Fresh and Raw Food Diet For Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten's Health - Species Appropriate Food, How to Select, Prepare and What to Avoid

 

★ 9.5 min read

In this article: 

1. Introduction
1. The Best Diet for Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten
   
2. Dogs are Carnivores and Consume Some Plant Material
   
3. Cats are Obligate Carnivores
4. Species Appropriate Diet for Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten
1. The Best Diet Is
2. Dogs are Carnivores That Eat Some Plant Materials
3. Cats are Obligate Carnivores
4. Species Appropriate Diet
1. Components for Dogs and Puppies
2. Components for Cats and Kittens
   
5. When, How Much, How Often - Raw Feeding Puppies and Kittens
1. When to Start Your Puppy and Kitten on a Raw Diet
2. How Much to Feed Your Puppy and Kitten
   
3. How Often to Feed Your Puppy and Kitten
6. How Much, How Often - Raw Feeding Adult Dogs and Cats
1. How Much to Feed Your Adult Dog and Cat
2. How Often to Feed Your Adult Dog and Cat
   
7. Example Raw or Gently Cooked and Fresh Food Recipe
8. The Mythical Beast - Species Appropriate Dry Food and Wet Food Diets
   
2. Species Appropriate Fresh Whole Foods and Raw Food Dietary Components for Dogs, Puppies, Cats and Kittens
   
1. Animal Protein Types for Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten
   
1. Small and Large Prey
   
2. Poultry, Birds, Fowl
3. Fish
4. Shellfish
5. Raw Meaty Bones
   
6. Eggs
7. Dairy
8. Animal Protein Types Important Notes and Cautions
   
3. Tree Nuts for Dogs and Puppies, Seeds for Dogs and Puppies
   
1. Seeds and Tree Nuts for Dogs and Puppies
   
4. Greens, Veggies, Mushrooms, Seaweed, Root Veggies and Fruit for Dogs and Puppies
1. Health Benefits 
2. Fruit for Dogs and Puppies
   
3. Leafy Greens and Vegetables for Dogs and Puppies
   
4. Mushrooms for Dogs, Puppies
   
5. Seaweed (Seaplants) for Dogs and Puppies
   
6. Root Vegetables for Dogs and Puppies
   
5.  How to Include Fresh Plant Material In Your Dog and Puppies Diet
   1. Optimize The Absorption of Nutrients
   2. Preparation Instructions
   3. How Much Should You Add To a Dog and Puppies Daily Diet?
      
    

1.0 Introduction

1.1 The Best Diet For Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten

The best diet for the majority of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens is:

• A species appropriate raw diet.
  

The second best diet is:

• A species appropriate gently cooked and fresh food diet.

My dogs and cats, are on a species appropriate raw diet tailored to suit their individual needs.

 
I have all of my client dogs, puppies, cats and kittens on a species appropriate diet tailored to suit each individual animal's circumstances. Most are on a raw diet. A small percentage are on a gently cooked and fresh food diet.

 

1.2 Dogs are Carnivores that Consume Some Plant Materials

Dogs are primarily carnivores that also consume a lesser amount of fresh and dry plant materials. Animal protein (muscle meat, organs), raw meaty bones and fat are the primary components of a dog's species appropriate diet. Important secondary components include eggs, dairy, appropriate vegetables, greens, fruit, seeds, tree nuts, herbs.

1.3 Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

Cats are obligate carnivores. Cats require animal protein (muscle meat, organs), fat, raw meaty bones.  Some cats also select eggs and dairy. Cats do not require nor have the ability to digest fresh or cooked vegetables and fruit. 

Appropriate herbs and nutraceuticals can help maintain a cat's good health, treat and remedy health issues and conditions. 

 

1.4 Species Appropriate Diet for Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten

Components of a Species Appropriate Diet for Dogs and Puppies

 

Bones and Raw Food Diet (BARF)

65% up to 70% muscle meat

5% liver

5% other secreting organ (brain, kidney, pancreas, spleen, testicles, thymus gland)

10% up to 15% raw editable bones (raw meaty bones)

7% raw plant materials (berries, greens, herbs, seeds)

 

Prey Model Raw Diet (PMR)

70% to 80% muscle meat

5% liver

5% other secreting organ (brain, kidney, pancreas, spleen, testicles, thymus gland)

10% up to 15% raw edible bones (raw meaty bone)

2% to 5% feathers, fur 

 

Puppies do NOT require a different raw component ratio than adult dogs. 

 

Components of a Species Appropriate Diet for Cats and Kittens

 

Prey Model Raw Diet (PMR)

81 to 82% muscle meat

5% liver

5% other secreting organ (brain, kidney, pancreas, spleen, testicles, thymus gland)

7% raw edible bones (raw meaty bone)

1% to 2% feathers, fur, herbs 

 

Kittens do NOT require a different raw component ratio than adult cats. 

1.5 When, How Much, How Often - Raw Feeding Puppies and Kittens

The following provides a generic guideline. Adjust as necessary to suit the individual animal's situation.

1.5.1 When To Start Your Puppy and Kitten on a Raw Diet

Six Weeks of Age

 

At six weeks of age your puppy and kitten should still be receiving their mother's milk. Offer a small amount of raw food as well.

 

Seven Weeks of Age

 

At seven weeks of age increase the amount of raw food offered to your puppy and kitten.

 

Eight Weeks of Age

 

At eight weeks of age your puppy and kitten should be completely on a raw diet.

 

1.5.2 How Much To Feed Your Puppy and Kitten

Your puppy and kitten should be fed 2.5% of their projected adult weight.

1.5.3 How Often To Feed Your Puppy and Kitten

Until your puppy and kitten reach 6 months of age, they should receive three meals a day.  After six months of age your puppy and kitten should receive two meals per day.

1.6 How Much, How Often - Raw Feeding Adult Dog and Cats

 

The following provides a generic guideline. Adjust as necessary to suit the individual animal's situation.

1.6.1 How Much to Feed Your Adult Dog and Cat

Very Active Dogs and Cats 

 

If your dog or cat is currently a good body weight and very active, feed:

• 2.5% of the current body weight.

 

Dogs and Cats That Are A Good Body Weight and Moderately Active

 

If your dog or cat is a good body weight and moderately active, feed:

• 2.0% of the current body weight.

 

Underweight Dogs and Cats

 

If your dog or cat is underweight, feed:

• Between 2.5% and 3.5% of the current body weight.

 

Dogs and Cats That Are Overweight

Of your dog or cat is overweight, feed:

• 1.5% of the current body weight.

 

1.6.2 How Often To Feed Your Adult Dog and Cat

Two Meals Per Day

 

In general most adult dogs do very well on two meals per day. 

 

One Meal Per Day

 

Some dogs do well on one meal per day.

 

Examples of some of the exceptions:

1. If your dog has an inherited or aquired pre-disposition for bloat you should NOT feed one meal per day.
2. If your dog has an inherited or aquired pre-disposition for hypoglycemia you should NOT feed one meal per day.
   

Three to Six Meals Per Day

 

Due to specific temporary or long-term health issues or conditions some dogs and cats require three to six meals per day.

1.7 Example Raw or Gently Cooked and Fresh Food Recipe

For an example of a raw or gently cooked and fresh food recipe:

• Go to this article.

 

1.8 A Mythical Beast - Species Appropriate Dry Food and Wet Food Diets

Dry food and wet food diets for dogs and cats cannot be species appropriate. Find out why:

• Go to this article.

 

2.0 Species Appropriate Fresh Whole Foods and Raw Food Dietary Components For Dogs, Puppies, Cats and Kittens

2.1 Animal Protein Types for Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten 

Muscle meat, organs and raw meaty bones are the primary components of a dog, puppy, cat and kitten's species appropriate diet. 

 

2.1.1 Small and Large Prey Animal Protein Types

a partial list:

Antelope

Alpaca

Beaver

Beef
Bison
Deer 

Lamb

Llama 

Mice

Muskrat

Goat

Pig

Rabbit

Squirrel
Venison

Wild boar

Zebra

Other small pray, and large pray animals.

Fish and Shellfish (see further below)
 

2.1.2 Poultry, Birds, Fowl

A partial list:

Chicken
Duck
Emu

Pheasant

Pigeon

Quail
Turkey

etc.
 

Note:

1. For best nutritional value choose free range, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, pastured or organic.
2. Fresh not previously frozen muscle meat, organs should be placed in the freezer for a minimum of 21 days prior to serving raw to your dog or cat. 

2.1.3 Fish (wild-caught)

A partial list:

Anchovies

Herring

Mackerel

Salmon

Sardines (pilchards)

Smelt

Sprats etc. 

More, go here.

Learn how to:

1. Select the best fish for your dog and cat.
   
2. How to prepare fish and how much to include.
   
3. Recipes.
   

Go to this article. 

 

Note:

1. Fresh not previously frozen fish should be placed in the freezer for a minimum of 21 days prior to serving raw to your dog or cat.

 

2.1.4 Shellfish (wild-caught)

Appropriate Shellfish

1. Crab
2. Green Lipped Mussels
3. Lobster
   
4. Prawns
5. Shrimp

Prawns and shrimp are best served with the shell on (not peeled).  The shell contains health supporting components including:

1. Astaxanthin
2. Calcium carbonate
3. Chitin
4. Glucosamine
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
6. Protein

Green Lipped Mussels, learn more about the health benefits of green lipped mussels:

1. Go to this article.

How To Serve Shellfish To Your Dog and Cat

 

Raw Shellfish

1.  If serving shellfish raw make sure you follow the preparation instructions in this article.

Cooked Shellfish

1. Steam for 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Allow to cool.
3. Serve or freeze for use later.
   

A Supplemental Food

1. Shellfish is a supplemental food item, it is not a main dietary component.
2. Serving amounts are discussed just below.
   

General Serving Guidelines

 

Green Lipped Mussels

raw, steamed, dehydrated or freeze dried

 

X-Small Dogs and Cats - 2 lbs to 10 lbs 

1/8 mussel per day. 

 

Small Dogs and Large Cats - 11 lbs to 19 lbs

1/4 mussel per day. 

 

Medium Dogs - 20 lbs to 39 lbs

1/2 to 1 mussel per day. 

 

Large Dogs - 40 lbs to 79 lbs 

1 to 2 mussels per day. 

 

X-Large Dogs - 80 lbs+ 

2 to 4 mussels per day.

Shrimp or Prawn

raw, steamed, dehydrated or freeze dried

 

X-Small Dogs - 2 lbs to 10 lbs 

1/4 to 1/2 small shrimp per day. 

 

Small Dogs - 11 lbs to 19 lbs

1/2 to 1 small shrimp per day. 

 

Medium Dogs - 20 lbs to 39 lbs

1 to 2 small shrimp per day. 

 

Large Dogs - 40 lbs to 79 lbs 

2 to 3 small shrimp per day. 

 

X-Large Dogs - 80 lbs+ 

3 to 4 small shrimp per day.

 

2.1.5 Raw Meaty Bones for Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten

Raw meaty bones are an essential component of a species appropriate diet for your dog, puppy, cat and kitten.

 

Learn about raw meaty bones (RMB) for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens:

1. List of appropriate raw meaty bones for puppies, dogs, kittens and cats.
2. Nutritional value of raw meaty bones.
3. Health benefits.
4. Important tips...

Raw Meaty Bones For Puppies and Dogs:

• Go to this article

Raw Meaty Bones For Kittens and Cats:

• Go to this article.

 

2.1.6 Eggs For Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten

.1 List of Appropriate Eggs and Nutritional Value.

• Go to this article.

.2 How to Include Egg in Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten's Diet

  

Learn how to include eggs in your companion animal's diet:

1. Serving guidelines.
2. How much to give your dog and cat.
   
3. Recipes.

Go to this article.

 

.3 How To Select The Best Eggs

• Go to this article.

.4 Myths and Truths About Biotin, Salmonella, Chemical Washing of Eggs

• Go to this article.

2.1.7. Dairy For Your Dog, Puppy, Cat and Kitten

Appropriate Dairy Choices for Dogs, Puppies, Cats and Kittens

1. Goat milk
   
2. Kefir  
3. Yogurt 
4. Natural Cheese 

Learn about dairy for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens:

1. How to select appropriate products.
2. Serving recommendations.
3. Recipes. 

Go to this article.

 

Smoothie Recipes for Dogs and Puppies

Made with raw goat milk, kefir or yogurt, fruit, greens and herbs. For the:

1. Recipes.
2. Serving recommendations.

Go to this article.

 

 

2.1.8 Animal Protein Types Important Notes and Cautions

 

.1 Don't Feed Other Carnivores (whole or parts) to Your Dog or Cat

Other carnivores (e.g. alligator, crocodile, cougar, coyote, fox, lion, wolf, etc. ) are not an appropriate food for your domesticated dog and cat. While bear consume a lot of plant material, they also prey on other animals, therefore bear are in the same category as the other carnivores noted just above.

Dogs and cats (domesticated pets and working dogs) ancestral diet is a herbivore based diet NOT a carnivore based diet.

The higher up a life form is in the natural food chain the greater the biomagnification, the more toxins ingested in the diet. 

 

For example, most plants are at the bottom of the food chain, surviving on energy from the e.g. the sun and water to grow and live. Exposure to environmental toxins are significantly less than life forms in the upper to top level of the natural food chain. The higher in the food chain the greater the exposure to toxins.

 

The second lowest rung on the food chain is represented by herbivores, their natural diet is plants. For example rabbits, mice, muskrat, deer, buffalo, caribou, etc.

The next level are smaller carnivores such as smaller birds of prey, fox etc. their natural diet consists primarily of small prey animals e.g. mice, rats, small birds that eat only grasses, insects, etc. Toxins in the environment ( e.g. heavy metals, concentrations of human-made synthetic chemicals, naturally occurring radioactive substances) ingested and otherwise acquired by these animal and their prey is greater than that of plants.

 

Next on the food chain larger carnivores such as coyotes, wolves, their natural diet consists primarily of small and larger herbivores. As one goes up in the food chain the diet consists of animals that consume other animals, and the more toxins ingested.

Larger carnivores occupy the highest levels of the food chain. These animals eat larger animals, that have eaten smaller animals that ate plants. The toxic accumulation in animals (e.g. bear, shark, lions, etc.) is far greater than small prey animals (e.g. mice, rabbit).

When you feed carnivores to your dog or cat, you are not feeding your animal a species appropriate dietary component and are greatly increasing your pet's exposure to health-harming toxins.

 

.2 Optimal Nutritional Value

 

While not always possible to do, it is important to note, for best nutritional value choose grass fed, pasture raised animals, the second best choice is organic sourced animal protein.

 

Learn more about:

1. Go to this article.

 
 .3 Important Preparation Instructions

 

Take this important precaution to prevent trichinosis, and other parasitic infection when feeding your dog or cat raw food (muscle meat, organs, bone etc.) from domestic animals wild game, fish and shellfish.

 

Fresh not previously frozen whole prey or parts thereof (e.g. muscle meat, organs, bones, fat, etc.) should be placed in the freezer for a minimum of 21 days prior to serving raw to your dog or cat.

Learn more:

1. Go to this article.

 

2.2 Tree Nuts and Seeds for Dogs and Puppies

2.2.1 Seeds and Tree Nuts For Your Dog and Puppy

1. Seeds

Chia or saba chia seeds - whole or ground
Flax seed - brown or golden, use ground flax seed as opposed to whole flax seed
Hemp seed hearts
Sesame seeds

Pumpkin seeds 

Watermelon seeds

Winter squash seeds
 

Note:

1. Seeds should be fresh, finely ground and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
   
2. Never give stale or mouldy seeds to your dog.
   

Learn more about seeds for your dog here.

 

2. Tree Nuts

A partial list

Almonds

American Chestnuts (cooked not raw)

Coconut

Brazil nuts

Cashews

Hazelnuts

Pecans

Pine Nuts

Pistachios (raw, natural, not dyed)

Sachi Inchi Nuts

Walnuts

Water Chestnuts

 

Note:

1. Nuts should be fresh, finely chopped or ground and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
   
2. Never give stale or mouldy nuts to your dog. 
3. Never give macadamia nuts to your dog.
   
4. Do NOT give your dog peanuts or peanut butter.

2.3 Greens, Vegetables, Mushrooms, Seaweed, Root Vegetables and Fruit for Dogs and Puppies

2.3.1 Health Benefits of Greens, Vegetables and Fruit for Your Dog and Puppy

Many people think that vegetables, dark leafy greens and fruit will cause a puppy or dog to experience diarrhea. In actual fact high quality soluble fibre helps prevent diarrhea and constipation. 
 

Soluble fibres attract water and form a gel, which slows down digestion thereby delaying the emptying of the stomach and makes a dog feel full, which helps control hunger and weight. Slower stomach emptying can also have a beneficial affect on controlling blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, which helps control diabetes. Apples, oranges, pears, berries, cucumbers, celery, and carrots are examples of fruits and vegetables that provide soluble fibres.

Insoluble fibres are gastrointestinal tract (GI Tract) friendly. They add bulk to the diet and help prevent constipation. Insoluble fibres do not dissolve in water, so they pass (through the GI tract) mostly intact, speeding up the passage of food and waste. Species appropriate sources of insoluble fibres are mainly found in zucchini, celery, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, dark leafy vegetables, fruit, and root vegetable skins.

Fruit, greens and veggies provide your dog and puppy with:

1. Vital antioxidants to support overall health soluble and insoluble fibre.
2. Vitamins and minerals.
3.  Soluble and insoluble fiber
   

Fresh fruit, greens and vegetables help your puppy and dog in multiple ways, for example:

• Boost the immune system.
• Eliminate toxins in the body.
  
• Keep organs, eyes, teeth etc. healthy.
• Support joint health.
  
• Prevent colon cancer.
• Reduce risk of developing heart and vascular problems, stroke and cancer.
• Prevent and reduce risk of inflamed, impacted, infected anal glands.
• Oral health.

In the wild, dogs, coyotes and wolves self-select fruits, greens, vegetables and herbs to support health and self-medicate. 

  

The fruits and vegetables that I give to my dogs on a daily basis vary a little depending on the season and their individual preferences. Learn about self-selection in this article.

 

The following provides a partial list of fruits, greens and vegetables that are good for dogs.

 

2.3.2 Fruit for Dogs and Puppies

A partial list:
Acai berry

Apples (remove the seeds)
Apricots
Avocado
Bananas
Blackberries
Black current

Blueberries
Cactus fruit (prickly pear)

Cantaloupe
Canary Melon
Cherries (remove the pit)
Clementines

Crab apples (crabapples)
Cranberries
Dragon fruit

Fig (fresh)

Gac Fruit

Grapefruit
Golden berry

Goji Berry (if your dog is on medications check for drug interactions)
Guava

Honeydew Melon
Kiwi

Korean melon
Loquat

Longan

Lychee

Mango (remove the pit)
Mangosteen

Mulberry

Nectarines (remove the pit)
Oranges
Papaya

Passion fruit
Pawpaw

Peaches (remove the pit)
Pears (remove the seeds)
Persimmons
Pineapple
Plums

Pomegranate
Quince

Raspberries

Red current

Salmonberry

Santa claus melon
Strawberries
Tamarillo

Thimbleberry
Tomatoes
Watermelon
Yuzu fruit

2.3.3 Leafy Greens and Vegetables for Dogs and Puppies

 

A partial list:
Asparagus
Broccoli 
Broccoli Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celery
Clover sprouts
Chicory
Cucumber
Fennel
Green beans - should not represent more than 1% of the daily food intake, learn why here.
Kohlrabi
Leafy greens 

- basil

- beet greens

- carrot tops

- cilantro 

- dandelion leaves and flowers

- green or red leaf lettuce

- fennel tops

- frizzy lettuce

- mustard greens

- parsley 

- parsnip tops

- radicchio

- romaine

- spinach
Tomatoes
Squash - various types of winter squash.
Sweet Peppers - green, yellow, orange and red, purple, etc.
Pumpkin
Okra
Zucchini

 

 

2.3.4 Mushrooms for Dogs and Puppies

 

For a:

1. List of dog-safe mushrooms.
2. Mushroom broth recipe for dogs.

Go to this article.

 

 

2.3.5 Seaweed (Seaplants) for Dogs and Puppies

 

A partial list:

Bladderwrack

Chlorella

Dulce

Kelp

Spirlulina

etc. 

2.3.6 Root Vegetables for Dogs and Puppies

 

Beets (garden beets NOT sugar beets)
Carrots
Celeriac (celery root)

Fennel bulb
Garlic

Ginger

Parsnips

Radish

Rutabaga

Turmeric

Turnip

3.0 How To Include Fresh Plant Material in Your Dog and Puppy's Diet

3.1 How to Ensure Maximum Absorption of Nutrients

To make sure your dog and puppy receive the full benefit of nutrients from fresh fruit and vegetables you need to understand a little about the difference between a dog's and a human's GI Tract.

.1 Optimize The Absorption of Nutrients

Dogs have a shorter intestine than humans

 

This means food moves through your dog's GI  tract faster than it moves through yours.  

 

To ensure your dog's digestive system has the opportunity to absorb the maximum amount of nutrients from vegetables and fruit it's important to break down plant material cell walls for your dog.  See preparation instructions just below.

 

.2 Preparation Instructions 

To break down cell walls for maximum digestion, increase antioxidants and reduce goitrogens:

1. Finely chop fresh fruit, greens and vegetables by hand or with a food processor. 
2. Asparagus, Swiss chard - lightly steam, then puree.
   
3. Cruciferous veggies (i.e. broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, etc.) should be lightly steamed then puree:
   
1. Destroys goitrogens, a natural compound that can cause thyroid issues.
2. Increases beneficial antioxidant levels.
   
4. Pumpkin and other winter squash (acorn squash, butternut squash, etc.), turnip, rutabaga - steam until soft, then puree.
5. Freezing also helps breakdown cell walls.

Serve with your dog or puppy's meal or in a smoothie. Your dog's species appropriate food or dairy-cased smoothie contains healthy fats that help your dog and puppy's body absorb fat soluble antioxidants from the plant materials.

The photo above is a freshly pureed batch of fruits and vegetables for my my own dogs. I make a large batch to last 20 to 30 days. I package and freeze the puree into daily portions. 

 

3.2 How Much Should You Add to Your Dog and Puppy's Daily Diet?

A general guideline for your dog and puppy's daily diet:

• Up to 3% fruit content.
  
• Up to 10% to 20% vegetable content.
  

The 'right' amount of vegetables, greens and fruit depends on the individual dog's personal circumstances. For example:

1. Health, health issues and conditions.
2. Your dog's preferences.
   

For my clients' dogs and my own dogs each vegetable, green and fruit component I select is chosen to suit the individual dog's requirements.

 

Never force your dog or puppy to consume food items she self-indicates she does not want. 

 

Learn more about your dog and puppy's ability to self-select and self-decline food items in this article.

 

 

Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat

For information about my holistic diet, nutrition and wellness services, visit my holistic wellness services page.

Maintain good health | Address acute and chronic health issues | Pre and post surgery support and recovery

My holistic wellness services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

To set-up your holistic wellness consultation get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page.

 

Holistic Behavioral Services for Your Dog

For information about my holistic behavioral services, visit my holistic behavioral services page.

For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.

My behavioral services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

To set-up your holistic behavioral session get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page. 

 

Affiliations to Companies  

✓ None. 

✓ I don't sell food, supplements, or other products.

✓ I'm not aligned with any companies. 

 

Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld.