Inexpensive Raw Food Diet for Dogs: A Cost-Effective Guide

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Posted Oct 30, 2024

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Bowl filled with raw almond nuts on white background
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A raw food diet for your dog can be a healthy and cost-effective option. According to research, a well-planned raw diet can be 10-20% cheaper than traditional kibble.

Feeding your dog a raw diet can be as simple as adding raw meat, bones, and vegetables to their meals. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as adding raw chicken or beef to their meals, or using a pre-made raw food mix.

Some common ingredients in a raw dog food diet include meat, organs, and bones. A good starting point is to include 50-60% meat, 10-20% organs, and 20-30% bones in your dog's diet.

You can also save money by buying in bulk and shopping at local farmers' markets for fresh produce.

Take a look at this: Dogs Eating Raw Hamburger Meat

What is the Inexpensive Raw Food Diet for Dogs?

The Inexpensive Raw Food Diet for Dogs is a cost-effective alternative to traditional commercial dog food. This diet typically includes a variety of raw ingredients such as meats, bones, fruits, and vegetables.

Credit: youtube.com, Feeding a Raw Diet for $1.20 Per Pound: Budget Carnivore Dog Food

Meats are a crucial component of the raw food diet, making up about 50-60% of the dog's daily caloric intake. You can choose from a range of meats like chicken, beef, fish, and lamb.

Bones are also essential for dental health and can be used as a crunchy snack or as a source of calcium. Ground bones are a convenient option for adding to meals.

Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support overall health. Some examples of fruits and vegetables that can be included are apples, carrots, and green beans.

A common concern with raw diets is the risk of bacterial contamination. To minimize this risk, it's essential to handle and store raw ingredients properly and to choose a reputable source.

Varieties and Options

You can choose between premade raw dog food and homemade raw dog food for your furry friend.

Premade raw dog food is a convenient option that's sold frozen, dehydrated, or freeze-dried. I recommend frozen for the best results.

There are two formats of homemade raw dog food: Prey Model and B.A.R.F.

Varieties Exist?

Slicing of Fresh Raw Meat
Credit: pexels.com, Slicing of Fresh Raw Meat

There are two main types of raw diets for dogs: premade and homemade. Premade raw dog food is convenient, sold frozen, dehydrated, or freeze-dried.

You can buy premade raw dog food from commercial brands listed in the raw dog food directory. I recommend frozen for the closest taste to fresh food.

Homemade raw dog food requires preparation at home, and it comes in two formats: "Prey Model" and "B.A.R.F.".

Can Eat Vegetables?

Dogs can eat raw vegetables, but they should be chopped or grated into small pieces if they're fussy.

Some vegetables are a superfood for dogs, providing fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Raw vegetables maintain higher concentrations of nutritional value compared to cooked ones.

Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk is a great way to make raw dog food more affordable, and it's an option that's available at We Feed Raw. You can order 5 lb bulk patties, which are made from high-quality meats with the correct ratios of muscle meat, organ, and bone.

Raw Beef Meat on White Background
Credit: pexels.com, Raw Beef Meat on White Background

These bulk patties are just as nutritious as the meal plan patties, but they're more cost-effective. This makes them a great choice for dog owners who want to try a raw diet without committing to a recurring monthly expense.

You can keep the bulk patties frozen and thaw them as needed, then measure out each meal using a regular kitchen scale for perfect portions. This flexibility makes it easy to incorporate bulk raw food into your dog's diet.

Feeding Guidelines and Tips

Feeding your dog a raw food diet can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. You can calculate the food volume based on your dog's body weight, and a good rule of thumb is to use calories when applicable.

Determine the daily servings by considering your dog's age and your personal preferences. Transitioning to a raw diet is crucial, and it's essential to choose the correct transition option for your dog to ensure a smooth switch.

Credit: youtube.com, How I Feed My Dog a Raw Food Diet | Way easier and cheaper than you think!

Feeding your dog a raw diet is not as complicated as you might think, and it can be less stressful than you imagine. All you need to know are the recommended ingredients for your dog and the rough proportions to feed.

You don't need to source the finest cut of prime steak; your pup will be delighted with a range of cost-effective raw foods. Dogs are made to eat raw food, and it's completely safe and healthy for them.

A raw food diet for dogs is natural and unprocessed, containing all-natural ingredients your dog's body is designed to digest. It's a healthy and practical alternative to commercial pet foods.

To calculate the amount of raw food to feed your dog, you can use the general guideline of 2-5% of their body weight. You can find raw dog food calculators online to make this process easier.

Feeding your dog a raw diet on a budget is surprisingly easy when you know where to start. You can start swapping a few fresh meals into their diet for as little as $4 per day.

To make feeding your dog a raw diet easier and cheaper, consider the following tips:

  • Bulk buy and portion your raw meat to save time and money
  • Find a good local butcher who can provide suitable items for your dog's raw diet
  • Know what to say to your butcher, explaining that you're preparing a raw meat meal plan for your dog and asking for items like cheaper cuts, raw and meaty bones, and mince or scraps that aren't too fatty.

Here are some specific feeding guidelines based on body weight and activity levels:

Please note that these are general guidelines, and the actual amount of raw food your dog needs may vary depending on their individual needs and circumstances.

Choosing Proteins and Customizing

Credit: youtube.com, 1 MONTH of RAW FOOD DIET FOR UNDER $50 | Budget Friendly Raw Food Diet for DOGS 2021

You can save money on a raw dog food diet by choosing more affordable proteins like chicken and beef, which are just as nutritious as lamb, venison, and duck.

Customizing your meal plan is also key to making an affordable raw food diet work. By aiming to feed your pet 25%, 50%, or 75% raw, you can create a budget-friendly plan that suits your needs.

Muscle meat is the foundation of a raw diet and will make up the majority of your dog's raw meals, supplying essential nutrients like protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

What's in a?

Muscle meat is the foundation of a raw diet and will make up the majority of your dog's raw meals.

Animal protein options include boneless items like chicken breasts or thighs, ground beef or steak, and pork shoulder.

You can utilize cheaper cuts of meat that are equally as nutritious for your dog.

A raw diet supplies the nutrients necessary for a complete and balanced diet, including protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Bone replacement can be used in place of edible bone if needed.

Plants or fur can also be included in a raw diet, but they shouldn't make up the majority of your dog's meals.

Supplements can be added to a raw diet to ensure it's complete and balanced.

Best Vegetables for

Raw Meat with Labels in Store
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Leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to any meal. They're also low in calories and high in fiber.

Crunchy vegetables like carrots and bell peppers are rich in antioxidants and can be easily added to salads or stir-fries.

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that's high in vitamins C and K, and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts bring out their natural sweetness and can be seasoned with herbs and spices for added flavor.

For more insights, see: Dog Food for High Energy Dogs

Choose Proteins

Choosing Proteins can be a game-changer for your pup's diet. You can save money by opting for more affordable proteins like chicken and beef, which are just as nutritious as lamb and venison.

Chicken and beef are often the most affordable protein options for raw dog food recipes. They're also incredibly delicious, so your pup will love them.

Here's an interesting read: Can Rottweilers Eat Raw Chicken

Slices of Bone Marrow on a Tray
Credit: pexels.com, Slices of Bone Marrow on a Tray

Muscle meat is the foundation of a raw diet, and it supplies the necessary nutrients for a complete and balanced diet. You can use cheaper cuts of meat that are equally as nutritious, like boneless items like chicken breasts or thighs, ground beef, or steak.

Animal protein, in the form of muscle meat, will make up the majority of your dog's raw meals. It's essential to choose a variety of muscle meats to ensure your pup gets a balanced diet.

Customizing your meal plan is also a great way to choose proteins that fit your budget. By aiming to feed your pet 25%, 50%, or 75% raw, you can create a custom budget-friendly raw dog food plan that works for you.

See what others are reading: Can German Shepherds Eat Raw Meat

Recipes and Meal Planning

Creating a custom budget-friendly raw dog food plan can be as simple as aiming to feed your pet 25%, 50%, or 75% raw. This approach helps you budget better.

Credit: youtube.com, The Cheapest Raw Food I Could Find For My Dog

You can start with simple recipes that meet The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimum requirements. These recipes often combine common proteins like beef, chicken, turkey, and fish.

Some recipes even include rabbit, a great protein source for dogs. For example, a beef and chicken recipe is a great place to start.

Eggs are an easy addition to your dog's raw food diet, and free-range eggs are the best choice. You can get them from farmers' markets or directly from the farm.

If you're looking for a recipe that's suitable for all life stages, try the Raw Boneless Turkey & Egg Raw Dog Food Recipe. It's a great combination of turkey, organs, and eggs.

For a more detailed recipe, consider the Active/Puppy Raw Dog Food Recipe. It includes a mix of chicken, duck, beef, lamb, or pork, along with organs and veggies.

You don't have to feed your dog 100% raw to see the benefits. Adding even 25% raw food to your dog's diet can make a big difference.

Here are some key ingredients to consider for a raw dog food diet:

  • 4kg fresh organic chicken or turkey pieces or mince with bone in it
  • 2kg of free-range duck carcass mince (with 10% bone)
  • 2kg of fatty beef, lamb, or pork mince
  • 1kg of organ mix (heart, liver, kidney) mix
  • 1kg bag of fresh or frozen veggies (green beans, broccoli, kale, etc.)
  • 10g of Canident (1 heaped teaspoon)
  • 6 organic eggs

Benefits and Switching

Credit: youtube.com, How To Switch Your Dog To A Raw Diet | The Ultimate Guide

A raw food diet for dogs is natural and unprocessed, containing all-natural ingredients your dog's body is designed to digest.

Feeding your dog a raw diet can be a healthy and practical alternative to commercial pet foods, offering the right balance of vitamins and minerals your dog needs to live their healthiest life.

Dogs are made to eat raw food – it's completely safe and healthy for them.

Here's a rough guide to transitioning to a raw food diet: DayRaw Food PercentageCurrent Food Percentage1-320%80%4-640%60%7-960%40%10-1280%20%12+100%0%

You can start swapping a few fresh meals into your dog's diet for as little as $4 per day, making it a budget-friendly option.

Why to Feed?

Feeding your dog a raw food diet is a natural choice, as it's unprocessed and made with all-natural ingredients their body is designed to digest.

A raw dog food diet contains no artificial flavours, colours or additives, which can be a relief for pet owners who want to avoid exposing their dogs to harsh chemicals.

Credit: youtube.com, The benefits of hand-feeding a dog?

One of the key benefits of a raw food diet is that it contains antioxidants to build a strong immune system, which can be especially important for dogs that are prone to illness.

A raw food diet offers a healthy and practical alternative to commercial pet foods, which can be high in preservatives and low in nutrients.

Here are some of the benefits of a raw food diet:

  • A raw food diet is natural and unprocessed
  • Contains all-natural ingredients your dog’s body is designed to digest
  • No artificial flavours, colours or additives
  • Contains antioxidants to build a strong immune system
  • A healthy and practical alternative to commercial pet foods

Benefits of Fruits

Fruits can be a nutritious addition to your pup's diet, providing health benefits like boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Dogs can benefit from the antioxidant properties of fruits, which can help protect them from cell damage and promote overall health.

Some fruits, like apples and bananas, are rich in fiber, which can help support healthy digestion in dogs.

Eating fruits like blueberries and blackberries can even promote skin and coat health in dogs.

A balanced raw food diet for dogs should include all three food groups: raw meat, vegetables, and fruit.

Here are some dog-safe fruits to consider adding to your pup's diet:

  • Apples
  • Apricots
  • Bananas
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cranberries
  • Kiwi Fruit
  • Mango
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Pineapple
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon

Safely Switching

From above of raw oval shaped brown almonds scattered from small deep ceramic bowl on white surface
Credit: pexels.com, From above of raw oval shaped brown almonds scattered from small deep ceramic bowl on white surface

Feeding your dog a raw diet can be a great way to improve their health, but it's essential to do it safely.

Dogs can transition to raw food overnight if they're healthy and young, but it's best to start with a gradual process for seniors, puppies, or dogs with allergies.

A 7-day transition period is a good rule of thumb, with the goal of increasing raw food intake by 20% every 2-3 days.

Here's a rough guide to help you get started:

Remember, this is just a rough guide, and you should adjust the percentages based on your dog's age, health, and preferences.

Feeding raw food requires some planning, but it's not as complicated as you might think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to make or buy raw dog food?

Making raw dog food at home is generally more cost-effective than buying it pre-made, especially for long-term use. However, the cost difference may not be immediately apparent when buying small quantities.

Natasha Daniel

Senior Copy Editor

Natasha Daniel is a detail-oriented and passionate copy editor with a keen eye for language and a love for animals. With a background in linguistics and a lifelong passion for dogs, Natasha has honed her skills in crafting engaging and accurate content for pet enthusiasts. As a seasoned editor, Natasha has had the pleasure of working on a diverse range of topics, including articles about the beloved Boston Terrier breed, the broader world of Terriers, and the unique characteristics of dog breeds originating in the United States.

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