Mud Bay recommends a raw diet for dogs because it offers a wide variety of benefits to them. One of the biggest benefits is the amount of moisture that raw food can add to your dog’s diet. A frozen raw diet contains intercellular moisture locked into every bite, while freeze-dried and air-dried foods can easily be rehydrated on an as-needed basis.
To find out more about raw diets and transitioning to raw foods, we talked to Allison Strange. Allison is currently one of our community outreach coordinators, but before that, she worked at the Seattle Humane Mudlet helping owners learn about the nutritional needs of their new animals. She’s also the proud owner of Sadie Starship, a six-year-old Goldendoodle who eats raw food.
AS: Any amount of raw food is going to be beneficial, but Mud Bay recommends 25 percent raw food combined with 75 percent of kibble as a good starting point. Even at that amount, you can see a difference in your dog’s coat and energy level. Plus, their poops are smaller and less stinky.
AS: I find that most people prefer to use air-dried or freeze-dried raw food because of the convenience. With these types of foods, there’s very little prep involved. You just mix the appropriate amount of raw food into your dog’s other food, and then add your preferred liquid to the dish. Wait fifteen minutes, and then you can serve it.
This type of raw food is also really similar in appearance to kibble, so it can be an easier transition for you. And once you hydrate the air-dried or freeze-dried raw food, it has a similar texture and appearance to canned food, which many dogs love. Just make sure that if you’re using a raw food that isn’t raw frozen, you’re also adding that moisture back into the food.
AS: I usually rehydrate with water to keep things simple. However, if my dog is super lucky, I’ll also use bone broth or goat’s milk. Actually, my dog’s absolute favorite things are goat’s milk or goat’s kefir, which can rehydrate raw food.
AS: First, just try to add 25 percent raw food to your dog’s meal and supplement with 75 percent kibble. The increase in price will be minimal, but there are significant health benefits.
But if you want a cheaper option, Sojos makes a really good air-dried food that is fairly economical but still really easy to feed your dog.
If price is your primary concern, Northwest Naturals makes frozen raw food in chubs and bar format. There’s a little more prep work involved, but you can buy the food in bulk and it lowers the overall price.
AS: A frozen raw diet for dogs is a little different because you’re handling raw meat, so it can be intimidating for some dog owners. It’s important to follow safe food handling practices for all raw food.
But to make it easy to feed frozen raw food, I like to pre-portion the food and put it into a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel container in the freezer. Then I keep a few of the measured portions in my fridge to thaw until I’m ready to feed her. The raw food should thaw overnight in the fridge and be ready to eat the next morning.
AS: Dogs that are kibble-fed benefit from a slower transition period. You want to take at least two weeks to make the transition.
I start with about 10 percent air-dried or freeze-dried food and mix it into the kibble. Then, when you’ve added the amount of raw food you’d like to feed your dog, add a liquid to hydrate the food. The entire process should take at least 14 days.
If you want to feed your dog frozen raw, it might be easier to start with the raw food as a topper on your dog’s existing kibble. Just remember to keep the total calories per meal the same—you don’t want to accidentally overfeed your dog. If you want to feed your dog 100 percent frozen raw, it should take you at least 14 days to reach that goal.
However, if your dog is known to have a sensitive stomach, I recommend adding Optagest or another digestive enzyme to your dog’s meal. You can also double the transition period to 28 days.
Keep in mind that you should watch for loose stool, excess gas, vomiting or diarrhea. If you see any of those symptoms, stop feeding raw and give your dog’s system a chance to recover. You may want to fast them for 24 hours, and then reintroduce food in the form of a bland diet. Then, start the transition from where you stopped and try again.
AS: My biggest tip is to make it easy for everyone involved. There are a lot of great raw products that you can mix directly into your dog’s kibble, and then add additional liquid if necessary. I’ve also noticed that some people prefer to feed their dog kibble in the morning and raw food at night.
I feel whatever works for you will work for your dog if you give your pet enough time to adjust. And adding bone broth, raw food, goat’s milk, kefir or another moisture-rich food to your dog’s meal is a great boost to your dog’s health.
Allison Strange has worked at Mud Bay for nearly four years. You might recognize her from the Mercer Island Mud Bay or Seattle Humane’s Mudlet. Now she’s a community outreach coordinator who you’ll see at numerous events throughout Puget Sound. When she’s not at a Mud Bay, you might spot her hiking with her pink-haired Goldendoodle, Sadie Starship.
Furvor bone 🦴 broth for dogs is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is highly concentrated, so every squeeze adds real nutrition to your dog’s routine.
🐕 It’s packed with protein, amino acids, and nutrients that can support gut health, mobility, skin and coat, and overall wellness.
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It’s also an easy way to boost hydration and bring a little excitement back to the bowl—especially for picky eaters. Just mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or serve it on its own.
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Shop Furvor 🛒 🛍️ 🐕 Bone Broth in-store or online at Mud Bay!
#mudbay #furvor #bonebroth #dogs #healthypets
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!
#mudbay #cocotherapy #trainingtreats #dogs #healthypets
🎉 🎉 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
