do the talking. Most owners notice a difference within just a few weeks.
Shop our full raw dog food range with next day delivery across the UK — and don't forget to join our loyalty scheme to earn points on every order.
Have questions? We're based in Liverpool and love helping new raw feeders get started. Get in touch — we're always happy to help.
