making raw dog food

We did it.  We made raw dog food.  And it was pretty easy! 

Only because there is a great video on making a BALANCED raw dog food which was formulated by Steve Brown (aka the king of raw dog food).
Everyone with pets needs to know Rodney Habib and Dr. Becker and if you want to make your own raw dog food, watch their video HERE

I have been raw feeding my dogs since 2011.  Pet nutrition is one of my biggest passions.  The only downside to raw feeding is that it's expensive.  There is NO cheap way to make your own balanced raw food either, especially with beef.  This project was simply done for the knowledge that we could make BALANCED food if we were in a pinch and all pet food stores were closed.  Making your own raw food also means you get really fresh food.  It's a bummer when you buy expensive raw food at the pet store only to find that the food inside is completely iced up with freezer burn.  

Lottie and Minnow LOVED eating this beef recipe too and that was really the most important thing.  We now have almost 10 lbs. of our food in easy to use frozen patties. 

If this is interesting to you and you have NEVER fed your dog raw food... make your batch into 1 oz. sized patties and use as a treat.  The most important thing to do when it comes to transitioning to raw, real food is to go slow.  Let your dog get used to raw food as treats for a month before trying raw meals. Consulting a pet nutritionist or holistic vet is also advised before going ALL RAW.

What exactly is Raw?  A complete and balanced Raw Diet contains pure, whole food ingredients for optimal nutrient absorption as well as natural enzymes for digestive health.  Raw Meals also provide nutrition in its purest form – including proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are ready for the body to utilize.  Raw means Not Cooked - none of the important natural nutrients have been cooked out of the meal.

BENEFITS OF A RAW DIET:

• Maintains healthy teeth and healthy mouths

• Promotes shinier, healthier skin and coat

• Maintains a healthy digestive tract

• Aids in weight control

• Provides proper hydration (especially important for cats)

• Easier to digest

• Increased mobility in older animals

• Provides Live enzymes

• Firmer stools

• Reduced allergy symptoms

While processed foods offer great convenience, our pets’ digestive tracts are actually designed for fresh Raw food. Again, Raw means Not Cooked - none of the important natural nutrients have been cooked out of the meal.   Heat processing destroys most anti-oxidants, healthy oils, phytonutrients, enzymes and living beneficial micro-organisms.  This can result in your pet not getting enough digestive enzymes in their diet which makes their pancreas work harder at producing them.