Thinking about switching your dog to a raw diet? You're not alone. Thousands of UK dog owners are making the move to raw feeding every year — and the results speak for themselves. This beginner's guide covers everything you need to know to get started safely and confidently.
Why Raw Feeding Works
Dogs are biologically designed to eat raw meat, bone, and organs. Their digestive systems are shorter and more acidic than ours, making them well-equipped to process raw food efficiently. Unlike heavily processed kibble, raw food retains its natural nutrients, enzymes, and moisture — giving your dog exactly what their body is built to use.
Dog owners who switch to raw typically notice improvements within just a few weeks, including:
- Shinier, healthier coat
- Firmer, smaller stools
- Better digestion and less flatulence
- Higher energy levels
- Cleaner teeth and fresher breath
- Stronger immune system
What Does a Raw Diet Include?
A balanced raw diet — often called a BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) — is built around three core components:
- 80% muscle meat — the primary protein source (chicken, beef, duck, lamb, turkey, etc.)
- 10% raw edible bone — provides natural calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
- 10% organs — liver, kidney, and other secreting organs packed with vitamins and minerals
Many complete raw mixes also include vegetables, fruits, salmon oil, and sea kelp for added nutrition. At Paw Shack, our frozen raw dog food range is pre-balanced to these ratios, so you don't need to calculate anything yourself.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
A simple starting point for adult dogs is 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day. Here are some quick examples:
- 10kg dog: 200–300g per day
- 20kg dog: 400–600g per day
- 30kg dog: 600–900g per day
Puppies need more — typically 5–10% of their body weight depending on age. Adjust portions based on your dog's activity level and body condition. You should be able to feel (but not see) their ribs.
How to Switch Your Dog to Raw
Transitioning to raw is straightforward when done gradually. Here's a simple step-by-step approach:
- Choose one protein to start — chicken is the most digestible and easiest on the stomach
- Feed the same protein for 5–7 days — let your dog's gut adjust without introducing too many variables
- Monitor stool quality — firm, small, and low-odour stools are a sign things are going well
- Introduce a second protein — once stools are stable, add a new protein gradually
- Build variety over time — rotate proteins weekly or fortnightly for a balanced, nutritious diet
Tip: Avoid mixing raw and kibble in the same meal — they digest at different speeds and can cause stomach upsets. If transitioning gradually, feed them at separate meal times.
What Products Should I Start With?
For beginners, we recommend starting with a single-protein chicken mince. It's gentle on the digestive system, widely available, and great value. Our frozen chicken mince range comes in 10kg, 14kg, and 20kg boxes — perfect for any household size.
Once your dog is settled, you can explore variety boxes with chicken, beef, tripe, and vegetables for a more rounded diet.
Storage and Handling
Raw food is simple to store and handle safely:
- Keep frozen at -18°C until ready to use
- Defrost in the fridge overnight — never on the counter
- Use within 24 hours of defrosting
- Wash hands, bowls, and surfaces after every meal
All Paw Shack orders are delivered in insulated polystyrene boxes via DPD, keeping everything frozen for up to 48 hours in transit.
Is Raw Feeding Safe?
Yes — when sourced from a reputable, regulated supplier. All Paw Shack products are DEFRA Approved (No. 44/8618111ABP/PTF), sourced from British farms, and blast-frozen immediately after preparation. Basic hygiene practices keep both you and your dog safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will I see results?
Most owners notice improvements in coat condition and stool quality within 2–4 weeks. Energy levels and digestion improvements often follow shortly after.
Can puppies eat raw food?
Yes — puppies can be raw fed from weaning. Use a puppy-appropriate mix with the correct bone ratio and feed more frequently (3–4 times per day under 6 months).
Do I need to add supplements?
If you're using a complete, pre-balanced raw mix, no additional supplements are needed. Complementary mixes may need to be combined with other proteins or organs to achieve full balance.