The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Raw Food Grinds | 52 Characters

The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Raw Food Grinds

In recent years, more and more dog owners have been making the switch to feeding their pups a raw food diet. This natural diet aims to mimic what dogs would eat in the wild. While the concept seems simple enough, formulating a complete and balanced raw dog food can be tricky for the average pet parent. This is where premade raw dog food grinds come in handy!

Premade raw grinds take the guesswork out of raw feeding. These commercial products come frozen, ground up and perfectly balanced. Thawing them to serve is as easy as it gets. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of feeding your dog premade raw food grinds.

What Are Raw Dog Food Grinds?

Raw dog food grinds are also called raw frozen diets, premade raw, raw frozen, or commercial raw. As the names suggest, these diets are:

• Raw - made from fresh, whole food ingredients
• Frozen - come frozen for freshness
• Premade - produced by pet food companies
• Ground - the ingredients are ground into small pieces

To create balanced premade raw grinds, pet food companies source fresh meats, bones, fruits, veggies, supplements and more. They formulate recipes to meet AAFCO standards for canine nutrition. Then, they grind the ingredients into bite-sized pieces and flash freeze them.

The end result is a nutritionally complete raw dog food that requires no prep work from pet parents. Simply thaw and serve!

Common Proteins Found in Raw Grinds

One major benefit of raw dog food grinds is that they contain fresh, high-quality proteins. Some typical proteins used include:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Beef
• Pork
• Fish like salmon or whitefish
• Game meats like duck, bison or venison

These are all whole food sources of animal protein that dogs would eat in the wild. Raw grinds preserve these ingredients without cooking, which reduces natural nutrients.

Other Ingredients in Raw Grinds

In addition to fresh meats, raw dog food grinds also contain:

• Bones - An excellent source of calcium and other minerals
• Organ meats - Nutrient-dense tissues like liver or kidney
• Fruits & veggies - Fiber and phytonutrients
• Supplements - Added vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, etc.

These inclusions help make raw grinds balanced and complete. Fruits, veggies and supplements aren't always necessary if feeding whole prey model or frankenprey diets. But grinding the ingredients makes including produce and supplements easy.

Benefits of Raw Dog Food Grinds

There are many benefits to feeding your pup commercial raw food grinds. Some of the top benefits include:

• Convenience - No need to shop for, weigh out and prepare individual ingredients. Just thaw and feed!
• Balanced nutrition - Grinds are formulated to meet all canine nutrient needs.
• Variety - Rotating proteins is easy with premade grinds.
• Natural - Ingredients are fresh and minimally processed.
• Safety - Raw grinds reduce the risks of raw feeding such as foodborne illness or nutritional imbalance.

For pet parents short on time, raw grinds offer a simple way to provide dogs with the benefits of raw without all the work!

Different Types of Raw Dog Food Grinds

There are many brands and formulations when it comes to commercially available raw grinds. Here are some of the most common types you'll see:

Single Protein Grinds

As the name suggests, these grinds contain one specific protein source along with supplementary ingredients. For example:

• Beef grind
• Turkey and organ meat grind
• Chicken grind

Single protein grinds allow you to rotate proteins easily. They also accommodate dogs with food sensitivities. However, they're less biologically appropriate than grinds with multiple protein sources.

Multiple Protein Grinds

For a diet more akin to what dogs would eat in nature, look for grinds with two or more protein sources such as:

• Chicken, beef and fish
• Turkey, pork, lamb and duck
• Salmon, bass, whitefish and egg

These blends don't necessarily offer as much protein variety. But they better mimic whole prey consumption for dogs.

Regionally Inspired Grinds

Some raw dog food companies create grinds inspired by various regions and cuisines. For example:

• Bison, venison and squash (American Prairie diet)
• Kangaroo, egg and coconut (Australian diet)
• Goat, garbanzo beans and apricot (Moroccan diet)

These unique grinds provide protein diversity. They also allow pet parents to rotate between blends while sticking with one brand.

Limited Ingredient Grinds

For dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, limited ingredient grinds are ideal. They contain:

• Only one protein source
• No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
• Minimal additional ingredients

Common options include chicken grind or turkey and pumpkin grind. Limiting ingredients helps isolate and avoid any problem components for sensitive dogs.

How to Choose a Raw Dog Food Grind

With so many varieties of raw grinds available, how do you pick the right one? Here are some tips for selecting a quality commercial raw diet:

AAFCO Approval

Make sure any grind you choose is formulated to meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced canine nutrition. This ensures the food provides all your dog's dietary needs.

Variety of Proteins

Look for grinds that offer single protein and multiple protein options. Rotating between them provides maximum protein diversity.

Locally Sourced

See if you can find a grind made with ingredients from your region. Local meats, fruits and vegetables are peak freshness.

Third Party Testing

Reputable brands batch test their raw grinds for harmful bacteria and nutrition. This ensures each batch is safe and balanced.

Uncommon Proteins

For maximum diet rotation, look for grinds with proteins like rabbit, goat, duck, boar, etc. These less common meats provide variety.

Organic & Humanely Raised

When possible, look for grinds made with organic produce and meats from humanely raised animals. This checks additional quality boxes.

Manufacturer Transparency

Choose transparent brands that provide info on ingredient sources, facility conditions, testing practices, etc.

Thawing & Serving Raw Dog Food Grinds

One of the biggest benefits of raw grinds is that they require minimal prep work. Follow these simple steps for thawing and serving:

Thawing

There are a few ways to safely thaw frozen raw dog food grinds:

• Fridge thawing - Place grind in fridge 24-48 hrs before serving.
• Cold water thawing - Seal grind in bag and submerge in cold water until thawed.
• Microwave thawing - Use the defrost setting in 10 second bursts, stirring between. Ensure no hot spots.

Never thaw raw dog food at room temperature or in hot water, as this raises the risk of bacteria growth.

Portioning

Check the feeding guide on your grind's packaging. This provides recommended daily serving sizes based on your dog's weight. Then simply scoop out the correct portion.

Serving

Serve raw grinds frozen or freshly thawed. Here are some serving tips:

• Use designated raw dog food bowls.
• Discard any thawed food after 2 hours at room temp.
• Wash bowls, utensils & hands thoroughly after handling raw.
• Keep young kids and other pets away from raw food dishes.

Following safe raw feeding practices helps protect dogs and pet parents.

Storing Raw Dog Food Grinds

To maintain freshness and safety, store raw dog food grinds properly. Here are some storage tips:

• Frozen - Keep frozen until ready to thaw. Stays fresh 6-12 months frozen.
• Thawed - Refrigerate thawed grinds for no more than 2-3 days before discarding.
• Containers - Store in original packaging or food storage bags/containers.
• Location - Place grinds on bottom shelf of fridge or freezer, away from other foods.
• Prep - Wash storage containers in hot, soapy water before reusing.

Proper frozen and refrigerated storage gives you some leeway when thawing and serving raw dog food grinds.

Transitioning Your Dog to Raw Food Grinds

When transitioning your dog onto any new diet, it's best to take things slow. Follow these tips for switching your dog to raw food grinds:

Gradual Transition

Over the course of 5-7 days, slowly mix increasing amounts of the new grind into your dog's old food. This gives their digestive system time to adjust.

Keep Meals Small

During the transition, feed smaller, more frequent meals. Multiple small meals are easier to digest.

Exercise Caution

Always supervise mealtimes during a food transition. Stop immediately if you see signs of digestive upset.

Take Your Time

Every dog adjusts differently when changing foods. Don't rush the transition - you may need to stretch it out over 10-14 days.

With a patient, gradual approach, most dogs adapt well to raw dog food grinds. Monitor stool quality and energy levels closely so you can address any issues.

Potential Downsides of Raw Dog Food Grinds

While raw feeding is linked to many benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider with premade raw grinds.

Risk of Pathogens

Even though reputable brands safety test, raw meat carries a small risk of bacterial contamination like salmonella or listeria. Proper handling and feeding practices lower this risk.

Heavy Metals & Toxins

Raw ingredients may contain heavy metals, toxins or other contaminants. That's why third party testing is so important for quality control.

Nutrient Deficiencies

If raw food is not properly balanced, dogs may develop vitamin, mineral or essential fatty acid deficiencies over time.

Gastrointestinal Upset

Dogs new to raw may experience loose stool, constipation or vomiting during the transition. This usually resolves once their system adjusts.

Expense

High-quality raw dog food grinds are more pricey than kibble. Large and giant breed dogs may require bigger budgets to feed raw.

While these downsides are minimized with proper raw feeding practices, owners should be aware of the potential risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to feed my dog raw food?

Yes, when following proper handling and feeding guidelines, many dogs thrive on raw food diets. Raw pet food companies produce nutritionally complete grinds that make raw feeding easy and balanced.

Do I need to supplement raw dog food grinds?

No, you do not need to supplement balanced commercial raw grinds formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional standards. They contain all required proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, carbs and more.

How much does raw dog food cost?

On average, premade raw dog food costs $2 to $6 per pound. Large breed dogs eating 8+ cups per day may have monthly costs over $100. Raw food is more expensive than kibble but may provide health benefits.

Is raw food healthier than kibble?

Proponents believe raw dog food is more nutritious than kibble due to higher quality ingredients and a lack of cooking. There is some evidence of improved digestion, immunity and dental health in raw fed dogs.

Can raw food make dogs sick?

Raw ingredients may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. However, reputable raw pet food brands take steps to prevent contamination and follow stringent safety standards.

The Bottom Line

From improved digestion to shinier coats, many dog owners praise the benefits of raw feeding. But creating a complete and balanced raw diet can be difficult, especially for busy pet parents. That's where raw dog food grinds make raw feeding easy.

These commercial frozen products are nutritionally balanced, convenient, and offer great protein diversity. While raw diets take more care in handling, storage and feeding, they may provide big benefits for your dog.

If you're looking to tap into the power of raw feeding with minimal fuss, consider rotating premade raw dog food grinds into your pup's diet. Just be sure to choose reputable brands that follow food safety protocols.

FAQs

How long does thawed raw dog food last in the fridge?

Thawed raw dog food grinds can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. After that, bacteria may start to grow and make the food unsafe. Discard any unused thawed raw food after 3 days maximum.

Can I freeze raw dog food after thawing?

Never refreeze raw dog food after it has been thawed. The temperature fluctuations can allow bacteria to multiply faster. Only freeze raw dog food once after preparing it.

What is the best way to switch my dog to raw food?

Transition your dog slowly over 5-7 days by mixing small amounts of the new raw food into their current food. Gradually increase the ratio of new to old food until fully switched. This allows their digestive system to adapt.

Should I give my puppy raw dog food?

You can feed balanced raw dog food to puppies, but take extra care. Get guidance from your vet, ensure proper nutrients for growth, and monitor closely for any signs of issues during transition.

Is freeze-dried raw food as good as frozen raw?

Freeze-dried raw retains more nutrients than kibble, but less than frozen raw. It is slightly more processed and expensive. Frozen raw is optimal, but freeze-dried provides some benefits if storage is an issue.