How Much More Expensive Is Raw Dog Food?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Many raw foods are

$1 to $2 more expensive per pound

than Steve’s Real Food. We believe that all pets should be fed a raw diet 100% of the time and this is why we keep our MSRP per pound around $4.50.

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

.

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.

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.

Can you mix dry and raw dog 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.

Can you feed 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 save money making your own dog food?


Homemade meals may even make it possible to feed your dog well for less

. Even when you add the cost of a vitamin/mineral supplement and calcium, it can still cost less than commercial food.

Can I feed my dog raw meat from the supermarket?


Yes, dogs can eat raw meat

.

How do I feed my dog raw 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.

How much is raw dog food per pound?

Protein Price per Pound (with shipping)
Beef


$5.00
Duck $2.50 Tripe $2.50 Pork (Steve’s Real Food) $4.00

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.

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.

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 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).

What can I mix with raw dog food?

  • Raw eggs.
  • Sweet potato.
  • Pumpkin.
  • Oatmeal.
  • Bone broth.
  • Raw fruits.

Can you mix biscuits with raw dog food?

The truth is,

it is perfectly okay and safe to feed your dog dry food and raw food at the same time unless your dog has a delicate or unhealthy digestive system

. Here are the facts debunking this myth!

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 do you calculate homemade dog food?

Give your dog

1/4 to 1/3 pounds of meat for every 20 pounds

. Give your dog 1/2 to 3/4 cups yogurt or cottage cheese or 3 to 4 eggs every 20 pounds. If you use both meat and non-meat protein sources, half each of the above. Give your dog 1 to 2 cups of potatoes, rice, pasta, or other carbs per 20 pounds.

Is homemade dog food better than kibble?

Without question,

homemade dog food wins in this category

. When you commit to making your dog his meals, you can choose the freshest ingredients to feed him. Most commercially made dog food has a long shelf life. A bag of unopened dry dog food can last as long as 18 months; unopened canned food is good for two years.

What is the ratio for homemade dog food?

A good recommendation is

40% protein, 50% vegetables and 10% starch

. Some dogs cannot handle high amounts of protein, though, so it is important to visit your vet to determine the best ratio to suit their dietary needs.

Do dogs prefer raw meat or cooked?


Domestic dogs often prefer cooked meat

, though they’ll get sick if they eat meat that’s been excessively seasoned. However, if you were to grill a fresh cut of beef your dog will smell the aroma from quite far away and may even come running.

Can I give my dog a raw steak for his birthday?

If you’d like to cook a steak for a dog’s birthday or top off his meal with a special treat,

go right ahead. Just be sure to cook it properly and gradually introduce it to your dog’s diet

. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines.

How long do dogs live on raw food?

Learning that feeding a raw food diet can increase your dog’s lifespan by

as much as three years

– potentially a quarter of your dog’s natural lifespan – should be incentive enough to consider making the switch to raw.

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.