How to prepare raw meat for dogs

Feeding your dog a raw meat diet can be a nutritious choice, but it requires careful preparation to ensure safety and balance. Here’s a complete guide on how to prepare raw meat for dogs, with detailed steps and images for each stage.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before starting, gather these essential ingredients to create a balanced raw meal for your dog:

• Muscle Meat (such as chicken, beef, or turkey)
• Organ Meat (liver, kidney, and heart for essential nutrients)
• Bones (like chicken necks or wings, or crushed bones)
• Vegetables (like carrots, spinach, or pumpkin for fiber)

• Supplements (such as fish oil or kelp powder for added nutrients)

   

Step 1: Clean and Sanitize

Keeping a clean workspace is crucial. Before preparing raw meat:

1. Sanitize All Surfaces: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all cutting boards, knives, and countertops.
2. Wash Your Hands with soap and water to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.

Step 2: Choose the Right Meat

Select high-quality, fresh meat from a trusted source. The meat should be lean and free of any additives, salts, or spices. If possible, opt for organic or grass-fed options for extra quality.

• Beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb are popular choices.
• Variety matters – rotating proteins can help provide a more balanced nutrient profile.

Step 3: Prep the Meat

1. Cut the Meat into Bite-Sized Pieces: Based on your dog’s size, chop the meat into manageable portions.
2. Include Bones Carefully: If using raw bones, make sure they’re soft, such as chicken necks or wings. Avoid cooked bones, which can splinter and pose a choking risk.

Tip: Some people prefer to freeze the meat for a few days first to kill any potential parasites.

Step 4: Add Organ Meats

Organ meats are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for your dog’s health.

• Liver and Kidneys are rich in vitamins A and B and should make up about 10% of your dog’s meal.
• Heart meat is also great for taurine, which supports heart health.

Portion Guide: For each meal, aim for about 80% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, and 10% bone.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Adding vegetables can provide additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals to round out your dog’s meal.

1. Lightly Steam or Puree fibrous vegetables like carrots or pumpkin. This makes it easier for your dog to digest and absorb nutrients.
2. Mix with the Meat: Blend in a few spoonfuls of vegetables with the raw meat.

Note: Not all vegetables are safe for dogs. Avoid onions, garlic, and avocados, which are toxic to them.

Step 6: Add Supplements

To ensure your dog receives all essential nutrients, add supplements like:

• Fish Oil (for Omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health)
• Kelp Powder (for trace minerals)

Follow the dosage guidelines on the supplement package and consult your vet to confirm appropriate amounts.

Step 7: Portion and Store

1. Divide into Portions based on your dog’s daily food requirements.
2. Use Airtight Containers to store each portion. This keeps the meal fresh and prevents cross-contamination.
3. Refrigerate or Freeze depending on when you plan to serve the meals.

Tip: Frozen portions make meal prep easier—simply thaw each portion in the fridge before feeding.

Safety Tips for Raw Feeding

• Consult Your Vet: Raw diets may not be suitable for all dogs, so talk to your vet before switching.
• Monitor for Signs of Imbalance: Regular vet check-ups can ensure your dog is receiving balanced nutrition.

• Handle with Care: Always wash your hands and clean prep surfaces after handling raw meat.

   

Conclusion

Preparing raw meat for your dog can be a rewarding way to ensure they receive natural, nutrient-rich meals. Following these steps, you’ll be able to create a balanced and safe raw diet that supports their health and vitality.

Shop Our Raw Diet Essentials: Find high-quality meats, supplements, and all the tools you need to get started on raw feeding!