CARNIVORE CARRY-OUT
About Us View Cart My Account Help / FAQ




Home > Starting Your Dog On Raw Diet

🐾 Starting Your Dog on a Raw Diet – Step-by-Step Guide

Starting your dog on a raw diet means switching from processed food to a species-appropriate diet of raw meat, bone, and organs. This step-by-step guide will show you how to start safely using simple proteins, proper portion sizes, and gradual adjustments based on your dog’s digestion and body condition.

What Is a Raw Diet for Dogs?

A raw diet for dogs is made up of fresh, unprocessed foods that mimic what dogs naturally eat. This includes muscle meat, edible bone, and organs in balanced amounts to support overall health.



🔹 Step 1: Start with Chicken

Start your dog on raw by using chicken because it is soft, easy to digest, and well tolerated by most dogs.
  • Choose chicken thighs or leg quarters (soft bones, easy to digest).
  • Ensure no added sodium or preservatives (check for less than 100mg sodium per 4oz serving).
  • Begin feeding 2–3% of ideal adult body weight per day.
  • Adjust portions based on weight — add more meat if ribs/hips are too bony, reduce if getting plump.

🐶 Step 2: Feeding Puppies on Raw
Puppies can be started on a raw diet early, but feeding amounts and frequency must be adjusted as they grow.

  • Weaning starts at 4 weeks old with finely ground meats mixed with goat's milk or water.
  • 4–7 weeks: Continue mixing liquid until puppies chew confidently and do not swallow too fast.
  • 4–16 weeks: Feed 4–5 small meals per day.
  • 16 weeks – 6 months: Reduce to 3 meals per day.
  • 6 months – 1 year: Reduce to 2 meals per day.
  • 1 year+: Most dogs can transition to one meal per day, though two meals are perfectly fine.

🥩 Step 3: Rotating Proteins & Identifying Allergies

When starting your dog on a raw diet, new proteins should be introduced slowly so you can identify any allergies or sensitivities.
  • Keep each new protein for 2–3 weeks to watch for allergies.
  • If itching, licking paws, chewing feet, or red ears occurs, switch to another protein.
  • After chicken, introduce turkey, venison, pork, duck, rabbit, lamb, beef, fish, or other exotic meats.

🍖 Step 4: Bone, Muscle, & Organ Ratios
A balanced raw diet for dogs follows a simple ratio of meat, bone, and organs to support proper nutrition.

Follow the 80/10/10 Rule:

  • 80% Meat, Fat & Muscle
  • 10% Edible Bone (Calcium for teeth & bones)
  • 10% Organs (Liver, kidney, spleen for vitamins)
  • Avoid weight-bearing bones (large leg bones such as femur or knuckle bones) because they are very dense and can cause broken teeth or slab fractures.

🌱 Supplements & Additives

Supplements can be helpful, but they should only be added after your dog is fully adjusted to a raw diet and shows no signs of protein sensitivity.

It is best to wait to add supplements until you know your dog has no protein allergies. If itching starts, you want to know whether it came from the protein or the supplement.

  • Kelp & Alfalfa Powder – Immune-boosting super-foods.
  • Salmon Oil – Natural Omega-3 & 6 source for skin and joint health.
  • Organic Kelp Powder – Adds essential vitamins, but do not exceed recommended doses.

📢 Need More Help?

If you are new to raw feeding, having guidance can make the transition easier and help you avoid common mistakes.
  • Become a CCO member and join our private Facebook group for exclusive raw feeding tips.
  • Check out our Raw Feeding Menu 1-8 Weeks for more details.
  • Questions? Visit our Contact Page or our Help Section.

Switch your dog to a natural raw diet and see the difference in their health.

🛒 Order bulk, high-quality raw meats at wholesale prices.

Even owners of small dogs often buy 2–3 cases at a time and save significantly compared to retail raw food prices. With freezer storage, many feeders end up getting several pounds essentially free compared to what they would have paid at pet store prices.

All Carnivore Carry-Out members also receive access to the private Carnivore Carry-Out Raw Feeding Group, where over 400 experienced raw feeders share tips, ask questions, and help each other succeed. The group contains nearly two decades of real-world raw feeding experience, covering everything from transitioning puppies and picky eaters to balancing bone, organs, and proteins correctly.

New members are welcome to ask questions anytime. Many beginners become confident raw feeders within just a few weeks with the help of the group.

Questions? Call or text: 810-510-9547

Learn More About Raw Feeding

These guides will help you continue learning how to feed raw correctly and confidently.

Start Your Dog on Raw
Raw Feeding Menu (Weeks 1-8)
Raw Feeding Calculator – How Much to Feed