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What is Raw Dog Food?
Raw feeding is an approach to dog nutrition based on unprocessed, natural ingredients. It has grown significantly in popularity among UK dog owners who want to feed their dog in a way that more closely reflects a natural canine diet.
Understanding raw and BARF feeding
BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. It is a feeding philosophy rather than a single product, based on feeding dogs a combination of raw meat, bones, organs and vegetables in proportions that reflect what a dog might naturally eat. It suits many dogs and owners very well, though it is not the right approach for everyone, and there is no obligation to commit fully to raw feeding to benefit from some of its principles.
Complete vs DIY raw dog food
The distinction between complete raw food and DIY raw feeding is important, particularly for owners new to this approach.
- Complete raw food is pre-formulated to meet all your dog’s nutritional needs on its own, removing the complexity of balancing the diet yourself
- DIY raw feeding involves sourcing and combining individual ingredients, which requires careful planning to ensure the diet is genuinely balanced
- For owners new to raw feeding, a complete raw food is the recommended starting point: it provides the benefits of raw feeding with the reassurance of a nutritionally balanced product
Raw Dog Food at Newcastle Pets
Newcastle Pets is a knowledgeable and approachable resource for owners curious about raw feeding. We stock a range of complete raw options and our team can help you get started confidently, whether you are completely new to raw feeding or looking to refine an existing approach.
Raw feeding is a positive and valid choice for many dogs and their owners, and we treat it as such. Free local delivery is available for Newcastle-under-Lyme customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When handled and stored correctly, raw dog food is safe for most dogs. Always follow food safety guidelines when handling raw meat, store it as directed and ensure the food you are using is complete and nutritionally balanced. Our team can advise on safe raw feeding practices.
Most raw feeding guidelines recommend feeding 2 to 3 percent of your dog’s body weight per day for an adult dog, split across two meals. Puppies typically need more. Always check the guidance on the packaging and consult a vet if unsure.
Yes, puppies can eat raw dog food, but it must be a complete raw food specifically formulated for puppies to ensure the correct nutritional balance for healthy growth. Speak to our team for recommendations suitable for your puppy’s age and breed size.
Yes, we stock raw dog food options in our Newcastle-under-Lyme store and online. Free local delivery is available for Newcastle-under-Lyme customers.