January 22, 2025

How to Start Raw Feeding in Ontario: A Beginner’s Guide

Switching your dog to a raw diet can feel like a big step, but with the right guidance, it’s easier than you think. Raw feeding isn’t just a trend—it’s a return to the kind of nutrition dogs were designed to thrive on. This guide will walk you through the basics of raw feeding, why it’s beneficial, and how to transition your dog safely.


Why Raw Feeding?

Dogs thrive on raw diets because they mirror what their ancestors ate in the wild—fresh, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense foods. Raw feeding offers numerous benefits, including:


  • Improved Digestion: No fillers or additives make raw food easier to digest.
  • Healthier Coats and Skin: High-quality proteins and omega-3s lead to shinier coats.
  • Higher Energy Levels: Nutrient-dense meals support active and healthy lifestyles.
  • Smaller, Less Smelly Stools: Raw-fed dogs absorb more nutrients, leaving behind less waste.


Choosing raw feeding is about giving your dog the best start toward a longer, healthier life.


Step 1: Choose a Trusted Supplier

Not all raw dog food is created equal. To ensure your dog’s safety and health, look for a supplier that:


  • Uses human-grade ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers.
  • Meets AAFCO guidelines for balanced nutrition.
  • Offers pre-portioned options for convenience.


At Natural Raw Dog Foods, we take pride in offering pre-portioned, locally sourced meals that are balanced and easy to serve. Our blends are crafted to meet the highest nutritional standards, giving pet parents peace of mind.


Step 2: Transition Gradually

Switching to raw too quickly can upset your dog’s stomach. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:


  1. Days 1-2: Mix 25% raw food with 75% of your dog’s current diet.
  2. Days 3-4: Adjust to 50% raw and 50% of their usual food.
  3. Days 5-6: Move to 75% raw and 25% old food.
  4. Day 7: Feed 100% raw.


This gradual approach allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt without discomfort.


Step 3: Handle Raw Food Safely

Raw feeding requires some extra care to ensure safety for both your dog and your household:


  • Storage: Keep raw food frozen until ready to use. Thaw in the refrigerator.
  • Serving: Serve meals at room temperature to make them more appealing.
  • Cleaning: Always wash your hands and clean feeding areas thoroughly to prevent bacteria spread.


Natural Raw Dog Foods’ pre-portioned packaging makes it easy to serve the right amount without any mess.


Step 4: Understand What to Expect

As you transition, you may notice some changes in your dog:


  • Shinier Coat: Thanks to nutrient-rich ingredients.
  • Increased Energy: A result of the high-quality protein and lack of fillers.
  • Smaller Stools: Because raw food is highly digestible, there’s less waste.


These are all signs that your dog is thriving on their new diet!


Common Myths About Raw Feeding

  1. “Raw food is unsafe for dogs.”
    Truth: Dogs’ digestive systems are designed to handle raw meat, and when handled properly, raw feeding is safe.
  2. “It’s too expensive.”
    Truth: While raw food may cost more upfront, the health benefits can reduce vet bills in the long run.
  3. “It’s too hard to balance meals.”
    Truth: Pre-made blends like ours are fully balanced to meet all your dog’s nutritional needs.

Take the First Step Today

Ready to give your dog the gift of better health? At Natural Raw Dog Foods, we make raw feeding simple, convenient, and accessible. Whether you’re feeding a playful pup or a senior dog, our blends are designed to support their unique needs.


📍 Serving Ontario, including the GTA, Durham, York, Peel, Halton, and Toronto.

🌐 Visit www.naturalrawdogfoods.com for more tips, and check out our beginner-friendly blends to get started.

July 15, 2025
Feeding raw shouldn’t feel like a science project. That’s why each of our 4lb boxes comes with 6 pre-portioned trays divided into smaller 75g portions. Perfect for small dogs, growing puppies, or anyone who’s tired of hacking away at frozen bricks of meat. Our newest ½ lb patties were designed with large dogs and convenience in mind—pop one out, thaw, feed. Done. No guesswork, no mess. Just clean food, easily delivered.
July 8, 2025
We hear it every week: “My dog hasn’t looked this good in years.” From seniors regaining their pep to picky eaters finally cleaning their bowls, raw feeding is changing lives. Our customers have shared stories of improved stool, shinier coats, and better energy in just weeks. Even the pickiest eaters go wild for our ½ lb patties, which come in protein blends like beef, turkey, and duck—each balanced with organ meats and nutrient-dense veggies. We’re not here to sell hype. We’re here to feed dogs real food.
July 1, 2025
If your dog is licking their paws raw or scratching like they’ve got fleas (and they don’t), there’s a good chance their food is to blame. Kibble often contains fillers, preservatives, and synthetic additives—many of which are common triggers for inflammation and allergic reactions. Raw diets eliminate the mystery and bring it back to whole, traceable ingredients. You know exactly what your dog is eating. Bonus: Our blends are free from common triggers like corn, wheat, soy, and synthetic dyes. Because clean food = clean skin, clean ears, and a happier pup.
June 24, 2025
Yes, we're talking poop. Because what comes out says everything about what went in. Raw-fed dogs poop less, and it smells way better (seriously). Why? Because their bodies are absorbing more of the nutrients they’re given, instead of expelling fillers and synthetics. If your dog has chronic soft stool, gas, or unpredictable bathroom habits, it’s likely tied to poor digestion—and that often comes back to kibble.  Flaxseed, liver, kelp, and quality muscle meats can do wonders for gut health. Add in hydration from fresh ingredients and you’ve got a poop schedule even a vet would envy.
June 17, 2025
So you're ready to ditch the bag of kibble. Welcome to the fresh side. But what happens during the switch? Transitioning to raw can seem intimidating, but with the right support, it’s simple. Most dogs will need a 7–10 day transition window, where you slowly introduce raw food alongside their current meals. Watch for changes in poop (less of it!), increased thirst (as toxins flush), and energy shifts. Our Natural Raw Dog Foods patties make portioning easy—no measuring cups, no math, just real food in real portions. Trust the process. What you’re doing now can add years to your dog’s life.
June 11, 2025
Forget everything you thought you knew about "complete and balanced" kibble. Today’s dog parents are getting smarter, and it’s no coincidence that raw feeding is on the rise. The truth? Kibble might meet the bare minimum— but is that what your dog deserves? Raw feeding gives your pup whole, nutrient-rich, species-appropriate food. And yes, there’s actual meat in it—not meat meal or “flavouring.” With ingredients like beef liver, spinach, flaxseed, and cod liver oil, dogs finally get what their bodies were designed to digest. Beyond better digestion, a raw diet improves energy, coat shine, and even behaviour. And if your pup has itchy skin, loose stools, or stinky breath, these are more than quirks—they’re signs of an imbalanced, overly processed diet.
May 27, 2025
You may have seen the term “species-specific diet” on our packaging or social posts — but what does that really mean? A species-specific diet is one that aligns with what your dog’s body was naturally designed to eat. Dogs are facultative carnivores, which means they thrive on a diet rich in animal protein, with supplemental plant matter. Unlike processed kibble that’s filled with grains, synthetic vitamins, and additives, raw food mimics the whole-prey model dogs evolved with. Natural Raw Dog Foods provides this ideal balance: fresh meat, bone, organ, and small amounts of fruit and vegetables — all in proportions that reflect your dog’s ancestral diet. Our blends support healthy teeth and gums, shiny coats, joint mobility, and balanced digestion.  Whether your dog is a high-energy working breed or a lazy lapdog, feeding species-appropriate raw food is one of the best ways to help them thrive — naturally
May 20, 2025
One of the most common hesitations pet parents have about raw feeding is safety — and we totally understand. You want to be sure your dog’s food is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful bacteria and pathogens. At Natural Raw Dog Foods, we prioritize safety every step of the way. All of our meats are sourced from Canadian suppliers who adhere to strict food safety regulations. Our production facility follows HACCP protocols, which means we identify and control potential risks throughout the manufacturing process. Our food is made in small, controlled batches with rigorous sanitation standards, and frozen immediately to preserve freshness and reduce risk. Because our products are intended to be handled like any raw meat, we also provide safe handling tips on every package.  If your dog is immune-compromised or you have special health concerns in your household, we always recommend speaking with your veterinarian. But for the vast majority of healthy dogs, feeding raw is a safe, natural way to improve their health and quality of life.
May 13, 2025
One of the biggest questions we hear from potential customers is: “Isn’t raw food more expensive than kibble?” At first glance, yes — the price per pound of raw may be higher. But when you look at the bigger picture, feeding Natural Raw Dog Foods often leads to fewer vet visits, better digestion, less waste, and overall long-term savings. Here’s why: Raw diets are biologically appropriate, meaning your dog is absorbing more of the nutrients they need and eliminating less. That translates into smaller, less frequent poops, less bloating, and more efficient energy use. Our customers consistently report fewer ear infections, skin flare-ups, and digestive issues — all of which mean fewer bills and medications. Our food is also portioned and priced with value in mind. Each 4 lb box includes four 1 lb trays with pre-portioned pods, allowing you to use exactly what you need, waste less, and keep your dog on a consistent feeding schedule. Plus, we offer local delivery options and retail availability to save you time and hassle.  When you invest in high-quality food, you’re investing in your dog’s future health and well-being. And that kind of peace of mind is priceless.
April 30, 2025
Thinking of switching to raw but not sure where to start? Transitioning your dog from kibble or cooked food to raw doesn’t have to be difficult — and Natural Raw Dog Foods is here to guide you every step of the way. The best way to switch is slowly and strategically. We recommend starting with a gentle protein like turkey or chicken for the first 7–10 days. On day one, begin by mixing 25% raw with 75% of your dog’s current food. Gradually increase the raw portion every couple of days until you’re feeding 100% raw by the end of the transition. Some dogs may experience temporary digestive changes (like loose stool or increased thirst) as their bodies adjust to the richer, more natural food. This is normal. To support gut health during this time, many customers choose to add pumpkin puree, raw goat’s milk, or probiotics — all of which we recommend as optional but helpful toppers.  Because our blends are fully balanced and portioned for convenience, you don’t have to worry about getting it “wrong.” Every tray meets or exceeds AAFCO standards, providing all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs — with no synthetic additives.
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