Homemade Raw Dog Food Recipes Guide

Homemade raw dog food recipes are meals made from uncooked muscle meat, raw edible bones, organs, and small amounts of vegetables, designed to mimic a dog’s ancestral diet. When balanced correctly and handled safely, raw feeding can provide high protein, natural fats, and essential minerals.

This guide shares three beginner-friendly raw dog food recipes, along with safe feeding ratios, storage tips, and portion guidance for dog owners in the USA.

Important: Raw feeding should always be discussed with your veterinarian, especially for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with medical conditions.

Is Raw Dog Food Safe?

Raw diets can be safe when:

• Meat is fresh and handled properly

• Raw bones are edible and never cooked

• Meals follow correct nutritional ratios

• Bowls, surfaces, and hands are cleaned thoroughly

Raw meat can carry bacteria such as Salmonella. Always wash hands, sanitize surfaces, and freeze meat if parasite risk is a concern.

What Is the Proper Raw Feeding Ratio?

Most raw diets follow this basic balance:

• 70–80% muscle meat

• 10–15% raw edible bone

• 5–10% organ meat (half should be liver)

• Optional: small amounts of vegetables or supplements

Balance matters more than variety in the beginning. Start simple.

1. Turkey Raw Dog Food Blend (Beginner Friendly)

A mild protein that’s easy to digest.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey

• ½ lb raw turkey necks

• ¼ cup chicken liver

• 1 tbsp ground eggshell (if bone content is low)

• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree (optional)

Instructions

1. Place ground turkey in a mixing bowl.

2. Add turkey necks whole for chewers or grind for small dogs.

3. Chop liver finely and mix thoroughly.

4. Add eggshell powder if needed.

5. Mix pumpkin last.

6. Portion and serve fresh or freeze immediately.

2. Chicken Raw Dog Food Mix

Affordable and widely available.

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw chicken thighs (with bone)

• ¼ lb chicken hearts

• ½ cup finely grated carrot

• 1 tbsp fish oil

• 1 raw egg (optional)

Instructions

1. Chop chicken thighs into manageable pieces.

2. Add chopped chicken hearts.

3. Mix in grated carrot (small amount only).

4. Drizzle fish oil evenly.

5. Add egg if desired and mix gently.

Never cook bones. Serve raw only.

3. Beef Raw Diet Recipe

Higher-calorie option for active dogs.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

• ½ lb raw beef ribs (small, edible)

• ¼ cup beef kidney

• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed

• 1 tsp kelp powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Place ground beef in a bowl.

2. Add raw ribs whole or lightly ground.

3. Chop kidney finely and mix thoroughly.

4. Stir in flaxseed and optional kelp.

5. Portion and store immediately.

How Much Raw Food Should You Feed?

A common starting point is 2–3% of your dog’s body weight per day.

Examples

• 25 lb dog: 0.5–0.75 lb daily

• 50 lb dog: 1–1.5 lbs daily

Adjust based on:

• Activity level

• Body condition

• Age

Monitor weight weekly during transition.

How to Transition to Raw Food

Switch gradually over 7–10 days:

• Days 1–3: 25% raw + 75% current food

• Days 4–6: 50% raw

• Days 7–9: 75% raw

• Day 10+: Fully raw

Watch for loose stool and slow down if needed.

Storage and Safety Guidelines

• Refrigerate raw food up to 48 hours

• Freeze portions up to 3 months

• Thaw in the refrigerator, not on the counter

• Wash bowls after every meal

• Never feed cooked bones

Food safety protects both dogs and humans.

Common Raw Feeding Mistakes

• Feeding too much liver

• Ignoring calcium balance

• Using cooked bones

• Not rotating proteins over time

• Skipping veterinary guidance

Balanced meals prevent deficiencies.

Ingredient Benefits

• Muscle Meat: High protein for energy and muscle maintenance

• Raw Bones: Natural calcium and phosphorus

• Organs: Rich in vitamins A, B, and iron

• Fish Oil: Omega-3 support for joints and coat

• Vegetables (small amounts): Fiber support

Who Should Avoid Raw Feeding?

Consult your veterinarian before starting if your dog:

• Has a weakened immune system

• Is elderly or very young

• Has kidney or liver disease

• Lives with immunocompromised humans

Raw feeding requires strict hygiene and responsibility.

Final Thoughts

Homemade raw dog food can be a protein-rich, minimally processed option when balanced correctly. The key is proper ratios, safe handling, and gradual introduction.

Start with one protein. Keep portions controlled. Monitor your dog’s condition.