how to get started with raw

A complete raw diet is built around the 80/10/10 model: 80% muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bone, and 10% organ (at least half of which should be liver). This ratio mirrors what a prey animal looks like from a nutritional standpoint.

You don't need to balance every single meal — just aim for balance over the course of a week. Think variety over perfection.

A general starting point is 2–3% of your pet's adult body weight per day. Puppies and kittens need more — around 5–8% — as they're growing fast. Seniors and less active pets may need slightly less.

There are three common approaches:

• Pre-made complete raw — minces and meals formulated to the correct ratios. Great for beginners. Available from specialist shops.
• Prey model raw (PMR) — you source and balance the components yourself. More hands-on, but very flexible.
• Hybrid feeding — raw for most meals, with some quality wet food or freeze-dried raw. A good option for busy households.

Most dogs and cats do best with a gradual transition rather than an overnight switch. A common approach is to introduce one protein source at a time — typically chicken — before adding variety.

A typical transition schedule:

• Days 1–3: 75% old food, 25% raw
• Days 4–6: 50/50
• Days 7–9: 25% old food, 75% raw
• Day 10+: 100% raw

Some dogs do fine with an immediate switch. Follow your pet's lead.

Raw meat should be treated with the same hygiene standards you'd use in your own kitchen: keep it refrigerated or frozen, use separate bowls and utensils, and wash your hands after feeding.

Most commercial raw pet food is HPP-treated (high pressure processed) to reduce pathogen risk, making it a safe choice for households with young children, elderly people, or immunocompromised individuals.

Nothing beats talking to someone who knows raw. A specialist pet shop can advise on which brands suit your pet, help you source variety proteins, and answer questions you didn't even know you had.