Raw Feeding Done Right And Much More!
Off Leash Advice | January 16, 2023
Editor’s Note: From time to time, Off Leash will focus one entire column around a specific topic or area that readers have asked a lot of questions about. For this edition, we’ve decided to answer some questions about a raw food diet.
What is a” raw food diet?” A raw food diet is one that is typically made up of raw, meaty bones, organ meats, fresh vegetables and, occasionally, yogurt. Some people feel this is a better diet for dogs—reflective of what canines ate previous to domestication—than grain-based diets or kibble.
“Raw feeding” has become an increasingly popular choice to feed dogs and cats. This is largely due to anecdotal evidence that pets on a raw food diet seem to have more energy, healthier coats, less allergies, healthy weight, cleaner teeth and less poop. Opponents of raw feeding say that there is not yet a substantial amount of scientific evidence that such a diet is any healthier than other traditional processed foods. And, in that point, they are indeed correct—there is still not an overwhelming amount of evidence for or against raw food diets at this point.
It’s an interesting topic, with valid points for and against—as we will see in the questions below. In any event, it is important to understand that feeding a proper, nutritionally-appropriate raw food diet does require more planning, time, and preparation, and a long-term commitment to the same.
Read on to see if a raw food diet might be an option for you and your pet:
Is it healthy to feed my dog a raw diet? Example: chicken, fish, chicken beaks, chicken feet, etc. and do we need to worry about bones?
-Raw Curious
Dear Raw Curious: It is healthy to feed a properly formulated raw food diet. However, it is not healthy to use an unbalanced recipe, say, off the internet, or that only includes raw meats and bones with no vitamin or mineral supplementation. This is a critically important distinction.
Because of the high risk of creating an unbalanced formula when crafting a raw diet at home, I only recommended feeding raw foods from a reputable commercial production raw food manufacturer that has used a credentialed formulator to create their diets and has a nutritional analysis readily available for review.
It is important to remember there is also a higher risk when feeding raw foods one has prepared at home of potentially introducing pathogenic bacteria. The USDA allows for some bacterial contamination in raw meat for human consumption that occurs during processing, because these foods are intended to be fully cooked before we (humans) consume them. This is why human foods that are found at your local grocery store or butcher have a higher risk for bacterial contamination than commercially prepared raw food—the raw food is not meant to be cooked. Reputable raw food manufacturers will have their ingredients and final food formulations tested multiple times for these pathogenic bacteria, and often the foods are also treated in another fashion to reduce the risk of bacteria. This is why it is so important to use raw foods from commercial manufacturers rather than just grabbing something out of the meat case at the grocery store or from your local butcher.
Lastly, when feeding raw bones there is always a risk of potential tooth fracture and foreign body obstruction. These risks can be reduced by feeding non-weight bearing bones that can be fully digested—such as wings, backs, and necks—and avoiding dense bones, like femurs and knuckle bones. As with anything your pet chews on, you should always provide direct supervision so that if they do break off a potentially hazardous piece, you can take it away immediately. Raw commercially prepared foods that do include bone in their formulation have had the bone ground into pieces small enough to not cause tooth fracture or obstruction when consumed and do not pose a health risk to your pet.
-Dr. Katy
Is it true that if you have a newborn/infant in the house that your pup should not eat raw food or that you should change your dog’s food if they are currently on a raw diet?
-Raw Concerns
Dear Raw Concerns: This is correct. When feeding a raw food diet, there is a small risk of food-borne bacteria that usually will not make a pet sick, but can possibly be transferred through contaminated food bowls/utensils/pet waste/pet saliva. Because this risk is present, and the risk to a person with either a not-fully-formed immune system (such as an infant or small child) or a person who is immunosuppressed is so significant, we do not recommend raw feeding in those specific circumstances. If you’re a dedicated raw feeder, you might want to consider a dehydrated food that contains meats which have been steamed gently before processing, or perhaps a gently cooked food that uses low heat—like sous-vide cooking—to reduce any potential risk.
-Dr. Katy
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Many vets suggest using prescription foods. (I have heard many reasons for this, such as their training is influenced by the big companies, or they are getting kickbacks from the manufacturers.) In addition, most vets don’t seem to recommend raw food diets. (I was joking with someone that none of us want to tell our vets that we give our dogs raw foods!) Can you help me with how to best feed my dog and at the same time keep him healthy? My dog is currently on meds that cause my vet to be concerned about his renal health, which has prompted her to want him to be on a prescription diet.
-Conspiracy Against Raw?
Dear Conspiracy: Okay, you have a couple of different questions, so let’s look at them individually. First off, veterinarians often do get nutritional training from the companies that formulate the prescription products, but the vets do not receive financial incentives to sell them. In offering prescription food, vet practices make no more money than a local pet store would from the same food. Furthermore, practices don’t sell prescription food in large enough quantities for there to be an incentive to recommend it, unless the veterinarian feels the prescription food is needed for the pet’s health.
In your particular case, if there is a renal issue, there are very few options on the market that will have the same nutrient profile the prescription products do, because they would not meet the nutrient needs of a healthy pet.
Since your pet does have a known medical condition, you will want to take any formulation that is not the one recommended by your vet to them for evaluation and to ensure it is meeting the nutritional requirements that are needed for your pet. We always recommend checking with your vet when considering a new food, but this is particularly important if your pet has a medical condition. Your veterinarian is the only person knowledgeable enough about your pet’s specific needs to properly make a food recommendation if you pet has a health issue.
-Dr. Katy
Should you feed dogs an exclusively raw diet? What are the benefits and disadvantages? Can you feed a partial raw diet?
-On the Raw Food Fence
Dear On the Raw Food Fence: Feeding an exclusively raw diet is a great option for those whose lifestyles it fits.
It takes a little more commitment with time and freezer space, and you will want to be able to take the same precautions you do when preparing raw meat—like washing utensils and hands in warm soapy water between feedings. As discussed previously, it is also not indicated if you have a pet, small child or adult who is immunocompromised. There is a risk—because these diets are not exposed to heat that kills pathogenic bacteria—that you or your pet could become ill if such bacteria is present. The risk is low, but it is present. The benefit of raw feeding is that it is fresh—less processed foods vs. a highly processed diet. Some of the benefits people report are: healthier weight, more energy, better skin and coat, less allergies, better dental health and less poop!
Finally, yes, you can easily supplement an existing diet with some raw food. In fact, as little as 20-25% raw food in a pet’s diet can lead to some of the above-mentioned benefits people see when feeding a 100% raw diet.
In short, at this stage, with the information currently available, a raw food diet is a choice that pet owners can decide to make, depending on their lifestyle (do they have the time, space and resources to consistently prepare, store and safely serve a raw food diet?), circumstances (do they have anyone who is immunosuppressed in their household?) and pet’s condition. Remember, as with selecting to start or change any pet diet, you should consult your veterinarian for advice.
-Dr. Katy
Dr. Katy Miller is the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay. Dr. Katy is a graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, with her clinical year spent at Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association, American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
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Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass.
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You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
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If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood
If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play.
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With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
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Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets
Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy?
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The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy.
The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time.
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Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use.
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Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today.
#mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment
👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity.
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Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite.
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A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today.
#mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys
🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay!
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We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs.
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The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support.
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Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟 to help support joint mobility and immune health.
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All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper.
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You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers
💫 New at Mud Bay!
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CocoTherapy Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie Coco-Charms. Small in size and low in calories, they are an ideal training treat.
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Made with 100% organic ingredients, you can feel good giving them to your dog during longer training sessions. CocoTherapy Coco-Charms are also free from grains, dairy, gluten, eggs, and preservatives, and are low glycemic.
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Shop the Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie CocoTherapy Coco-Charms in-store or online today!
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🎉 🎉 GIVEAWAY! New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers for Cats & Dogs
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We’re excited to give you a chance to win a bag of one of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas.
Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated, complete and balanced for cats and dogs, and easy to use as a topper, treat, or complete meal.
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New Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper Formulas:
Digestive Support
Made with turkey, chicken, and lentils, plus organic apple cider vinegar and chicory root to help support healthy digestion and immune function.
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Hip and Joint Support:
Made with turkey, chicken, fish, and oats, plus turmeric and omega-3s from tuna to help support mobility and joint health.
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To enter:
👍 Like this post
😃 Tag us and tag a friend
🤝 Follow us
We’ll pick winners at random and notify them on April 16th. Each winner will receive a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers. 🍀 🤞 Good luck!
#mudbay #foodtoppers #dogs #cats #petfood
Check out these new aquatic-themed toys for your pup from Fluff & Tuff.
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Available in-store now: Claude the squid, with tentacles that are great for tugging.
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We also have Dottie the Puffer Fish, who will keep your pup active with a nice fetch session, and, last but not least, we have Millie the Axolotl, who is an engaging option for all of the above and ready to shake up your pup’s toy selection.
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Shop these fun new Aquatic options for your pup in-store or online today!
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogtoys #playtime #pnwpets
We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉
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The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers!
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We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you:
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Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
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Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat.
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Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉
Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔
#mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new
Keep your pet happy and blissfully engaged with the woof LickMat and LickMix.
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The LickMat is BPA-free, 100% silicone, and dishwasher safe on the top rack, with suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking. It also features suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking, while its built-in mixing bowl and measuring lines make mixing easy.
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The Bacon and Cheese LickMix is grain-free and designed for use with the LickMat, woof Pupsicle, or as a meal topper. Each bag yields about 10 LickMat sessions when used as directed.
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Treat your dog with the Woof LickMat and LickMix. Shop all woof products in-store and online today!
#mudbay #woof #dogs #enrichment #petproducts
Stock up on your dog’s favorite Bulk Biscuits and make every refill count.
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Mud Bay’s Bulk Biscuits are all-natural, with many locally sourced options, including organic and grain-free varieties. When you refill your Mud Bay Mud Bucket, you pay $4.24 per pound instead of $4.99 on every refill. That’s 75 cents saved per pound, or 15% off each refill.
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Our Mud Buckets are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and come in two handy sizes: 2.75 liters and 8.5 liters. Designed for easy refills and fresher storage, they help make treating your dog simple and eco-friendly.
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Refill. Reuse. Re-Biscuit. Visit your local Mud Bay today to pick up a Mud Bay Mud Bucket and some tasty biscuits for your dog!!
#mudbay #mudbuckets #dogs #treats #healthypets
Shhhhh! 🤫
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Don’t tell your cats or dogs just yet, but we have two new Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas landing in-store next month! We also want to let you know we`ll be offering a giveaway so that your pets can enjoy one of the new formulas.
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More details to come, so stay tuned for your chance to win a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-dried toppers.
#mudbay #airdried #comingsoon #airdriedtopper #giveaway
