This is a multi-part series as the topic of raw pet food can be pretty big!
This is the complementary blog post that goes along with Episode 10 Part 1 of the Pet Parent Roadmap series. You can watch the replay HERE.
In PART 1, I go over the basics of raw pet food and commonly asked questions!
What is RAW FOOD? How does it compare to other food types?
Raw pet food is the most biologically appropriate food you can feed your cat or dog. Its components follow what their ancestors ate without being highly processed or using unnecessary fillers.
Because raw pet food's main components are meant to fuel the body in all of the correct ways (fat/protein versus carbohydrates), many health benefits follow.
Benefits of Feeding Raw Food:
Sustainable Energy - not the quick fast-burning energy that comes with feeding a high-carb diet, but a steady energy from fat/protein.
Clear Eyes - the eyes are the window to the soul. They will be clear, without "goopiness" or redness.
Healthy Skin & Coat - no dryness or dandruff, no excess oils, reduced skin allergies. The coat will be shiny and there will be less shedding.
Smaller, Less Frequent Poops - the nutrient-dense raw food without excess fillers, leads to poops that are easier to pick up and are less stinky too!
Better Health Overall - many health issues that your pet may have while on kibble or other highly processed food often improve when feeding a raw, biologically appropriate diet. These may include allergies, chronic ear issues, pancreatitis, IBD, seizures, UTI's, urinary stones & more.
Saves Money Long-Term - although raw food can be more expensive than kibble, a healthy pet won't need the expensive vet visits and the expensive medications. By feeding raw food and reducing health issues, vet expenses will go down.
Other Advantages - better bone & joint health, cleaner teeth & fresher breath, improved heart health, weight control (less chance of obesity) & more!
Choosing a Raw Feeding Model
There are three main models to choose from: Prey Model Raw (PMR), Ancestral Model, and Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) model.
They all have the main components of a raw diet in common:
Muscle Meat, Organs, and Bone.
Model | General Overview | Components of the Diet | Plant Ingredients? | What makes it unique? |
Prey Model Raw (PMR) | Contains the main components: muscle meat, organs, and bone. It also includes animal-based fiber (fur or feathers) | - 75-80% muscle meat - 10% raw edible bone - 5% liver - 5% other secreting organs* - 5% animal based fiber (fur/feathers) | PRM doesn't contain any plant ingredients, it is primarily animal-based | The concept is to minimize waste and feed the pet as if it were consuming a wild animal in its entirety. A "Frankenprey" diet may be used where different animal parts are used instead of feeding an entire whole prey. |
Ancestral | Contains the main components: muscle meat, organs, and bone. But also emphasizes using fur/feathers for fiber and seafood. | - 63% muscle meat - 12% bone - 5% liver - 5% other secreting organs* - 5% fiber (fur/feathers) - 10% seafood | No plant ingredients, however, the fiber source can be low-glycemic veggies or fruits in place of fur/feathers. | Encourages rotation of a wide range of proteins (5-9 per month) to provide a well-rounded diet. Seafood is added to balance the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid ratio. |
BARF | BARF is a modified homemade raw diet that combines raw muscle meat, raw meaty bones, and organ meats with the addition of plant-based ingredients. | - 70% muscle meat - 10% raw edible bone - 5% liver - 5% other secreting* organs - 7% veggies - 2% seeds or nuts - 1% fruit | Vegetables, seeds, nuts, and fruits are a part of this diet, which are not as prominent in the Ancestral model. | BARF aims to provide a balanced diet that includes both animal and plant ingredients. |
*Other Secreting Organs include pancreas, spleen, kidney, brain, and testicles.
Overall, PMR is focused on replicating whole prey animals with minimal plant ingredients, the Ancestral Model seeks to mimic what ancestral pets might have eaten with a focus on variety, and BARF combines animal and plant-based foods to create a balanced diet. Each approach has its unique philosophy and nutritional composition, catering to different preferences and dietary philosophies among pet owners.
Some pet parents choose to rotate between models or even do a hybrid of all three. It is what works best for you and for your pet!
Rotation is key
Whether you choose to stick to one feeding model, bounce between them, or feed a hybrid - rotating not only the proteins that you use but all of the ingredient sources is important.
Each animal protein has a unique amino acid profile so by providing a variety of sources you will be giving a more well-rounded nutrient profile. The same idea goes for organs, veggies, and fruits - they all contain various nutrients and rotation is beneficial.
Now that you know about the different models, your next decision is whether you want to go the DIY route or purchase pre-made raw food.
DIY Raw or Pre-made?
This is really based on what your lifestyle works best with. Doing it DIY can save you money and give you more control of what you are feeding, however, it can be less convenient and time-consuming.
I have fed pre-made, DIY, and a mix of both (such as starting with a base mix of a Prey Model and then adding the other components myself (seafood, veggies, etc.).
Overall, I personally like to do the hybrid option, because I like to have control over part of the meals, but also want it to be convenient. This also gives me a chance to rotate a little easier.
What to look for when purchasing a Pre-Made Raw Food
There are several key things to look for:
Ingredients List - no synthetic vitamins and minerals, should be mostly if not all whole-food sourced. no unnecessary fillers. compare it against the raw feeding models from earlier for the main components.
High-Quality Sourcing of their ingredients
Transparency of the Company - you must trust the company you are purchasing from and if you can't find an answer on their website, they should be more than willing to answer your questions about sourcing, how their product is manufactured, etc.
No High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) - in my opinion (and others in the raw food industry) this defeats the purpose of feeding raw as it destroys the good bacteria along with the bad (more on bacteria concerns later).
Brands that I recommend for pre-made raw food
Viva Raw Pets (use my link for 20% off your first purchase)
Raw Feeding Miami Pre-Made Grinds (you can use my link for 10% off your order here)
Resources for the DIY Journey
One of the most simple, yet amazing raw feeding calculators that I've used has been the one through Feed Real. It is super easy to use, but also very comprehensive in ensuring you are feeding balanced meals. It also gives you the option to use any of the 3 feeding models you'd like.
I've used their calculator to both do full DIY and also to do the hybrid model that I mentioned earlier. If you have any questions about DIY or the hybrid model I use, email me at alyssamauzerkola@gmail.com and I'd love to help!
You can purchase your raw ingredients for DIY from your local butcher, ethnic markets, co-ops, or online sources that deliver right to your door.
For online sources, I've loved purchasing from Raw Feeding Miami. They have such a great selection which is helpful for rotation, high-quality sourcing, and fair pricing.
You can use my link for 10% off on your first order as well!
Commonly Asked Questions about Feeding Raw:
Can I mix kibble and raw together?
The short answer is yes, however, I prefer not to in most cases. If you are feeding raw as a topper on the kibble, I think this is fine to do. You could also feed raw as a treat or put in a stuffable toy (like a kong) instead.
If you are feeding 50/50 kibble and raw. I prefer to feed one entire meal kibble and the other meal all raw food. I have found that dogs digest it easier, have less of a chance of GI upset, and ensure all of the raw benefits are taken advantage of.
Is there a risk with the bacteria?
I wish I could feed raw, but I can't afford it.
What if my vet is not on board?
If raw feeding seems daunting to you, but you are ready to dip your toes in or perhaps go all-in, I'd love to help you on your raw feeding journey!
Schedule an Intro Chat and let's get started!
Your Personalized Wellness Plan will include all the information you need to feel confident feeding raw food to your pet. I also include a shopping list and meal plans to get you started on the right foot (or should I say "PAW).
DISCLAIMER:
The information offered by The Balanced Companion is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace regular veterinary care. I strongly encourage you to seek the professional advice of a holistic veterinarian that supports your efforts to incorporate species appropriate nutrition and holistic lifestyle choices into your pet’s life. To locate a holistic integrative vet, please visit www.ahvma.org or ask me for a referral.
This blog post contains affiliate links that I may receive a commission on. Thank you for your support.
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