Transitioning your dog to a raw diet can be a game-changer for their overall health and well-being. But it’s important to ensure the diet is balanced with the right nutrients. A healthy raw diet consists of a variety of components—muscle meat, organ meat (offal), fruits, and vegetables—that provide the vitamins, minerals, and proteins your dog needs to thrive.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a balanced raw diet at home.
The Key Ingredients in a Balanced Raw Diet
Raw Muscle Meat: This is the primary source of high-quality protein, which supports your dog’s muscle growth, skin, coat, and overall energy levels.
Offal (Organ Meat): Organ meat is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins. Liver, kidneys, and other organs provide a nutrient boost that muscle meat alone cannot offer.
Fruits and Vegetables: These are critical for providing antioxidants, fibre, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are great, as well as nutrient-rich veggies like pumpkin and carrots.
Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds): These seeds are packed with fibre, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that support your dog’s immune system and overall health.
Balanced Raw Diet Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started on creating a balanced raw meal for your dog.
Ingredients:
10kg muscle meat
1kg offal (no more than 50% liver)
800g mixed vegetables (suggestions: broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale, pumpkin, carrot)
200g fruit (suggestions: blueberries)
Large handful of pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Instructions:
Prepare the vegetables: Steam the green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), and grate all the other veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin, carrot).
Prepare the pepitas: Finely grind the pepitas for easy digestion.
Mix together: In a large bowl, combine the chopped or minced muscle meat & offal, steamed vegetables, grated veggies, fruit, and ground pepitas. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Store properly: You can store this mixture in the fridge for a few days or freeze portions for later use.
🚨 IM-PAW-TANT: This recipe does NOT include bone. It’s essential to incorporate bones into your dog’s diet to provide the necessary calcium and phosphorus. We recommend replacing 3-4 meals per week with a raw bone to ensure your dog gets the nutrients they need. Check out our blog on the importance of raw bones and safety tips for more information.
Why Balance Matters
A raw diet can significantly improve your dog’s coat, energy levels, and digestive health. But balance is key. Without the proper variety of ingredients, your dog may miss out on essential nutrients. This recipe offers a well-rounded mix of protein, healthy fats, fibre, and vitamins that support your dog’s overall health.
Final Thoughts
Every dog is unique, so it's important to monitor your dog’s progress when transitioning to a raw diet. If you notice any changes in their digestion or energy levels, consult your veterinarian to make sure the diet is working for your dog.
And don’t forget about healthy treats! It’s important to make sure that the treats you give your dog are just as nutritious as their main meals. Always check the ingredients—or opt for our exclusive delicious and nutritious training treats, designed to complement a balanced diet. Click here to explore our training treats and keep your dog on track for optimal health.
Thanks for reading! We hope you found this post helpful. Don’t forget to throw your dog a treat from all of us!
Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew
P.S. If you’d like to work with me to better understand your dog and create a happier life together, click here—I’d love to help!
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