What Is Raw Feeding? A Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve heard people talk about raw feeding but aren’t quite sure what it means or if it’s worth the hype, you’re not alone.
Raw feeding can sound intimidating at first, but at its core, it’s a return to basics— feeding dogs and cats the kind of fresh, biologically appropriate food their bodies were built to eat.
In this article, we’ll break down what raw feeding is, why it’s different from conventional pet food, and how to know if it’s right for your pet.
What is Raw Feeding?
Raw feeding means feeding your dog or cat a diet made from raw animal proteins—think meat, bones, organs, and sometimes a few functional supplements. It’s designed to mimic what their wild ancestors would have eaten, without the fillers, high-heat processing, or synthetic additives found in most commercial kibble.
A properly balanced raw diet typically includes:
Muscle meat (the primary protein source)
Organ meat (like liver or kidney, rich in vitamins and minerals)
Edible bone (a source of calcium and phosphorus)
Supplements (optional, but help fine-tune nutritional balance)
This is not about tossing your pet a chicken wing and calling it dinner. When done right, raw feeding is thoughtful, balanced, and science-informed.
Why Feed Raw Instead of Kibble?
Most commercial pet food is heavily processed at high temperatures, which can destroy nutrients and alter proteins. It’s also often packed with carbohydrates, plant fillers, and preservatives your pet doesn’t need. That combo can contribute to issues like digestive problems, dull coats, inflammation, and weight gain.
Raw diets skip the processing and offer nutrients in their natural, most bioavailable form. The result? Better digestion, more energy, shinier coats, healthier stools, and often fewer trips to the vet.
Is it Safe?
Yes—when handled and formulated correctly. Just like with preparing raw food for humans, safety is about sourcing, storage, and hygiene. At Nature’s Prey, we use proteins from trusted West Coast farms with high safety standards and process our grinds under strict food-handling protocols.
We also formulate every recipe ourselves to ensure it’s nutritionally complete for both dogs and cats—no guesswork required. Raw feeding doesn’t mean DIY, unless you want it to.
What’s the Difference Between DIY and Commercial Raw?
DIY Raw: You source and prep all the ingredients yourself. This gives you control, but it requires serious research to ensure the diet is balanced and safe.
Commercial Raw (like us): We do the hard part—sourcing, balancing, grinding, and packaging—so you can feed raw with ease and confidence.
Our 16oz chubs are designed to be simple and convenient. Just thaw, serve, and watch your pet thrive.
Is Raw Feeding Right for Every Pet?
Most healthy dogs and cats do great on a raw diet—but there are a few exceptions. Puppies, kittens, seniors, or pets with certain medical conditions may need extra support or a slower transition. We recommend consulting a vet who’s familiar with raw diets, or reaching out to us with questions.
What You'll Need to Get Started
A freezer (for storage)
A fridge (for safe thawing)
Clean bowls
A feeding routine (we’ll help with portions and timing)
And that’s it. No fancy equipment. No guessing. Just real food, made simple.