Raw Feeding For Dogs

Fresh food feeding for dogs, whether raw or cooked, has gained popularity in recent years. Based on current research, here's an overview of macronutrient ratios and a typical diet for an adult large breed dog:

Macronutrient Ratios

The ideal macronutrient ratio for fresh food diets in adult large breed dogs is:

- Protein: 70-80%

- Fat: 10-20%

- Carbohydrates: 5-10%[1][5][9]

Typical Diet Composition

Here's a breakdown of a typical fresh food diet for an adult large breed dog:

Protein Sources (70-80%):

- Muscle meat (beef, chicken, turkey, lamb)

- Organ meats (liver, heart, kidney)

- Fish (salmon, sardines)

Fat Sources (10-20%):

- Animal fats from muscle and organ meats

- Fish oils

- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)

Carbohydrate Sources (5-10%):

- Vegetables (green beans, carrots, spinach)

- Some fruits (apples, blueberries)

- Optional: small amounts of cooked grains or sweet potatoes

Sample Meal Plan (500g total):

- Muscle meat: 350-400g

- Organ meat: 50g (25g liver, 25g other organs)

- Edible bone: 50g

- Vegetables: 25-50g

Supplements

Even with a balanced fresh food diet, supplements are often recommended:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids: 200mg per 10 lbs of body weight[9]

2. Multivitamin: 1/4 tablet per 25 lbs or a powdered supplement like Rx Essentials for Dogs[9]

3. Mineral supplement: Such as Rx Minerals by Rx Vitamins[9]

4. Calcium: If not using raw meaty bones

Key Considerations

1. Digestibility: Raw and lightly cooked diets have shown higher digestibility (90-93%) compared to dry food (87%)[10].

2. Safety: Lightly cooked diets reduce the risk of bacterial contamination associated with raw feeding[6].

3. Individual needs: Diet should be tailored to the dog's specific health requirements, age, and activity level.

4. Variety: Rotate protein sources and vegetables to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients[9].

5. Consultation: Always consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist before switching to a fresh food diet.

Remember, while fresh food diets can offer benefits, they require careful planning to ensure nutritional balance. Regular veterinary check-ups and bloodwork are recommended to monitor your dog's health on any diet.

Citations:

[1] https://www.healthydogtreats.com.au/macro-nutrient-dog-food/

[2] https://wefeedraw.com/blog/raw-vs-cooked-dog-food-were-not-them-and-theyre-not-us

[3] https://www.hillspet.com.au/dog-care/nutrition-feeding/special-diet-needs-of-large-breed-dogs

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6849757/

[5] https://perfectlyrawsome.com/raw-feeding-knowledgebase/nrc-nutritional-requirements-for-adult-dogs/

[6] https://5hounds.com.au/blogs/news/raw-vs-lightly-cooked-the-5-hounds-journey-to-choosing-the-best-for-your-dog

[7] https://www.purina.com.au/feeding-large-dogs.html

[8] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379136030_Raw_diets_for_dogs_and_cats_Potential_health_benefits_and_threats

[9] https://hartfieldanimalhospital.com/news/home-made-dog-food

[10] https://www.petcircle.com.au/discover/raw-food-vs-dry-food-diets-for-dogs

[11] https://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/large-breed-dog-foods/

[12] https://www.purinainstitute.com/centresquare/understanding-pet-food/why-choose-a-large-breed-dog-food