Additionally, you can cause problems if your food is infected with bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes. Raw foods are more likely to contain these bacteria than dry or canned dog foods. [2] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source However, some raw dog food followers note that a dog’s digestive system is more adept at dealing with these bacteria, as it is not as long and more acidic than ours. [3] X Research source
For instance, most veterinarians would not recommend a homemade raw diet for puppies, as it can be difficult to get the balance of calcium and phosphorus correct. This problem can lead to bone deformities in puppies. Also, dogs with cancer should not be on this diet. [5] X Research source
For instance, puppies who are 12 pounds (and who will eventually be about 33 pounds) need 56 grams of protein and a maximum of 21 grams of fat per day, while dogs who are about 33 pounds need 25 grams of protein and 14 grams of fat per day. [7] X Research source Pregnant and nursing dogs need more, however: a pregnant or nursing dog needs 69 grams of protein and 29 grams of fat per day, if she is about 33 pounds with six puppies. [8] X Research source
For instance, 100 grams of chicken (about 3 ounces) has 31 grams of protein and 4 grams of fat.
This ratio doesn’t mean your dog’s diet needs to be 50 percent bone. Rather, it means that the amount of calcium your dog is getting should be roughly the same as the amount of phosphorous he’s getting, usually about 10 percent bone to 90 percent meat. [11] X Research source
In place of bone, you can use dried, ground eggshells. Pour 1/2 teaspoon in for every pound of meat you feed your dog. [16] X Research source When feeding your dog bones, you can use what’s known as “raw, meaty bones,” or bones that still have some meat on them. [17] X Research source
Liver by itself should be about 5 percent of your dog’s diet, while other organs, such as heart, kidney, spleen, and gizzards should make up the other 5 to 10 percent. [19] X Research source
If the meat your feeding your dog is corn-feed rather than grass-fed, you may need to add a flax seed oil or fish oil supplement to provide omega-3 fatty acids. You can also try feeding fatty fish twice a week to help counter this problem. [21] X Research source You should process vegetables before feeding them to your dog to help her get the most nutrients from them. Try pureeing them or juicing them to help break down nutrients. Alternatively, you can steam the vegetables for a few minutes. Dark, leafy greens are a good choice. [22] X Research source
Pork and salmon should be frozen for at least 3 weeks prior to you giving them to your dog. [24] X Research source However, some experts recommend never feeding salmon or trout raw. [25] X Research source
Scrub your hands in warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds after handling dog food. Be sure to get under your nails, as well. [34] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
