How to Feed Your Dog Raw Protein Without the Muss or Fuss #MixItUp

Raw Feeding.

Most pet parents have heard of it, but I’m not sure that we all understand what it means. Is it as simple as those two words sound? Is this approach to dog wellness something any pet parent can follow? In short, yes and yes!

Though not every pet parent has done extensive research into the nitty gritty details of raw feeding this doesn’t mean that she or he isn’t capable of incorporating raw protein and other healthy ingredients into his or her dog’s life.

Raw feeding as a nutritional philosophy has been getting a lot of attention lately. However, like many other nutritional buzzwords, most raw food discussions have been been limited to ticking off a list of benefits without explaining the reasoning behind it.

As important as it is to know that raw feeding can improve a dog’s skin and coat, improve his immune and digestive systems and increase energy levels, I’m not sure that a conversation limited to these potential benefits helps pet parents make thoughtful, informed decisions- until they are placed in context. If a pet parent understands why a raw food diet may offer real health and wellness support, he or she can then begin to choose the right raw rood product or approach.

When it comes to raw feeding, the goal is pretty straightforward: to provide nutrient-dense, biologically-appropriate raw food as close to what your dog’s ancestors would eat, especially with regards to protein.

Though there are differences of opinion as to how to achieve this, as evidenced by the different schools of thought within the raw feeding community, the science is clear on one thing: the process of cooking food profoundly alters the proteins, vitamins, minerals or fats offered by a specific ingredient. Let’s use chicken as an example.

When that chicken is cooked, whether for dogs, cats or humans, the quantity and quality of it’s available nutrients is reduced, often significantly. Speaking of protein specifically, cooking can alter it so much that allergic reactions can develop. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some dogs with food sensitivities to certain protein sources, such as the chicken in our example, aren’t reacting to chicken so much as chicken protein that has been fundamentally altered through the cooking process!

Though the various approaches to raw feeding may seem daunting, the core reasoning behind them all is quite simple. By offering uncooked, natural food sources, we are providing a more complete diet for the deaf dogs we love- and that is the theory of raw feeding overly simplified and summed up in one sentence.

This post is sponsored by Instinct® and the BlogPaws® Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Instinct® Raw Boost® Mixers but Dog & His Boy only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Instinct® is not responsible for the content of this article.

For many pet parents, the idea of feeding raw is scary. Many of us recognize that there are real benefits to be found in a raw food diet but are fearful of doing it wrong, of hurting our beloved dog, of causing more harm than good. I understand these fears because I, too, was once paralyzed by these doubts.

Though I was curious about raw feeding, I was terrified that I knew too little to use good judgement, that I’d make bad food choices and sicken my dogs- or worse- in the process. As a veterinary technician with an interest in nutrition, I knew that raw food was something I wanted to incorporate into our rotational feeding plan, but how to do it safely?

And then there were the practical considerations: Where do I store all that frozen food? How do I prepare meals safely? How do I get the correct ratio of calcium, phosphorous and other nutrients? What is the best way to disinfect the counter or prep surface? How many times would I feel compelled to wash my hands?

Discovering freeze-dried raw food, such as Instinct® Raw Boost® Mixers, felt like a lifeline. Armed with science and comprehensive safety and quality control measures, I could now provide my boys all the nutritional benefits of raw without the muss, the fuss or risk of screwing everything up!

Instinct® Raw Boost® Mixers are a great option for pet parents looking to dip their toes in the raw feeding pool. Whether used as a meal enhancer or as a training treat, these protein-packed bits of freeze-dried meat offer the same nutritional and health benefits of raw-feeding in a convenient pouch. No longer must you rent out your freezer to your deaf dog!

When used as a food topper, simply add the directed amount of Raw Boost® Mixers to your dog’s kibble, canned food or rehydrated mix- no additional water needed! Available in three sizes ranging from 1 oz to 14 oz, it’s easy to choose a package that fits your dog’s size and your personal goals and needs. The 1 oz sample sizes are great for training rewards and are currently on sale at PetSmart®. Grab 3 pouches for $5.00, slip one of them in your pocket and you’re ready for deaf dog training on the go!

Edison & Co. are partial to the grain-free beef flavor for a snack, but I can easily rotate between the four distinct flavors as part of our rotational feeding plan, offering different raw protein sources at every meal. By incorporating Instinct® Raw Boost® Mixers into my deaf dog’s diet, I can easily fit the health benefits of raw feeding into my rotational feeding plan by tossing a handful of Mixers into Edison’s bowl!

For more hot tips about raw feeding safely and easily, check out Instinct® on Facebook!