RAW Basics LLC

We will be posting frequently asked questions on this page, but if you have a specific question that you would like to submit please feel free to email it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with "q & a" in the subject line.

• to improve the overall health of your pet (reducing vet bills!)
• to bring your pet's immune system to it's optimal level
• for bright eyes and healthy hearts
• for naturally sparkly white teeth and healthy gums (without the unnecessary need for anesthesia and costly dental work)
• for soft, shiny coats and healthy skin
• to finally put an end to "the itchies"
• to alleviate or eliminate allergies
• for slow, steady bone growth in large and giant breeds
• for increased energy (especially in older animals)
• for well lubricated joints in senior and/or arthritic animals
• to maintain proper weight
• for small, well formed, almost odorless poo
• to help with genetic, neurological, and physical problems as well as illnesses such as HD, pancreatitis, IBD, kidney problems, seizures, cancer, and many more...

***Please note that RAW feeding is not a miracle cure (however much we wish it to be), but in most cases it will help significantly.

Bacteria is everywhere; we can't avoid it or antibacterial-ize everything we come in contact with.  Some bacteria is even beneficial!

Healthy dogs aren't affected much by bad bacteria.  Their digestive tracts are short and highly acidic, which means bacteria doesn't have a chance to colonize or become harmful.  Dogs have evolved to eat, live, and thrive on RAW, spoiled, decomposing, and bacterial laden food.  We are not recommending that you feed tainted meat to your dog, but in most cases he will not fall ill should he consume some.

What you should do is use the same precautions with RAW dog food as you use with RAW meats in your own household for your family's meals.  Products should be kept frozen until they are ready to be used, and then should be thawed in the refrigerator.  Meats should be rinsed, spills should be cleaned up, bowls and hands should be washed after use.

Realize that there have been many (way too many) cases of pet illness and death from contaminated, tainted, and recalled kibble...so don't be afraid of RAW!

An adult dog can be fed 2-3% of his weight daily.  A puppy can be fed 4-10% of its current weight daily.  The amount you feed will depend solely on your dog, his metabolism, and his activity level.  The percentages given are a good starting point, and feed amounts can be adjusted to meet your dog's needs by watching his ribcage and waistline.

Cats should also be fed 2-3% of their body weight daily.  And adjustments in portion size can be made as needed by monitoring their weight.

This is a partial myth and a scare tactic.  Most bones are absolutely fine for dogs as they are built to crush, consume, and digest them.  Chicken bones, when fed RAW, are actually soft and easy to chomp to pieces.  Most meat chickens, as opposed to laying hens or turkeys, are also fairly young when they are processed (about 5-6 weeks old).

***Please note, this is very important: DO NOT FEED YOUR DOG (OR CAT) COOKED BONES.  Cooked bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter and harm your dog.  Cooking bones removes all their moisture leaving them dry and brittle, and when they splinter they can do so in sharp shards.

Raw bones, on the other hand, are easily digested, especially when they are still located within the meat.  If you take a look at your dog's poo after a boney meal, you will see that the bone will either turn the poo chalky and white, or if larger pieces are present they will have a rubbery consistency (feel free to use the "stick poking" test, lol).

The best thing to do is supervise your dog whenever feeding bones (and in general) so that you understand how your particular dog eats; whether he is a gulper, a nibbler, or a gagger.  For example, if your dog is a gulper you may not want to feed him turkey necks, at least not until he figures out how to eat them.

Please also check the other questions for more information on bones.