The Beginner’s Guide to Raw Dog Food: Benefits, Safety, and Exactly How Much to Feed
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Estimated read time: 8–10 minutes
Audience: First‑time and curious raw‑feeders
TL;DR
Raw can improve stool quality, skin/coat, and enthusiasm at mealtime when formulated and handled correctly.
Adults eat by ideal body weight: about 1¾ lb a day of Harvest Chicken for an average 50 lb dog (smaller dogs need a higher percentage of body weight than big dogs). Puppies eat by current weight and need far more per pound (about 3× resting energy under 4 months, 2× from 4–12 months), split into multiple meals.
Prioritize complete & balanced recipes and safe handling (cold chain, clean tools, labeled storage).
Not all “raw” is the same: frozen vs freeze‑dried vs air‑dried each has trade‑offs.
If you want the benefits without the math, Bone & Harvest offers balanced, frozen raw meals shipped cold to your door.
Why Consider Raw in the First Place?
Most dogs thrive on diets that are:
- Species‑appropriate: rich in animal protein and moderate fat.
- Minimally processed: fewer heat‑driven changes to nutrients.
- Moisture‑rich: supports hydration and digestion.
Thoughtfully prepared raw food checks those boxes. Many pet parents report: smaller, firmer stools; reduced itchiness; shinier coats; strong food motivation; and easier weight management. Results vary by dog and by formulation quality, which is why balance matters (more on that below).
Quick myth check: “Raw” isn’t just throwing chicken wings in a bowl. Balanced raw feeding means the right proportions of muscle meat, bone, organs, and micronutrients—and keeping everything cold and clean.
Safety First: How We Keep Raw…Safe
Food safety is a system, not a single step. Here’s the approach we recommend and use at Bone & Harvest:
- Sourcing: start with high‑quality, human‑grade proteins.
- Cold chain: keep product at safe temps from grinding to delivery (refrigerate ≤40°F / 4°C; freeze ≤0°F / −18°C).
- Sanitation: clean equipment and surfaces, wash hands, and separate raw dog food from family foods.
- Portion & label: date your packs; use FIFO (first in, first out).
- Thaw smart: defrost in the fridge, never on the counter; serve within 2–3 days of thawing.
- Bowl care: wash bowls and prep tools after every meal.
If anyone in your home is immunocompromised, talk with your vet about additional precautions (gloves, dedicated utensils, extra sanitation).
How Much Should I Feed? (Simple Math That Works)
Adults
- Daily amount: based on ideal body weight (not necessarily today’s weight) and activity, using the standard veterinary energy formula (resting energy × an activity factor) divided by the recipe’s real calories. An average-activity 50 lb adult eats about 1¾ lb/day of Harvest Chicken (beef is about the same; turkey about 4% more). As a rule of thumb, smaller dogs need a higher percentage of body weight than big dogs: roughly 4–6% for small dogs, about 3.4% at 50 lb, and about 2.9% at 100 lb.
- Active/lean dogs: about 15% more than average (a 50 lb active dog: about 2 lb/day).
- Low‑activity/weight‑loss: start at the calm amount for ideal weight, about 15% less than average (a 50 lb dog: about 1½ lb/day)—adjust every 2 weeks based on body condition.
Examples
- 20 lb (ideal) adult → about 14 oz/day (12 oz calm, 1 lb active)
- 50 lb (ideal) adult → about 1¾ lb/day (1½ lb calm, 2 lb active)
- 75 lb adult → about 2¼ lb/day (2 lb calm, 2¾ lb active)
Puppies
Guideline: feed by current body weight, following AAHA growth guidelines: about 3× resting energy needs under 4 months and about 2× from 4–12 months, split into 2–3 meals (younger = more meals). Example: a 20 lb puppy eats about 1¾ lb/day of Harvest Chicken under 4 months, or about 1¼ lb/day at 4–12 months.
Large breeds (like Rottweilers) should grow slowly and steadily. Don’t overfeed: keep them lean, never free-feed, weigh every 2–4 weeks so the amount tracks current weight, and monitor ribs/waist weekly.
Pro tip: start with the amount above (or get an exact plan from our Meal Plan Builder), feed it for 14 days, then adjust by 5–10% based on body condition (can you feel ribs with light pressure? clear waist from above? tucked belly from the side?).
What “Complete & Balanced” Actually Means
“Complete & balanced” indicates the recipe meets established nutrient profiles for a specific life stage (e.g., growth or adult maintenance). That’s driven by protein, fat, minerals (like calcium and phosphorus), vitamins (A, D, E, K, B‑complex), and trace elements.
At Bone & Harvest we formulate to deliver:
- Correct Ca:P ratio (critical for bone growth and joint health).
- Appropriate organ meats for fat‑soluble vitamins and micronutrients.
If you DIY, consider a reputable recipe calculator and regular vet check‑ins. For convenience and confidence, choose ready‑to‑feed complete meals (like ours) and rotate proteins.
Frozen vs Freeze‑Dried vs Air‑Dried: What’s the Difference?
| Format | What it is | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Raw | Raw blend kept frozen until feeding | Highest moisture; minimal processing; palatable; usually best price per calorie | Needs freezer space; must maintain cold chain | Daily raw feeders; cost‑savvy households |
| Freeze‑Dried | Raw food frozen then vacuum‑dried | Shelf‑stable; light & travel‑friendly; rehydrates quickly | Higher cost; some nutrient changes; may need rehydration diligence | Travel, hiking, emergency backup |
| Air‑Dried | Gently dried at low temps | Convenient; shelf‑stable; often very palatable | Denser calories; less moisture; textures vary | Transitioning from kibble; pantry‑friendly feeding |
Our take: If you can handle the freezer space and delivery schedule, frozen raw offers the most “fresh food” experience and value. Keep a bag of freeze‑dried or air‑dried on hand for travel days.
A Sample Day on Raw (Adult 50 lb Dog, Average Activity)
Total daily amount: 28 oz (1¾ lb)
- Meal 1 (AM): 14 oz Bone & Harvest Chicken Recipe
- Meal 2 (PM): 14 oz Bone & Harvest Chicken Recipe
Add‑ins (optional): fish oil per label, spoon of pumpkin if stool needs firming, water splash for bowl rinse‑back.
Signs to watch: ideal stool (firm, easy pick‑up), steady energy, waistline visible, ribs felt with light pressure. If stool soft, reduce fat/add fiber; if low energy or weight loss, increase by ~10%.
Transition Plan (7 Days)
- Days 1–2: 25% raw, 75% previous food
- Days 3–4: 50/50
- Days 5–6: 75% raw, 25% previous food
- Day 7+: 100% raw
Add a probiotic during transition if your dog is sensitive to change.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Is raw “better” than kibble for every dog?
Not always. Some dogs and households are better served by cooked or mixed approaches. The key is complete, balanced nutrition and a plan you can maintain safely.
Can I mix raw with kibble in the same bowl?
Yes—many pet parents do. Start with small amounts and watch stool quality. Keep total calories consistent.
What about bones?
We use finely ground bone inside recipes to meet calcium needs safely. Avoid feeding weight‑bearing raw bones to large dogs—they’re very hard. Never feed cooked bones.
Do I need supplements?
Bone & Harvest raw recipes already include what’s required for the labeled life stage. If you DIY, consider omega‑3s and a complete vitamin/mineral blend; work with your vet.
How long will my frozen food stay good?
Frozen: best within 6–9 months (kept at ≤0°F). Thawed in fridge: 2–3 days. Always follow your nose and labels.
Why Bone & Harvest?
- Human‑grade ingredients and thoughtful sourcing.
- Balanced recipes designed for real‑world feeding.
- Cold‑shipped frozen to lock in freshness.
- Transparent labels with clear feeding instructions.
If you’re in a busy season and want simple, healthy meals for your dog, we’re here for you.
Quick Feeding Reference (Bookmark This)
Adults: by ideal body weight, about 14 oz/day at 20 lb, 1¾ lb at 50 lb, 3 lb at 100 lb (Harvest Chicken, average activity)
Puppies: by current body weight, about 3× resting energy under 4 months and 2× from 4–12 months, split 3–4 meals
Adjust every 2 weeks by ±5–10% based on body condition (ribs easy to feel, visible waist)
Keep bowls and prep area clean; thaw in the fridge
Want a version specific for you?
Tell us your dog’s age, weight, and goals (lean up, bulk up, maintain), and we’ll generate a tailored version of this post plus a printable feeding chart.
