Muscle meat is the primary component of a raw diet and is essential for a complete and balanced diet

Boneless Muscle Meat: 

The primary ingredient is boneless muscle meat. One of the easiest and most obvious ingredients for meat includes boneless muscle meat. Raw, boneless muscle meat is the main source of protein in raw diets. Muscle meat is further segmented into white and red meat. The classification of white and red meat is based on the type of fibers muscle tissue is made of. There are fast twitch (white meat) and slow twitch (red meat) muscle fibers.

Raw Animal Fat: 

Raw animal fat is included in the muscle meat category. In addition to boneless muscle meat, raw animal fat falls under the meat category in raw diets. Dogs require fat for sufficient levels of energy for physical activity and metabolic processes.

Animal Tongue: 

Animal tongues are a source of boneless muscle meat and raw animal fat. The tongue of an animal is one large muscle and can be fed as boneless muscle meat for protein and raw fat. In addition to providing protein, raw tongue is fatty muscle meat with a 1:1 protein to fat ratio.

Heart: 

The heart is a muscular organ and is fed as muscle meat in raw diets. Often classified as an organ, raw heart is a muscular organ and is fed as a lean muscle meat in raw diets. Out of the meat category, it is recommended that 10-15% includes raw heart. Raw heart provides protein but contains high levels of B vitamins and minerals.

Green Tripe: 

Unbleached, green tripe is the stomach muscle lining in ruminant animals. Green tripe is the stomach lining of ruminant animals such as cattle, lamb, and goats. Green tripe has a 1:1 balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio and is a good source of manganese!

Lungs: 

Lungs are a muscular organ and are fed as muscle meat in raw diets. Like raw heart, raw lungs are often considered as an organ but are a muscular organ and is fed as lean muscle meat in raw diets. Raw lungs are a good source of protein, selenium, and iron,

Gizzards: 

Gizzards are the mechanical stomach in poultry and fowl animals. The gizzard (giblet) is the mechanical stomach of poultry and fowl birds. They are fed as boneless lean muscle meat in raw diets as a source of protein but are not a crucial ingredient to creating a balanced diet. However, gizzards are relatively inexpensive and easy to source, which is useful to maintain lower monthly budget costs.

Connective Tissues: 

Cartilage, tendons, and other connective tissues are fed as muscle meat. Many pet parents are familiar with dehydrated pig ears sold in pet stores, but these items provide a benefit in raw diets! Like dehydrated ears – raw trachea, gullets, and ears are primarily cartilage which provides high amounts of dietary chondroitin for joint support. Chondroitin is one of the main building blocks of cartilage in joints. Therefore, dogs and cats with joint issues benefit from diets that include foods with cartilage. Pizzle (penis) is the reproductive muscle in male animals and is fed as lean muscle meat in raw diets as a source of protein but are not a crucial ingredient to creating a balanced diet. Small tendons are often included in boneless muscle meat and raw meaty bones (RMB) because they are the connective tissues holding joints together and muscles onto bones. Tendons are another beneficial food source for pets with joint issues because tendons are a good source of collagen!

Raw diets have a requirement for raw edible bone to provide essential calcium. Dogs and cats have calcium requirements for optimal health. Feeding raw meaty bones fulfills these needs.

Raw meaty bones are edible bone covered in raw muscle meat and connective tissues. Bones are essential in a raw diet to provide necessary calcium and other nutrients which play a vital role in creating firm stool, but it is important to only feed raw meaty bones safe for consumption.

Wings: 

Raw wings from chicken and duck proteins are a great raw meaty bone for raw diets.

Necks: 

Chicken, turkey, and duck necks are excellent raw meaty bone options to include in raw diets to meet edible bone requirements. Raw necks are a good raw meaty bone to promote teeth cleaning from chewing.

Feet: 

Raw feet from chicken and duck are smaller raw meaty bones but can be fed to all pets. Raw feet have a high amount of ligaments and connective tissues which is a great source of naturally occurring collagen and chondroitin.

Frames: 

Chicken and duck frames are intact ribs and backs with the breast meat removed. These raw meaty bones are high in bone content but can be stuffed with boneless muscle meat and organs.

Ribs: 

Pork, lamb, and goat ribs are raw meaty bones safe for medium to giant breeds. Singular rib bones are a choking hazard, and it is recommended to feed ribs in groups. Ribs should be fed in groups of 2-3 ribs versus singular bones.

Tails: 

Pork, lamb, and goat tails are raw meaty bones suitable for all dog sizes. These raw meaty bones are soft enough to be fed to smaller dogs in smaller portion sizes as well as larger dogs.

Liver is known to be one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A assists in digestion, keeps reproductive organs healthy, and is a powerful antioxidant. Liver is also a great source of folic acid, B vitamins, iron, and copper.

Since liver is very high in vitamin A, it is recommended not to feed over 5% liver in the diet. The 5% liver ratio provides more than recommended allowance for vitamin A. Increasing the amount of liver beyond 5% can provide too much vitamin A in the diet.

Organs are an important component of raw diets to provide essential nutrients. Secreting organs help achieve nutritional balance. It is recommended to feed 5% secreting organ. Secreting organs are the most nutrient dense part of an animal where they have many vital biological functions for life.

Compared to regular cuts of meat, organs are densely packed with just about every nutrient. This includes heavy doses of B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and B12). Organ meats are also loaded with minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium. They also provide important fat-soluble vitamin A and small amounts of vitamin D.

Kidney: 

Kidney is the most commonly known other organ included in raw diet and it is concentrated in selenium and provides a wide variety of B vitamins. Kidney, specifically beef kidney, is a better source of vitamin D in comparison to the other organ options.

Spleen: 

Spleen is concentrated in iron and particularly high in the amino acid tryptophan. The high amounts of iron present in spleen makes it a beneficial organ to include in raw diets for developing puppies.

Pancreas: 

Although the pancreas organ is not concentrated in minerals and vitamins in comparison to other organs, the pancreas organ has other benefits outside of providing essential nutrients. Pancreas organ provides digestive enzymes which proves beneficial to add to raw diets for pets with a sensitive digestive system.

Brain: 

Brain is virtually a 1:1 protein to fat ratio and the fatty acid content in raw brains is what makes them special. Raw brain is a source of DHA and proves as a beneficial animal-based ingredient for pets who cannot consume fish or shellfish ingredients for fatty acids.

Thymus: 

Although the thymus organ is not concentrated in minerals and vitamins in comparison to other organs, the thymus organ has other benefits outside of providing essential nutrients. Thymus organ provides hormones which aid in immune function

Testicles: 

Testicles are often labeled as “Rocky Mountain Oysters,” but are not to be confused with actual oysters. Testicles provide a wide variety of B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12.

The addition of vegetables provides essential nutrients, beneficial phytonutrients, soluble and insoluble fiber to a raw diet for dogs. Vegetables prove useful to complete nutritional holes in diets without the frequent use of whole prey.

Although dogs do not require vegetables for essential nutrients, adding plant ingredients to raw diets proves beneficial. Since dogs lack the jaw structure to grind plant matter and the salivary enzymes to begin carbohydrate digestion in the mouth, all vegetables must be prepared for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption

Carbohydrates: 

The carbohydrate macronutrient include starches, fiber, and sugars.

Phytonutrients: 

Vegetables provide beneficial phytonutrients to support optimal health.

Low Glycemic Vegetables: 

Low glycemic vegetables do not contain starches but are high in fiber.

Starchy Vegetables: 

Starchy carbohydrates have higher amounts of sugar to supply the body with energy.

Carbohydrates:

There are three major macronutrients in food: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The term carbohydrate is all encompassing of different carbohydrate types such as starch, fiber, and sugar.

Fiber: 

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is resistant to enzymatic digestion in the stomach and small intestine. The fiber is transported to the colon where it is fermented by the intestinal flora. Fiber fermentation promotes the creation of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) which is ideal for maintaining a healthy colon. Additionally, this fiber fermentation promotes the synthesization of vitamin K!

Starch: 

Starch is a complex carbohydrate consisting of a large number of glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds. Starch is metabolized into individual glucose molecules after enzymatic digestion and is used as a source of energy. In order for starches to be enzymatically digested and utilized for energy, they must be thoroughly cooked prior to feeding. Otherwise the starch becomes resistant to enzymatic digestion and is fermented in the colon.

Sugar: 

Sugar is another form of carbohydrate and it is present in many forms, including glucose. Sugar is naturally occurring in vegetables but the concentration of sugar is dependent on the type of vegetable. In general, starchy vegetables have higher sugar levels than low glycemic vegetables.

Phytonutrients:

Phytonutrients are chemical compounds naturally created by plants to ward off predators, parasites, and disease. These nutrients are not considered essential nutrients for optimal health. However, phytochemicals help maintain optimal canine health and are beneficial for specific conditions.

Red: The bright and vibrant red hue of many vegetables is due to lycopene and anthocyanins. Both are powerful carotenoids known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits against free radicals. Options include tomatoes, red bell pepper, and radishes.

Orange and Yellow: Beta-carotene is another widely studied carotenoid found in yellow and orange pigmented vegetables. Beta-carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A as the body must convert it to retinol, it’s usable form in the body. However, dogs have a very low conversion rate and cats are unable to convert beta-carotene to retinol. Options include carrots, sweet potato, winter squash, summer squash, and yellow/orange sweet peppers.

Green: Green fruits and vegetables are rich in lutein, isothiocyanates, and isoflavones. Dark leafy greens, such as kale, contain over 50 phytonutrients including kaempferol and quercetin. Kaempferol is an antioxidant shown to protect the body against cancer-promoting free radicals and quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid also shown to protect the body against free radicals. Options include kale, spinach, chard, asparagus, broccoli, snap beans, zucchini, avocado, bok choy, and cucumber.

Blue and Purple: Blue and purple produce are rich in phytonutrients, including anthocyanins and resveratrol, and have been studied extensively for their anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. Anthocyanins act as a powerful antioxidant protecting cells from damage. Many red and pink vegetables are also rich in anthocyanins; but the darker the blue/purple hue, the higher the phytochemical concentration. Options include beets, chard stems, and eggplant.

White: White and brown produce may not be deeply pigmented in vibrant colors as other vegetables, but they still have phytonutrients. Like broccoli, cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable rich in an anti-cancer compound called sulforaphane. Garlic is in the allium family of vegetables where it contains the powerful anti-microbial compounds from allicin and anti-inflammatory compounds from quercetin. Options include garlic, mushrooms, ginger, turnip, and cauliflower.

Low Glycemic Vegetables:

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrate foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels. Vegetables with a low GI value (55 or less) are more slowly digested, absorbed, and metabolized. Low glycemic vegetables cause a lower and slower rise in blood glucose, which means lower insulin levels. Low glycemic vegetables are beneficial for many of their phytonutrient benefits as well as the addition of fiber. Many raw diets are lacking fiber which promotes a healthy colon and firm stool consistency.

Spinach: One of the most common leafy greens incorporated in raw diets is spinach. Spinach is high in fiber, low in carbohydrates, and does not have any starch or sugar. This leafy green is high in magnesium, folate, and manganese.

Kale: Another nutritious leafy green high in fiber, low in carbohydrates, and has zero starches and sugar is kale. This vegetable is jam-packed with beneficial phytonutrients as well as essential nutrients beneficial for optimal health. Kale is high in Vitamin K, folate, and Vitamin C.

Microgreens (Alfalfa): Microgreens from a variety of seeds are highly nutritious and are not to be confused with sprouts. Microgreens are young green vegetables approximately 1-3 inches tall harvested between 7 and 21 days of germination. Whereas sprouts are freshly germinated seeds that do not have any green leaves. Microgreens’ nutrient content is concentrated, which means they often contain higher vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant levels than the same quantity of mature greens.

Starchy Vegetables:

Starchy vegetables are complex carbohydrates containing starch units which ultimately means a higher glycemic index. They have the potential to raise blood glucose at a faster rate and are also higher in calories than non-starchy vegetables. Lower fat diets require an additional energy source and starchy vegetables prove useful for dogs who cannot tolerate high-fat diets. Starch is metabolized into glucose for the body to utilize as a source of energy when high fats cannot be fed.

Butternut Squash: Winter squash such as Butternut Squash has a low glycemic index in comparison to other starchy vegetables. Although its GI is lower than 55, Butternut Squash does contain higher amounts of sugar and carbohydrates in comparison to leafy greens.

Beets: Beetroot has a moderate level of starch and carbohydrates in comparison to other vegetables. In addition to providing starch for energy, beetroot is particularly high in folate, magnesium, and potassium.

Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are high on the glycemic index chart due to the amount of starches present. Do not feed this starchy vegetable raw due to the presence of trypsin inhibitors which negatively affects protein digestion. Fully cooking sweet potatoes eliminates this risk.

Preparation Methods:

Carnivores do not have the essential tools to properly breakdown and digest plant matter in comparison to omnivores. Dogs do not have salivary enzymes to start carbohydrate digestion in their mouth and their jaw structure does not allow grinding motions to pulverize plant ingredients through chewing. However, dogs do produce pancreatic enzymes for carbohydrate and starch digestion. Since dogs are unable to grind plant ingredients in their mouth and do not produce salivary enzymes to begin starch digestion in their mouth, it is recommended to process vegetables to allow for optimal enzymatic digestion. Puree, ferment, steam, or boil vegetables for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.

Puree Raw:  A veggie blend is an easy way to prepare all vegetables, seeds, and fruit into a single mixture to portion into meals. The veggie blend can then be stored in containers for scoop and feed, or the blend can be portioned into frozen serving sizes. Silicone molds or ice cube trays are excellent methods for frozen veggie cubes which provide an easy prep option. Many raw feeders use silicone paw print or bone molds.

Ferment: Fermented foods is a way to provide naturally occurring probiotics through fresh food versus man-made supplements. Fermented veggies provide soil-based probiotics and digestive enzymes jam-packed in the “predigested” plant material. Dogs not only benefit from beneficial bacteria to support healthy gut flora, but the act of fermenting also enhances the nutrients in vegetables and the nutrients become more bioavailable for absorption.

Steam, Bake, or Boil: Starchy vegetables must be fully cooked prior to feeding in order for dogs to get the benefit of the nutrients and glucose for energy. There are multiple methods that can be used to cook starchy vegetables. Baking, boiling, and steaming are three methods to cook starchy vegetables. The method selected does not matter as long as the vegetable is thoroughly cooked prior to feeding.

The addition of seeds and nuts provides essential nutrients, beneficial phytonutrients, soluble and insoluble fiber to a raw diet for dogs. Seeds and nuts prove useful to complete nutritional holes in diets without the frequent use of whole prey. Adding raw seeds to a dog’s diet provides many benefits and essential nutrients useful to complete a balanced diet. There are many seeds dogs can eat. However, it is important to feed them in moderation and prepare them for optimal digestion.

Out of the plant ingredients ratio in BARF, it is recommended to feed seeds and/or nuts for their fatty acid, vitamin, and mineral benefits. Overall, 2% of the diet is a good starting ratio to include raw seeds and nuts. 

Hemp Seed Hearts: Hemp seed hearts are incredibly nutritious for dogs. These little seeds pack a nutritional punch and are jam-packed with essential nutrients. Hemp seed hearts provide essential fatty acids gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is useful to balance the fatty acids within a raw diet.

Sunflower Seeds: Another beneficial seed to feed to dogs is raw sunflower seeds. These seeds do provide essential fatty acids but provide linoleic acid (LA). The Vitamin E content within sunflower seeds is what makes them beneficial to a raw diet. Many raw diets are often lacking in fat-soluble Vitamin E, and sunflower seeds are a great whole food source of the essential nutrient.

Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are another seed option beneficial to add to a raw diet for dogs. These seeds are high in essential fatty acids but provide a different fatty acid profile in comparison to hemp seed hearts. Pumpkin seeds are high in linoleic fatty acid (LA) and lower in alpha-linoleic (ALA) fatty acids. In addition to pumpkin seed’s fatty acid content, they provide high levels of magnesium, manganese, and tryptophan

Toxic Seeds: Many seeds are safe to feed dogs but should be fed in moderation. However, do not feed the seeds and pits from fruits such as apples, cherries, avocados, peaches, plums, etc. These seeds and pits are known to cause toxicity in dogs and cause intestinal blockage.

Nuts:

Like raw seeds, adding raw nuts to a dog’s diet provides many benefits and essential nutrients useful to complete a balanced diet. There are many nuts dogs can eat. However, it is important to feed them in moderation and prepare them for optimal digestion.

Almonds: Raw almonds are beneficial to feed to dogs in a raw diet. Like seeds, nuts provide essential fatty acids but almonds are high in fat-soluble Vitamin E. Since many raw diets are lacking in Vitamin E, adding in raw almonds are a great whole food source of the essential nutrient.

Brazil Nuts: What makes Brazil nuts special is their concentrated amounts of selenium. One ounce (28.35 grams) of raw brazil nuts provides over 6% of an adult dog’s requirement for selenium. Therefore, a little goes a long way.

Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are another nut option that is beneficial to add to a raw diet for dogs. These nuts are another option to include essential manganese and zinc minerals. Additionally, they provide lutein carotenoid which is beneficial to eye health!

Toxic Nuts: Many nuts are safe to feed dogs but should be fed in moderation. However, do not feed Macadamia nuts and Black Walnuts. These are known to be toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Additionally, if an individual has a nut allergy they should take extreme caution if they decide to feed raw nuts, it may be best to avoid entirely in this instance.

Preparation Methods:

Raw seeds and nuts do not digest well and they need to be processed for optimal digestion.

Soak: Raw seeds and nuts contain phytic acid which is a precursor nutrient to phosphorous. Phytic acid inhibits nutrient absorption when ingested. Soaking seeds and nuts reduces the phytic acid levels to allow for nutrient absorption. Add raw seeds or nuts in a container with lightly salted water (1/4tsp per 1/2 quart of filtered water). Add enough water to cover all seeds/nuts.

Strain and Wash: Strain the seeds/nuts after soaking in water for 12-24 hours. Lightly rinse the seeds after straining from the water they were soaking in. This step is to remove the water and phytic acid released in the soaking process. This water can be discarded; it will not be used in any further steps.

Chop and Grind: Place the soaked seeds/nuts in a food processor and grind until the seeds/nuts are completely and evenly ground. Chopping seeds and nuts promotes optimal digestion in dogs. Whole seeds and nuts often pass undigested in the stool.

Store: Place the ground, soaked seeds/nuts in a container and store them in the refrigerator. Only keep enough ground, soaked seeds/nuts for 7 days max and store any excess in the freezer. This is to prevent any unnecessary food spoilage.

The addition of fruit provides essential nutrients, beneficial antioxidants, soluble and insoluble fiber to a raw diet for dogs. Fruit, specifically berries, prove useful to fight against free radicals and prevent oxidation. It is recommended to provide 2-5% fruit in raw BARF model diets.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants are natural chemical compounds created by plants to protect themselves from the sun’s ultraviolet light and oxidation. These nutrients are not considered essential nutrients for optimal health. However, antioxidant help fight against free radicals and prevent oxidation to promote optimal health.

Red: The bright and vibrant red hue of many fruit is due to lycopene and anthocyanins. Both are powerful carotenoids known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits against free radicals. Options include strawberries, watermelon, and goji berries.

Orange and Yellow: Beta-carotene is another widely studied carotenoid found in yellow and orange pigmented vegetables. Beta-carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A as the body must convert it to retinol, it’s usable form in the body. However, dogs have a very low conversion rate and cats are unable to convert beta-carotene to retinol. Options include persimmons, apricots, and papaya.

Green: Green fruits are rich in lutein, isothiocyanates, and isoflavones which includes kaempferol and quercetin. Kaempferol is an antioxidant shown to protect the body against cancer-promoting free radicals and quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid also shown to protect the body against free radicals. Options include kiwi and honeydew melon.

Blue and Purple: Blue and purple produce are rich in phytonutrients, including anthocyanins and resveratrol, and have been studied extensively for their anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. Anthocyanins act as a powerful antioxidant protecting cells from damage. Many red and pink vegetables are also rich in anthocyanins; but the darker the blue/purple hue, the higher the phytochemical concentration. Options include blueberries, blackberries, and figs.

White: White and brown produce may not be deeply pigmented in vibrant colors as other vegetables, but they still have phytonutrients. Options include apples, dragon fruit, and lychee.

Additional Fruit Types:

Blueberries are one of the most common varieties and can be found in local grocery stores both fresh and frozen. They exert a protective effect on LDL and protect the cells from oxidation. Studies show blueberries have anti-carcinogenic properties.

Blackberries are very similar to blueberries but are less common in grocery stores and may only be sold when in season. Wild blackberries are three to five times higher in polyphenols (antioxidants) in comparison to farm grown blackberries!

Cranberries are another berry safe to add into a dogs raw diet but are typically sold only in the fall when they are in season. Cranberries are very high in vitamin C and may help prevent urinary tract infections.

Strawberries, fresh and frozen, are often available year around in local grocery stores. Strawberries are jam packed with vitamin C and provides more vitamin C than an orange!

Preparation Methods:

Although carnivores do not have the essential tools to properly breakdown and digest plant matter in comparison to omnivores, fruit do not have any specific preparation methods. Fruits, specifically berries, are high in water and are easily digested when fed as is. 

The BARF model diet includes a 2%-5% ratio for the inclusion of fruit in a dog’s raw diet. Fruits, particularly berries, are a whole food that provides beneficial antioxidants which fight against free radicals, prevents oxidation, and promotes optimal health.