FAQs

How much should I feed my dog?

The recommended daily feeding allowance for raw food is 2-3% of the dog's body weight, taking into account age, breed, activity level, metabolism etc. A good starting point is 2.5% of their body weight, however remember that every dog is different and you must assess their weight and overall condition to determine whether they need to be fed more or less. A healthy raw fed dog will generally be quite lean, with a noticeable waist and tucked up abdomen. You should be able to feel, but not see, his ribs. Adult dogs can be fed either once or twice per day, depending on your preference, however puppies will require up to four meals per day and a much higher percentage of food.

How do I transition my dog to raw food?

We recommend that the transition to raw food is done over a period of 1-2 weeks, depending on how your dog responds. If it is done too quickly, then your dog may experience diarrhoea, flatulence or belching.

Start by substituting approximately 20% of their regular meals with the raw food. Build this amount up by 10% every day so that after nine days they will be eating 100% raw. If at any stage they experience loose stools, cut the amount back until poos stabilise and then begin building up by 10% each day again.

Is raw food dangerous for us or them?

Dogs are physiologically designed to eat raw meat. They have large canine teeth and a hinged jaw enabling them to crush bone and chew meaty flesh, plus their saliva contains enzymes to start breaking down raw food. They also have a highly acidic stomach and short digestive tract which allows them to process food quickly and is an inhospitable environment to harmful bacteria.

General hygiene and common sense practices should be followed when handling any raw meat, whether for you, your family or your pet. Ensure that you wash your hands before and after handling the food; use hot soapy water to wipe down all surfaces and to wash bowls and utensils; and do not allow cross-contamination of chopping boards or work surfaces.

Can I feed Kibble as well as raw?

There are two schools of thought regarding this question. The first is that any amount of raw food is a benefit to the diet so it can be added into a kibble meal. The second is that raw food and kibble require different processes for digestion so it is best not to mix them together.

At Dogs In Sync we believe that the whole gastro-intestinal and digestive system will function much more efficiently, and as it is designed to, if your dog is only fed raw food and we do not advocate mixing kibble and raw food together for a daily meal. However, we are also realistic and understand that kibble can be handy if you forget to take a meal out of the freezer, or you have to ask the neighbour to feed your dog for a night, or you go camping for the weekend. Just as sometimes we indulge in fast food, the occasional kibble meal is not going to do your dog any harm, so long as they are getting the majority of their nutrition from fresh, high-quality, whole raw foods.

Can I feed my puppy raw food?

Yes! Once they are weaned, puppies can eat raw food just like an adult dog can, no matter the age or breed. Providing proper nutrition when feeding a growing puppy is very important to ensure your puppy develops into a strong, healthy dog.

Puppies do have some extra nutritional requirements to adult dogs so it is important to ensure their food contains all the vitamins, minerals, nutrients, essential fatty acids and amino acids that they need. Providing the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio in their food is also essential for the development of healthy bones and joints, particularly in large breed dogs.

Puppies need to be fed up to 10% of their body weight, depending on their age, and this should be fed over 3-4 meals per day.

What conditions may benefit from a high protein, low carbohydrate diet?

There are many conditions that may benefit from a raw diet such as:

Pancreatitis - this requires a high quality, highly digestible, low fat diet, so raw meat such as kangaroo can form the basis of a diet suitable for this condition;

Kidney disease - requires a highly digestible diet with high moisture content, making raw food more suitable than kibble in many instances;

Allergies - can be exacerbated by carbohydrates (i.e. sugar) and grains, so a high protein diet can be very beneficial;

Diabetes - limiting carbohydrates (i.e. sugar) is essential in managing this condition, so a high protein, low carbohydrate raw diet can help with the management of both diabetes and weight control;

Cancer - some studies have shown that carbohydrates "feed" cancer cells whereas a diet higher in fat and protein can have positive results in minimising tumours and the spread of cancer.

If your dog suffers from any health condition it is very important to make dietary decisions and changes in consultation with your vet.