Raw Feeding Made Easy: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

Raw Feeding Your Dog:

Feeding your dog should be simple, nutritious, and natural. Raw feeding is about giving your dog fresh, unprocessed food that works with their biology — not against it. For years, pet owners across New Zealand have seen dogs thrive on raw diets, with healthier coats, better digestion, and more energy.

Here’s what you need to know to get started confidently.

Why Raw Feeding Matters

Dogs are carnivores, designed to eat meat, bones, and organs. Their digestive systems are built for animal-based proteins, not grains, starches, or processed foods. A raw diet helps dogs:

• Digest food more easily

• Maintain healthy weight

• Support skin, coat, and dental health

• Have more energy and vitality

A raw diet simply mirrors what dogs would naturally eat.

First Step: Stop Grains and Starches

One of the easiest ways to improve digestion is to stop feeding starchy foods like kibble, bread, rice, potato, kumara, or pumpkin. These can raise stomach pH and make it harder for your dog to digest meat and bones.

Why this matters:

• Meat proteins trigger the stomach to release acid for digestion.

• Carbs can reduce acidity, slowing digestion.

• Strong stomach acid is essential for nutrient absorption and controlling harmful bacteria.

Mixing raw food with processed kibble often disrupts digestion — so it’s best to stick with all raw.

What a Balanced Raw Diet Looks Like

A well-structured raw diet mirrors natural prey—meat, bone, organs, and green tripe. At Raw Essentials, we keep this simple:

• Minces: A mix of meat, bones, organs, and tripe.

• Meaty bones: Frames, brisket bones, or suitable bones for your dog’s size.

• Green tripe: A natural source of probiotics and pre-digested plant matter.

• Organs: Liver, kidney, and other nutrient-rich organs (generally included in mince mixes, check your label to confirm) or can be supplemented through our range of Freeze Dried Treats.

• Fish: 2–3 times a week for omega-3 fatty acids.

After two weeks on one protein, slowly introduce other mixes. Aim for at least three different proteins each week for long-term balance.

Green Tripe: A Key Raw Ingredient

New Zealand has access to fresh, unbleached green tripe — a real bonus for raw feeding. It helps with:

• Gut health

• Stomach acid production

• Digestion of bones

• Natural probiotic support

It may smell strong, but most dogs love it!

Do Dogs Need Vegetables?

Most dogs don’t. A properly balanced raw diet already gives vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and roughage (from tripe and bones). Starchy vegetables can interfere with digestion, so they’re usually unnecessary.

If you do want to add vegetables, stick to non-starchy options and cook or blend them so they’re easy to digest.

How Much and How Often to Feed

A good starting point is about 2% of your dog’s bodyweight per day:

• Example: A 20 kg dog eats ~400 g/day, split into 1–2 meals.

Adjust based on:

• Appetite

• Activity level

• Weight management

Healthy raw-fed dogs usually have firmer, smaller stools and drink less water.

Feed less if your dog is leaving food or gaining weight.
Feed more if they’re hungry, active, or losing weight.

What to Expect When You Switch

During the first few days:

• Your dog may lose a little weight

• They may seem more excited about food

• Less drinking and smaller, firmer stools are normal

These changes are typical. If you’re unsure, check in with a vet or nutrition expert.

Common Raw Feeding Mistakes

1. Mixing raw with processed foods – disrupts digestion

2. Feeding cooked bones – can splinter and cause injury

3. Not introducing enough variety – rotate proteins slowly

4. Feeding starchy grains or vegetables – interferes with digestion

5. Giving bones that are too large – size matters, especially for short-nosed breeds

Conclusion

Raw feeding doesn’t have to be complicated. With meat, bones, organs, and tripe, you’re giving your dog a diet designed for their biology. Stick to a gradual introduction, rotate proteins, and watch how your dog responds — most dogs thrive on this natural approach. Every dog is different, and a little guidance goes a long way. Nutrition experts and vets can help if you have questions or special concerns. With the right approach, your dog can enjoy better digestion, a healthy coat, strong teeth, and more energy — the natural way.