20 Best Raw Foods for Dogs

Raw feeding isn’t just about tossing your dog a steak and hoping for the best—it’s a science-backed system of precision, balance, and biological synergy. Below, we answer the most critical and often neglected questions pet owners ask after they’ve read the standard raw food lists.


Key Takeaways: What You’ll Learn

🔍 Question🧠 Quick Answer
Which raw food is most overlooked but essential?Green tripe – for enzymes and gut health.
Are eggs really safe raw?Yes, with shells—but not daily.
What’s the best joint-supporting meat?Chicken feet or beef gullet (for collagen + glucosamine).
Is beef always best?Not always—lamb and fish fill unique gaps.
Do plant-based items belong in raw diets?Only in BARF model, and must be mechanically pre-digested.
What’s the #1 mistake with organ meat?Overfeeding liver, leading to vitamin A toxicity.

🧠 “Green Tripe Isn’t a Bonus—It’s a Biological Necessity”

Unbleached green tripe isn’t just smelly—it’s the only raw food containing naturally active digestive enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and a near-ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (1:1). It’s especially critical for:

  • Dogs transitioning to raw – stabilizes gut flora.
  • Senior dogs – boosts digestion naturally.
  • Dogs recovering from antibiotics – rebuilds microbiome.

🟩 Tripe Feeding Table

Dog Size 🐶Recommended Portion 🥄Frequency 📆
Small (<15 lbs)1–2 tbsp3x/week
Medium (15–50 lbs)¼–½ cup3–4x/week
Large (>50 lbs)½–¾ cup4–5x/week

💡 Tripe from the supermarket is bleached and worthless. Look for “green tripe” from raw food suppliers.


🥚 “Raw Eggs Are Safe—but Timing, Frequency & Shells Matter”

Eggs offer bioavailable protein, fat-soluble vitamins, biotin, and choline—but misuse can backfire.

  • With shells: Add calcium + membrane-based collagen.
  • Without shells: Boost fats, but may skew Ca:P ratio.
  • Too often? Raw egg whites can bind biotin, creating a deficiency if fed daily without yolks.

🥚 Egg Feeding Matrix

Type of EggSafe AmountNotes
Whole egg w/ shell1–2/weekBest for balance
Egg yolk only2–3/weekGreat for hair coat
Egg white onlyAvoid aloneCauses biotin binding

Rotate eggs like a supplement, not a staple.


🐟 “Your Dog Needs Fish—Not Just for Omega-3s, But for Vitamin D”

Vitamin D is virtually nonexistent in land meat, and dogs don’t synthesize it from the sun like humans. Without fish, most raw diets will become D-deficient over time.

🐠 Best Fish Choices for Dogs

Fish 🐟Key Nutrients 🧬Notes 📝
Sardines (frozen or canned in water)EPA, DHA, D, calcium (bones)Low mercury, high absorption
MackerelOmega-3s, seleniumUse Atlantic mackerel, not king
Salmon (frozen)EPA/DHA, proteinFreeze for 3+ weeks to kill parasites

🧠 Add 2–3 small oily fish meals per week to avoid supplementation.


🧬 “Feeding Liver Daily Is a Fast Track to Vitamin A Toxicity”

While liver is crucial for providing vitamin A, copper, and B12, more is not better. Chronic overfeeding (even by just 2–3%) can lead to:

  • Bone pain or spontaneous fractures
  • Hair loss or dry skin
  • Neurological signs in severe toxicity
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🧪 Safe Liver Feeding Guidelines

Liver SourceWeekly Limit (% of diet)Rotation Suggestion
Beef/LambMax 5%Alternate w/ kidney or spleen
Chicken/TurkeySlightly less nutrient-denseGood for beginners
Duck/GooseHigher fatUse in moderation only

Avoid combining multiple high-vitamin A organs in the same week (e.g., liver + cod liver oil).


🐾 “Mussels Are Your Joint Multivitamin in a Shell”

Green-lipped mussels aren’t just a niche treat—they’re a critical natural source of manganese, which supports:

  • Cartilage integrity
  • Collagen synthesis
  • Enzymatic reactions in bones

They also contain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like chondroitin, essential for aging dogs or large breeds.

🦪 Mussel Feeding Snapshot

Dog SizeMussels per WeekForm
Small2–3 wholeFresh/frozen
Medium5–6 wholePowder or whole
Large6–8 wholePowder ideal for big dogs

💡 Avoid mussels packed in oil or brine—choose plain frozen or air-dried.


🥬 “Vegetables Only Belong If Mechanically Broken Down”

Dogs cannot digest plant cell walls without help. To make veggies usable in a BARF model:

  • Puree raw, or
  • Lightly steam, or
  • Ferment (best for gut health)

🫐 Best BARF-Friendly Plants

Vegetable/FruitPrep MethodBenefits
Spinach (small amount)Lightly steamedIron, Vitamin K
BroccoliPureedSulforaphane (anticancer)
BlueberriesRawAntioxidants, low sugar
PumpkinCookedFiber for gut regularity

⚠️ Spinach contains oxalates—rotate and use sparingly.


📌 Bonus: Advanced Food Pairings for Maximum Synergy

Food Combo 🍽️Why It Works 🔬Example Meal 💡
Beef + OystersIron + zinc combo for blood and skin healthGround beef + 2 canned oysters
Turkey + EggshellLean protein + calcium sourceTurkey breast + ½ tsp powdered shell
Green Tripe + PumpkinProbiotics + gut-regulating fiberTripe + 1 tbsp cooked pumpkin
Mussels + FishJoint health + omega-3sSardines + 2 mussels

🧷 Final Notes: 5 Foods That Are Commonly Misused in Raw Diets

Misused Food 🚫The RiskThe Fix ✅
Too much liverVitamin A overdoseCap at 5% weekly
Only one protein sourceAmino acid gapsRotate 3+ proteins weekly
Eggs dailyBiotin deficiency riskFeed 1–2x weekly w/ shell
Cooked bonesSplintering hazardRaw meaty bones only
No fish or EFA sourceOmega-3 and D deficiencyUse sardines or mackerel weekly

FAQs 🐕🥩📋


“Is it safe to feed wild game like deer or rabbit in a raw diet?”

Wild game is nutrient-dense and biologically appropriate, but it comes with unique risks not found in farm-raised meats. Parasites, bacterial load, and shot contamination (in hunted meat) must be addressed first.

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🦌 Wild Game Feeding Protocol

Game Type 🐾Key Benefits 🎯Risks & Mitigations 🛑
Deer/VenisonLean protein, high ironFreeze for 3+ weeks to kill Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma
Rabbit (wild)Low fat, digestibleWild rabbit may carry Tularemia – cook lightly or use farm-raised
Elk/MooseRich in selenium, B12May carry liver flukes – never feed wild elk liver raw
SquirrelWhole prey potentialSmall bones pose choking hazard if not fed whole or ground

💡 Farmed game is preferred unless you’re trained in wild game inspection.


“How do I know if my dog is getting enough taurine on a raw diet?”

Dogs synthesize taurine from methionine and cysteine—but large-breed dogs, seniors, and some genetics (like Golden Retrievers) may not convert enough. A deficiency can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), even on a meat-rich diet.

🧬 Taurine Support Matrix

Source 🥩Taurine Content (mg/100g) 📊Role in Diet 🧠
Beef heart~70–80Best whole-food source for raw feeders
Turkey heart~80–90Leaner option with slightly higher taurine
Green tripeModerateSupports taurine synthesis via gut health
Supplement (optional)250–500 mg/dayFor at-risk breeds or low-heart diets

Feed hearts 2–4x/week or supplement in breeds with known DCM predisposition.


“Can I feed raw during pregnancy or to growing puppies?”

Yes—but it requires clinical-level precision. Both stages demand increased bioavailable calcium, phosphorus, DHA, folate, and energy density. Errors during these stages can cause irreversible developmental or reproductive harm.

🍼 Life Stage Critical Feeding Chart

Life Stage 🐕‍🍼Must-Have Additions 💡Don’t Skip 🚫
Pregnancy (week 4+)Oily fish (DHA), whole egg, liver, green tripeAvoid overfeeding bone – stick to ~8%
Lactation2x normal calories, increase red meatEnsure hydration; offer soft RMBs
Puppy (8+ weeks)Balance Ca:P at ~1.2–1.4:1, rotate proteinsAvoid fatty cuts; limit liver to 5% max
Giant breedsModerate growth rate, low-fat raw meaty bonesExcess calcium or energy = joint issues

🧠 Consult a raw-savvy veterinary nutritionist for growth charts and calorie tracking.


“My dog won’t eat organ meats—what can I do?”

Organ refusal is common due to the strong taste and texture. You can overcome it by strategically disguising or transforming organ meats without cooking them.

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🎭 Organ Acceptance Tactics

Method 🎨Why It Works ✅Example 🐕
Freeze & micro-grateDulls strong smellGrate frozen liver into ground meat
Blend with high-fat meatMasks taste with palatable textureBlend 5% liver into 95% ground turkey
Ferment lightlyEnhances palatability for some24-hr fridge fermentation with kefir
Dehydrated organsTexture change can helpFeed as crunchy treats or rehydrate

⚠️ Avoid cooking—heat denatures key vitamins like A and B12.


“Do dogs need carbs or grains on a raw diet?”

No—not physiologically. Dogs have amylase in their pancreas (not saliva), meaning carbohydrates are not essential, but can be tolerated. However, resistant starches or select carbs may benefit:

  • Dogs with IBD
  • Raw-fed dogs transitioning from kibble
  • Overweight dogs needing satiety

🥔 Optional Carbohydrate Add-ins (for BARF)

Carb Source 🍠Digestibility 🔬Benefit 🧠
Cooked sweet potatoHighSoluble fiber, slow-burning
Butternut squashHighStool normalization
Quinoa (cooked)ModerateAdded manganese, magnesium
Soaked chia seedsModerateOmega-3 + satiety without bloat

🍚 Grains like rice are optional in BARF, never required in PMR.


“How can I tell if my dog’s raw diet is unbalanced without blood tests?”

Nutritional imbalances manifest physically over time. The most common signs include:

🔎 Early Signs of Raw Diet Deficiency

Symptom 🚩Possible Deficiency ❌Suggested Fix 💊
Dry coat, dandruffVitamin E or zincAdd oysters, rotate in fatty fish
Brittle nailsBiotin, zincFeed eggs, beef kidney
Stinky ears or poor digestionGut flora imbalanceAdd green tripe, probiotics
Limping or joint stiffnessManganese or GAGsFeed mussels, poultry feet
Chronic loose stoolsExcess fat, too little boneAdjust ratios; add pumpkin temporarily

🧠 Observe every stool change, energy drop, or skin issue as a nutritional clue.


“What’s the difference between feeding ‘whole prey’ vs. ‘Franken prey’?”

Both aim for PMR ratios—but differ in philosophy and realism:

🐇 Whole Prey means feeding entire, intact animals (fur, organs, bones, blood, and all), replicating wild feeding.

🧟 Franken Prey uses parts from different animals to mimic the whole (e.g., chicken wings + beef liver + pork kidney).

🦴 Whole vs. Franken Prey Table

Model 🧬Pros 👍Cons 👎
Whole PreyBalanced by nature; includes trace elements (fur, blood)Hard to source; less portion control
Franken PreyFlexible, easy to tailorRequires ratio tracking; more prep

🔍 Whole prey is ideal for small prey animals (quail, rabbit). For large breeds, Franken prey is more practical.


“Can I use supermarket meats for raw feeding, or do I need to source everything from specialty suppliers?”

Yes, supermarket meats can be used—if you’re selective and strategic. While boutique raw feeders often tout farm-direct or exotic sourcing, the key lies in handling, variety, and quality—not novelty.

🛒 Supermarket Sourcing Blueprint

Meat Type 🧃Safe Use in Raw Diet? ✅Watchouts ⚠️
Ground beef (80/20)Yes – use as muscle meatAvoid feeding too frequently due to high fat
Chicken drumsticksYes – remove skin if fatty, feed as RMBMonitor for bone splintering in gulpers
Turkey thighsExcellent lean optionAvoid enhanced (brined) products with added sodium
Pork shoulderGreat muscle meat rotationFreeze for 3+ weeks before feeding raw to kill Trichinella spiralis
Organ packs (liver/kidney)Yes – economical organ sourcesRotate types to avoid micronutrient overload

💡 Avoid pre-seasoned, marinated, or injected meats entirely. “Natural” doesn’t mean unprocessed.


“What if my dog gets soft stools or diarrhea from raw food?”

Loose stools aren’t uncommon when transitioning or when ratios are off. Rather than abandoning raw, fine-tune based on the texture, color, and frequency of your dog’s elimination.

💩 Stool Troubleshooting Grid

Symptom 💩Likely Cause 🔍Adjustments ⚙️
Soft, shapeless stoolToo little bone or too much fatIncrease RMBs like poultry necks or feet
Pale, chalky stoolToo much boneAdd more muscle meat or organs
Yellow, greasy stoolExcessive fat intakeRemove skin, trim fatty cuts
Mucous-covered stoolGut flora imbalanceAdd green tripe or soil-based probiotics
Blood-flecked stoolHard stool causing irritationReduce bone content slightly, add soluble fiber like pumpkin

🧠 Stool is your diagnostic dashboard—track changes like a food journal.


“Is it okay to mix kibble and raw food in the same meal?”

It’s not toxic—but it may reduce digestive efficiency. Raw and kibble digest at different pH levels and rates, which can create bloating or gas in sensitive dogs.

🥣 Raw + Kibble Feeding Strategy

Option 🍽️Effectiveness 💬Suggested Use 📆
Same mealMay cause inconsistent digestion in some dogsUse sparingly or when transitioning
Separate meals (AM/PM)Optimal for mixed feedersAM kibble, PM raw or vice versa
Rotation by dayMaintains digestive consistencyEx: M-W-F raw, T-Th-Sat kibble

If mixing is necessary, add digestive enzymes to support the stomach in handling varied pH needs.


“Should I feed raw during extreme temperatures or seasonal shifts?”

Yes, but adjust energy density and hydration based on weather. Dogs expend more calories staying warm in winter and require more hydration in heat.

🌡️ Seasonal Feeding Adaptation Table

Season ❄️☀️Adjustments 🧩Additions 🔄
WinterIncrease caloric density via fattier cuts like lamb, duck, or beefWarm bone broth, fish oil for coat insulation
SummerPrioritize hydration via higher-moisture meats and low-fat proteinsWater-rich additions like raw goat milk, watermelon (seedless)
Transition (Spring/Fall)Maintain balance and rotate proteinsAdd seasonal vegetables (steamed dandelion greens, fermented beets)

☀️ Frozen raw meat pops (tripe + blueberries) can be a summer enrichment treat.


“How do I include ‘novel proteins’ safely for dogs with allergies or sensitivities?”

Introduce one novel protein at a time, keeping the rest of the diet constant for at least two weeks. Watch for signs of intolerance: itching, vomiting, soft stool, or gas.

🦘 Novel Protein Introduction Flow

Protein 🧪Why It’s Useful 🎯Notes 🔍
RabbitLow-fat, highly digestibleExcellent for elimination diets
KangarooExotic, hypoallergenicSource from Australia or New Zealand for quality control
QuailWhole prey alternativeGreat for small-breed dogs with poultry allergies
VenisonLean and rich in ironFreeze 3+ weeks; rotate with milder proteins

🧩 Do not rotate proteins too quickly—wait for a clear response window before introducing the next.


“What’s the most cost-effective way to feed raw without compromising on quality?”

Use a mix of staple proteins and strategic whole-animal buying. Prioritize nutrients per dollar, not just volume.

💸 Budget Raw Feeding Optimization

Cost-Saver 💰Benefit 🎯How to Use Efficiently ✅
Chicken leg quartersRMB + muscle meat comboTrim excess fat; separate for ratio control
Frozen sardines (bulk)Omega-3 + calciumServe 2x/week to avoid needing bottled supplements
Beef heart (bulk buy)Affordable muscle meat w/ taurineDice and freeze in weekly portions
Liver/kidney packsNutrient-dense + cheapPre-portion and freeze for 2-week organ cycles
Green tripe (5 lb rolls)Probiotic + digestive enzyme boostThaw only what’s needed per meal to minimize waste

🛍️ Build a local butcher relationship—they often offer free or discounted scraps and bones.


“Can raw-fed dogs get dental disease just like kibble-fed dogs?”

Yes—raw feeding does not automatically guarantee perfect dental health. While raw meaty bones mechanically reduce plaque and tartar, biofilm still forms without enzymatic or abrasive disruption. Factors such as age, salivary pH, and immune status all influence oral outcomes.

🦷 Raw Feeding & Dental Health Matrix

Factor 🧪Raw Diet Impact ⚙️Preventive Add-ons 🧼
Raw Meaty Bones (RMBs)Provide abrasion to remove soft tartarUse 2–3x weekly (e.g., chicken necks, turkey wings)
Muscle-Only DietLacks dental cleansing actionAdd RMBs or dental chews
Green tripeSupports oral microbiome via probioticsFeed 2x/week to promote balance
Dog genetics/bite alignmentRaw won’t correct malocclusionUse dental wipes or brush if needed
Age (senior dogs)Lower chewing intensity → tartar retentionConsider professional cleaning + softer RMBs like duck feet

🧼 Dental health is a product of both mechanical and microbial hygiene—not just what’s on the plate.


“Can I safely feed a raw diet to a dog with pancreatitis history?”

Yes, but only under rigorous fat control and with guidance. Pancreatitis-prone dogs require a low-fat, anti-inflammatory diet, free of rich organ overload or fatty cuts.

🔥 Pancreatitis-Friendly Raw Feeding Framework

Food Type 🍗Suitability ✅Notes & Cautions 🚫
Turkey breastExcellent – very low in fatFeed with soft RMBs like turkey necks
White fish (tilapia, cod)Ideal – lean protein with mild tasteMay require oil supplementation (e.g., krill oil)
Green tripeSupportive – low fat + enzyme-richAids in digestion; use raw, unbleached only
Beef liver/kidneyModerate – feed sparinglyKeep under 5% to avoid overloading fat-soluble vitamins
Egg yolksUse cautiouslyHigh in fat; use whites separately for protein boost

⚠️ Avoid fatty cuts, skin-on poultry, and lamb altogether during flare-ups. Always reintroduce foods one at a time.


“Is fasting beneficial or harmful for raw-fed dogs?”

Intermittent fasting can be beneficial, but should be done strategically, not randomly. Fasting mimics ancestral feeding patterns, allows for digestive rest, and may promote cellular autophagy—especially in adult, healthy dogs.

Raw Feeding + Fasting Strategy

Fasting Style 🕒Benefit ✅When to Use 🧠
12–24 hour fastImproves insulin sensitivity, digestive reset1x per week for healthy adults
Bone broth fastGut rest + electrolyte supportPost-diarrhea or during mild illness
Partial fast (reduced portion)Lowers inflammation while still providing nutrientsOlder dogs, detox days
No fastingNeeded for puppies, underweight, or immune-compromisedConsistency > cyclic feeding

Never fast growing puppies, senior dogs with muscle loss, or diabetic animals without supervision.


“What’s the difference between muscle meat and organ meat—and why does it matter?”

Many confuse meat types, leading to nutritional imbalances. In raw feeding, classifying meats correctly is critical, as each category plays a distinct metabolic role.

🥩 Meat Category Demystified Table

Type 💡Classification 📚Function in the Body 🔬
Chicken breast, beef chuck, turkey thighMuscle meatStructural protein, energy, amino acid base
Heart, gizzard, tongueMuscular organstill counted as muscleTaurine source, B vitamins, endurance function
Liver, kidney, spleen, pancreasSecreting organHigh in fat-soluble vitamins, trace minerals
Green tripeFermentative stomach liningEnzyme and probiotic support (not counted as organ)

🧬 Feeding heart as your “organ” can leave your dog dangerously deficient in Vitamin A or copper. True secreting organs are non-negotiable.


“Should I worry about parasites in raw fish?”

Absolutely—especially if feeding Pacific salmon or wild-caught freshwater species. Certain fish harbor parasites such as Neorickettsia helminthoeca (salmon poisoning disease) or Anisakis worms, which can cause severe illness.

🐟 Safe Fish Feeding Protocol for Raw Diets

Fish 🐠Feed Raw? ✅Precaution 🚨
Sardines (wild-caught)YesFreeze for 3+ weeks below −4°F (−20°C)
Mackerel (Atlantic)YesIdeal for omega-3s; choose smaller species
Salmon (wild Pacific)NoCook or avoid entirely due to parasite risk
Tilapia (farmed)YesLean and generally low-risk
AnchoviesYesFlash freeze to kill larval stages

❄️ Freezing is the gold standard for raw fish safety—don’t skip it.


“Do senior dogs benefit from raw feeding, or is cooked better?”

Raw diets can rejuvenate senior dogs, but digestibility, fat tolerance, and nutrient absorption must be adjusted. Muscle wasting and joint degradation must be addressed proactively with targeted nutrition.

👴 Raw Diet Customization for Senior Dogs

Senior Concern 👵Raw Diet Fix 🧬Key Additions ➕
Joint stiffnessAdd GAG-rich foods (feet, tripe, mussels)Green-lipped mussels, duck feet
Muscle lossIncrease lean muscle meat + digestible proteinTurkey breast, beef heart, eggs
Weakened digestionLightly sear or ferment tough meatsBone broth, kefir, soft-cooked pumpkin
Oxidative stressBoost antioxidantsBlueberries, vitamin E, turmeric paste

🧓 Some seniors do better with lightly cooked or ground raw meals—tailor per dog.

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