Understanding Raw Feeding and What It Looks Like
When deciding what to feed your dog, many owners begin by looking closely at the ingredients and structure of different feeding approaches. Raw feeding is one option some dog owners choose when exploring alternatives to traditional dry foods.
At RawFedK9, our approach follows a prey model raw structure, which focuses on animal-based components such as muscle meat, bone, and organ meat.
Understanding how this feeding style works can help owners decide whether it fits their routine and their dog.
Ingredients in Different Feeding Approaches
Different dog foods are built using different ingredient structures. Many dry foods contain a combination of animal ingredients along with plant-based ingredients such as grains or legumes.
Some commonly used ingredients in commercial dog foods may include:
• Corn
• Wheat
• Soy
• Beet pulp
Raw feeding approaches, on the other hand, typically focus on animal components rather than grain-based ingredients.
At RawFedK9, our formulas follow a prey model raw ratio of muscle meat, bone, and organ meat.
What Raw Feeding Looks Like
Prey model raw feeding is structured around three main components:
Muscle Meat
Muscle meat forms the majority of the meal and provides the main portion of the formula.
Edible Bone
Bone is included as part of the formula and contributes structure to the meal. In RawFedK9 formulas, bone is primarily ground into a paste, with some pieces measuring approximately 0.5 cm in size.
Organ Meat
Organ meats such as liver and spleen are included in smaller portions as part of the prey model structure.
Together these components follow the commonly used 80/10/10 framework.
Protein Variety
Many raw feeders include a variety of proteins over time.
At RawFedK9, we generally suggest offering 3–4 different proteins throughout the month. Rotating proteins introduces variety and allows dogs to experience different animal sources.
Rotation can be simple and flexible. Owners may choose to:
• Mix proteins in the same meal
• Rotate proteins from meal to meal
• Rotate proteins weekly
• Rotate proteins when ordering new boxes
Transitioning to RawFedK9
Switching feeding styles can feel like a big change at first. A gradual transition helps many dogs adjust to the new routine.
Preparing to Transition
Before starting, many owners use the Raw Feeding Calculator on our website to determine a starting feeding amount based on their dog’s weight and activity level.
Our Transition Packs are designed to help owners begin the process with appropriate proteins and portion sizes.
RawFedK9 Transition Timeline
Days 1–5: Start Simple
Feed Pure Meat patties only during the first stage of the transition. This introduces your dog to the new food and feeding routine.
Days 6–9: Introduce Complete Mix
Once your dog is comfortable with the new meals, begin feeding:
50% Pure Meat patties and 50% Complete Mix patties
Days 10–15: Move to Complete Mix
Gradually transition to feeding Complete Mix patties for each meal.
Day 16 and Beyond: Begin Protein Rotation
After the transition period, many owners begin introducing additional proteins into their dog’s routine.
Already Feeding Raw?
If your dog is already eating a raw diet, transitioning to RawFedK9 can be done gradually.
Example transition:
Day 1 — 75% current raw food / 25% RawFedK9
Day 2 — 50% current raw food / 50% RawFedK9
Day 3 — 25% current raw food / 75% RawFedK9
Day 4 — 100% RawFedK9
Learning More About Raw Feeding
For owners exploring raw feeding, understanding the structure of prey model raw diets and how protein rotation works can make the process much easier.
At RawFedK9, we provide a range of raw food options along with resources designed to help owners navigate the process step by step.