Research
Alright guys, I can't stress enough how important it is for you to do your own research into raw diets before committing.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Ask yourself questions.
Why do you want to feed raw?
Don't feed raw just because your IG friends do it, feed raw because you understand the benefits and want to see the improvement in health of your own pet.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What is NRC?
Why do some people balance based on NRC guidelines, and some formulate 80/10/10 or BARF+ diets?
What proteins provide what nutrients?
Why do people say to rotate proteins?
Why should I give a pre/pro biotic?
Should I feed fruit and/or vegetables? Why or why not?
What is the ideal Ca:P and Zn:Cu ratio? Why do those matter?
What supplements do I need to add and why?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I am not meaning to overwhelm or discourage anyone, and don't have all of the answers for you because every dog is different, I just worry sometimes that people are mislead on Instagram and their dogs may be developing essential nutrient deficiencies. If you are new to raw and feeding DIY I would strongly recommended you get a recipe designed by a professional first (see my online resources page for recommendations).
If you have a good understanding about what goes into raw, I would then recommended you get a spreadsheet to make sure you are balancing (or get a sense of what it takes). We use the Raw Fed and Nerdy spreadsheet (link found on my online resources page).
If you are feeding premade I strongly suggest you take a look at the nutrient information provided by the companies and ask yourself if they are truly balanced and what they may be missing. Maybe I'm a worry wart, but I want all the doggos to be healthy and happy that's all.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I am also not saying I'm a pro and doing it all perfectly myself. I have learnt a TON over the years and each recipe I formulate I realize something new. I learn more and more everyday and admire the care and thought people put into formulating their own dogs bowls.
What's in the bowl?
Whole ground beaver
Duck breast
Rabbit head
Beef heart
Chicken liver
Buffalo kidney
Blue mussels
Fresh raspberries
Bug Off (@wildlyblended NAVI10)
Sea kelp
Hemp seed oil
Natural vitamin E
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
100% balanced? Probably not. But that's okay, I know what she gets over time. Don't get caught up in the contents of others bowls, or the portions for that matter. They are just a snapshot of what that dog is being fed for that meal. Other meals may be needed to hit nutrient minimums, and training treats may be substituting some calories from food that day.
Feed the dog in front of you ya'll!