How Much Does A Raw Diet Cost For Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In the end I determined that the

average daily cost to feed a grain-free diet to a 50 pound dog is $1.66

.

Is feeding a dog a raw diet expensive?

While

feeding raw is admittedly more expensive than even the highest-quality kibble

, there are ways for pet owners to feed your pup raw dog food on a budget. Let’s start with some of the simplest.

How much does it cost a month to feed a dog raw?

You can see, on average, you’ll spend between $50 and $90 for a 25-35 lb bag of dry food. When Zara ate kibble, this would last us about a month. Let’s take an average and say it would cost you

$65 per month

to feed a 50-60 lb dog. That’s $780 per year.

Do vets recommend raw diet for dogs?


CDC recommends against feeding raw food to dogs and cats because of the risk of illness to the pet as well as to people living in the household

. Do not feed your pet a raw diet. Here is why: Raw diets consist of foods such as meat, poultry, milk, and eggs that have not been cooked or treated to remove harmful germs.

Is it cheaper to make or buy raw dog food?

Homemade Raw Food. Making your own raw dog food has the advantage of giving you complete control over what your dog eats. This makes homemade a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or health concerns. It’s also

more cost effective to make your own than to buy pre-made raw food from a store

.

What do I feed my dog on a raw diet?

  1. Muscle meat, often still on the bone.
  2. Bones, either whole or ground.
  3. Organ meats such as livers and kidneys.
  4. Raw eggs.
  5. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery.
  6. Apples or other fruit.
  7. Some dairy, such as yogurt.

Can you feed a dog raw and kibble?

The order in which you choose to feed, whether that’s kibble in the morning and raw at night, or raw in the morning or kibble at night,

does not matter as long as there’s a long enough window of digestion

. Aid your pets digestion by feeding dry kibble and raw food separately and at least 6 hours apart.

Can you feed a dog a mix of raw and dry food?


For most dogs, a combination will work quite well

, and that’s the thing that really matters at the end of the day. However, you want to keep a close eye on the amount of carbs added via this method. That’s because many pet owners simply ‘add raw’ on top of the existing kibble.

How do I feed my dog a raw diet on a budget?


Buy Bulk and Freeze

Buying in bulk is a great way to save money for large families. It is also a good way for you to save money on your dog’s raw diet. By buying in bulk, you can plan further into the future. Do the work to portion out meal-sized proportions, wrap them up properly, and label them with the date.

What are the pros and cons of a raw food diet?

Pros of feeding the raw dog food Cons of feeding the raw dog food The raw food diet helps in getting the smaller and firm stool. Dogs can also suffer from diarrhea and bowel constructions because of eating raw dog food.

Is a raw diet more expensive?

Generally speaking,

a raw diet is more expensive than canned food or kibble

. When you purchase premade raw food, you’re paying for the sourcing and balancing of ingredients as well as packaging and delivery.

Why do vets hate raw diet?

The American Kennel Club (AKC), American Veterinary Medical Association and other groups discourage pet owners from feeding dogs raw or unprocessed meat, eggs and milk.

Raw meat and dairy can carry pathogens, like E. coli, listeria and salmonella, which can make pets and people sick or even cause death

.

Why do vets hate raw food for dogs?

Even with the greatest care, the risk of cross-contamination is much higher so you could accidentally spread around bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and even Tuberculosis (TB) via the food or via your pet. Bones are also another hazard with raw feeding, especially with “Raw Meaty Bones”-type foods.

Should I feed my dog raw or cooked meat?


Definitely choose a raw or gently cooked food option for your dog before dry food

. There’s no research that proves whether raw or cooked meat is more digestible for dogs, but there is research showing that animals digest whole food diets better than kibble or other highly processed canned foods.

Can I feed my dog raw bear meat?


It’s not legal to feed game meat to pets or livestock

, however it is legal to feed pets the the skin, guts, heads, or bones of game legally taken – after the salvage of edible meat. This can introduce parasites.

Can I feed my dog raw meat from the supermarket?


Yes, dogs can eat raw meat

.

Is homemade dog food better than store bought?

While there are no scientifically-supported benefits to homemade diets,

whole ingredient-based diets are better in the long term

. Commercial foods are made to be complete and balanced, adds Dr. Bartges, albeit not the most exciting of meals.

Should I feed my dog raw chicken?

In fact, it’s a good source of protein, and cooked chicken can even be substituted for or added to his regular meal.

Most sources recommend against raw chicken, due to the risk of salmonella or bacterial infections

, although the movement toward raw food, including raw chicken and raw chicken bones, is growing.

Can a dog get sick from eating raw meat?

Absolutely, dogs have forgiving digestive systems. With higher acidity in their stomachs and shorter intestinal tracts,

they can eat raw meat that may harbor salmonella or listeria spores with no problem

– and before you panic, some pathogens are completely normal.

Do dogs poop less on a raw diet?

With a raw food diet, dogs are able to absorb more of the ingredients. Therefore,

dogs poop less frequently

and overall produce less fecal matter. Your dog is able to go longer on less food, compared to a kibble diet.

What is the healthiest food to feed your dog?

  • Chicken.
  • Turkey.
  • Pork.
  • Lean beef.
  • Fish—salmon and sardines are especially good for dogs.
  • Eggs—cooked.
  • Cheeses—cottage cheese and hard cheeses in moderation are safe.
  • Yogurt—in moderation is an acceptable snack.

Are eggs good for dogs?


Eggs are perfectly safe for dogs

, Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your canine companion. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out. Remember that eggs are only as good as the chicken they come from.

What kind of raw meat can dogs eat?

According to most raw feeders, dogs should eat muscle meat (hamburger, chicken, turkey), as well as a healthy array of organ meat (heart, liver, kidneys), whole fish, and raw meaty bones (aka, RMBs).

Can dogs eat raw eggs?

Although cooked eggs can be a nutritious treat for your dog,

raw eggs are dangerous

. As with humans, raw eggs can expose dogs to harmful salmonella, which can then spread back to their pet parents (especially those with a compromised immune system).

How often should I feed my dog raw meat?

If you’re wondering how often you should feed your dog raw meat, we recommend feeding pups

2 – 4 times per day and older dogs 1 – 2 times per day

, as part of a fully balanced meal. Feeding your canine twice a day may assist with begging tendencies.

What can I mix with raw dog food?

  • Raw eggs.
  • Sweet potato.
  • Pumpkin.
  • Oatmeal.
  • Bone broth.
  • Raw fruits.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.