Raw Diet Guide
The Benefits of Feeding Raw Dog Food (and How to Do It Safely)
If you have ever looked at your dog and thought, “I want them to feel better, move better, and live longer,” you are not alone. A properly formulated raw diet can support energy, digestion, skin and coat quality, and overall vitality.
Important: “Raw” is not automatically “better.” Results depend on ingredient quality, balanced nutrition, and safe handling. If your dog has medical conditions, consult your veterinarian before making diet changes.
Potential benefits (when the diet is balanced and handled safely)
- Better stool quality and digestion: Many owners see smaller, firmer stools after the adjustment period.
- Skin and coat support: Quality fats and nutrient-dense ingredients can support healthy skin and shine.
- Lean muscle and healthy body condition: Appropriate protein/fat levels can help maintain ideal condition.
- Energy and performance support: Active dogs may benefit from nutrient-dense nutrition for stamina and recovery.
- Ingredient transparency: You can often see exactly what your dog is eating.
Raw feeding options
Option A: Commercial “complete & balanced” raw (best starting point)
Look for products labeled “complete and balanced.” This is the simplest way to avoid nutritional gaps.
Option B: Base mix + your protein
Follow the directions exactly to keep the diet balanced.
Option C: DIY raw (advanced)
DIY requires careful formulation, especially calcium/phosphorus balance and appropriate organ content.
How much raw food should I feed?
A common guideline for adult dogs is 2% to 3% of body weight per day (less for low activity, more for high activity). Adjust weekly based on body condition.
Step-by-step: How to switch to raw (7–14 days)
- Start with one mild protein your dog tolerates well.
- Transition gradually: 75/25 → 50/50 → 25/75 → 100% over 7–14 days.
- Monitor stool, appetite, and energy. Slow down if your dog is sensitive.
Safe handling rules (non-negotiable)
- Thaw in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- Wash hands and sanitize surfaces after handling.
- Discard uneaten raw food promptly, especially in warm environments.
- Store frozen until needed and follow “use by” guidance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Feeding only muscle meat (can create mineral imbalance).
- Guessing organ/bone ratios without a plan.
- Switching too fast for a sensitive dog.
- Over-supplementing a complete & balanced commercial raw.
Final note
Raw feeding can be an excellent option when it is complete, balanced, and handled safely. Start simple, be consistent, and adjust based on your dog’s body condition and energy.
The OMF Raw Diet Guide
Raw feeding is simple when you understand the framework. This guide covers everything you need to know to feed raw confidently — from your first day to long-term rotation strategy.
What is a raw diet?
A raw diet for dogs is based on whole, unprocessed animal ingredients — muscle meat, organs, and bone — the same building blocks dogs evolved eating. At OMF we follow a prey model raw framework, which means our blends are built around the nutritional profile of whole prey animals without grain, starch, or synthetic fillers.
The OMF formula breakdown
- 70% muscle meat — the primary protein and fat source. Supports energy, muscle mass, and overall vitality.
- 10% bone and cartilage — provides calcium, phosphorus, and natural glucosamine for joint health.
- 5% liver — the most nutrient-dense organ. Rich in vitamin A, B12, iron, and copper.
- 5% other secreting organs — kidney, spleen, pancreas. Provide a broad spectrum of vitamins and enzymes.
- 2–6% vegetables and fruit — butternut squash, carrots, dandelion greens, blueberries, cranberries. Antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients.
- Functional add-ins — pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, coconut oil, turmeric, green-lipped mussels, kelp. Targeted support for joints, coat, digestion, and immunity.
How much to feed
Feed 2–3% of your dog's ideal body weight per day, split into one or two meals.
- 25 lb dog → 0.5–0.75 lb per day
- 50 lb dog → 1–1.5 lb per day
- 75 lb dog → 1.5–2.25 lb per day
- 100 lb dog → 2–3 lb per day
Adjust up for highly active, working, or sport dogs. Adjust down for less active or senior dogs. Always feed based on ideal body weight, not current weight.
How to transition
New to raw? Follow our 7-day transition protocol:
- Days 1–2: 25% OMF raw, 75% current food
- Days 3–4: 50/50
- Days 5–6: 75% raw, 25% current food
- Day 7: 100% raw
Read the full transition guide →
Protein rotation
Rotating proteins is one of the most powerful things you can do for long-term raw feeding success. Run one blend for 2–4 weeks, then switch. Our tri-blends already combine three proteins in one formula, making rotation easy.
Storage and handling
- Keep frozen until ready to use
- Thaw in refrigerator — never on the counter
- Thawed raw food keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Wash hands, bowls, and surfaces after handling raw pet food
- Not for human consumption