Feeding Guide & FAQ

Everything You Need to Know About Raw Feeding

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🦴 Why should I feed my pet a raw diet?

A raw diet offers a level of nutrition that highly processed kibble simply can’t match.

Pets fed a natural, raw diet often experience:

  • Cleaner teeth and fresher breath (no more doggy odour!)
  • Smaller, firmer stools that break down quickly
  • Healthier skin, shinier coats, and improved energy
  • Better digestion and fewer sensitivities
  • Lean, strong muscle development
  • A diet that closely mirrors what dogs and cats are meant to eat

Over time, many pet owners also notice fewer health issues and reduced vet visits.

It’s a simple, natural way to support your pet’s health — from the inside out.

🍖 How do I switch my dog or cat to raw food?

For Dogs:

We recommend going cold turkey — stop kibble completely and feed 100% raw. Mixing raw and kibble can cause digestive upset, since kibble digests much slower. You may notice loose stools for a day or two — this is normal and typically settles quickly.

To support the transition, you can add:
1–2 spoonfuls of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
A probiotic supplement to support gut health

 

For Cats:

Cats can be a little more particular, so a gradual transition works best:
Start by mixing a small amount of raw food with their kibble
Gradually reduce the kibble over several days
Work toward feeding 100% raw

⚠️ Important: This mixing method is safe only for cats. Do not mix kibble and raw food for dogs, as it can lead to digestive issues.

Most pets transition smoothly — and many owners notice positive changes within the first couple of weeks.

🐕 How much should I feed my dog?

This is one of the most common questions — and the answer depends on your dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism.

As a general guideline, adult dogs (1 year and older) should eat:

👉 2–3% of their body weight per day, split into two meals

Example: A 40 lb dog would eat about 1 lb per day (½ lb per meal)

  • More active dogs → closer to 3%
  • Less active or senior dogs → closer to 2%

Always monitor your dog’s body condition and energy levels, and adjust as needed.

 

🐾 Feeding by Age

Puppies (under 1 year):
👉 5–10% of their current body weight daily

  • Large breeds: 8–10%
  • Small breeds: 5–7%

Adult dogs:
👉 2–3% of body weight

Senior dogs:
👉 May need slightly less as metabolism slows

 

🌦️ Activity & Lifestyle Matter

Your dog’s needs can change based on:

  • Breed tendencies (high-energy vs. low-energy)
  • Daily routine & exercise
  • Personality
  • Seasonal changes

In the rainy months (very relatable here 😄), dogs often get less exercise — you may need to reduce portions slightly.

During spring and summer, when activity increases, you can feed a bit more.

📏 Fine-Tuning

Stick within the 2–3% range, and use your dog's waistline and energy levels as your guide.

📊 Body Condition Score Guide

For a visual reference, you can view a helpful chart here: 👉 Body Condition Score Chart for Dogs

🐈‍⬛ How much should I feed my cat?

An adult cat typically eats about ¼ lb per day (1 square block). A simple starting routine is:

👉 ½ block in the morning
👉 ½ block in the evening

The exact amount can vary based on your cat's activity level, age, breed, and metabolism, so it's important to adjust as needed.

 

⚖️ Monitor & Adjust

Keep an eye on your cat’s weight and body condition:

  • If they’re losing weight → increase portions slightly
  • If they’re gaining weight → reduce portions slightly

Small adjustments make a big difference over time.

🧊 Serving Tips

Cats prefer their food soft and at room temperature.

For best results:

  • Thaw portions in the fridge the day before serving
  • Avoid serving food that’s too cold straight from the fridge

📊 Body Condition Score Guide

For a visual reference, you can view a helpful chart here: Body Condition Score Chart for Cats

Most cats do very well on this routine — just adjust based on what you see.

🧊 Should I feed frozen or thawed?

Either works!

You can feed the food frozen, or thaw it overnight in the fridge — whichever is most convenient for you.

  • Frozen: Great for slower eaters or as a longer-lasting meal
  • Thawed: Easier to portion and gentler for some pets

👉 For cats and puppies, we recommend feeding thawed for best results.

🚫 Do not microwave or cook the food — heat can destroy important nutrients and enzymes.

Most dogs do great with either — it often comes down to preference and routine.

💧 Why is my pet drinking less water?

Totally normal!

Raw food contains natural moisture, unlike dry kibble.

That means your pet stays well hydrated through their food and doesn’t need to drink nearly as much water.

As long as your pet is eating well and acting normally, reduced water intake is nothing to worry about.

💩 My pet is going to the bathroom less — is that normal?

Absolutely.

Raw-fed pets typically produce smaller, firmer, and less smelly stools.

That’s because their bodies are absorbing more nutrients, rather than eliminating unnecessary fillers.

🐾 What to Expect

It's also normal to see:
Less frequent bowel movements
Stools that may turn lighter or chalky after a few days

You may occasionally notice light straining — this is normal and can even help naturally express the anal glands.

If straining is persistent or your pet seems uncomfortable, it's always best to check with your vet.

❄️ Why is there frost on my food?

Our food is flash-frozen at -25°C to lock in freshness.

Over time in a home freezer, natural moisture can crystallize and form frost — especially if the freezer is opened frequently.

👉 This does not affect the quality or nutritional value of the food.

🧊 Tip

If frost buildup bothers you, ordering smaller quantities can help minimize it.

🦠 Is there bacteria in raw food?

Yes — raw meat naturally contains bacteria.
However, healthy dogs and cats are built to handle it.

Their digestive systems are short and highly acidic, which helps break down food quickly and neutralize harmful bacteria.

🛡️ Safety & Handling

We follow strict handling and safety protocols, similar to how you would handle raw meat in your own kitchen.

As with any raw product, basic hygiene is recommended:

  • Wash hands after handling
  • Clean surfaces and bowls regularly

💡 The Bigger Picture

Like any pet food, quality and handling matter — which is why we focus on small-batch production and careful preparation.

🦷 What about bones? Are they safe?

Yes — when fed raw, bones are safe and beneficial for dogs and cats.

Raw bones are soft, flexible, and digestible, making them a natural part of a raw diet.

They also help support:

  • Cleaner teeth and healthier gums
  • Stronger jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles

⚠️ Never feed cooked bones — they become brittle and can splinter, which can be dangerous.

⚖️ Does every square block weigh exactly ¼ pound?

Short answer: not exactly — and that’s by design.

Each box is carefully weighed and guaranteed to be a minimum of:

  • 30 lbs (large box)
  • 9 lbs (small box)

👉 The total weight is always accurate.

🧊 Why Blocks Can Vary

Our meals are portioned into approximately ¼-pound blocks. Because we produce in small batches using specialized equipment and manual oversight, you may notice slight variation between individual pieces.

🏭 Why Not Perfectly Uniform?

Unlike heavily industrialized systems that portion every piece with exact precision, our process is designed to balance consistency with quality and efficiency.

We focus on producing small batches with careful control rather than ultra-automated, high-cost machinery — helping keep your food high-quality and reasonably priced.

✅ What Matters Most

While individual blocks may vary slightly, the total weight per box is always consistent — and that’s what matters over time.

💬 Need Help?

If you ever have questions about portioning for your specific pet, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to help.

🐾 My pet is a picky eater — what can I do?

Most “picky eaters” come alive on raw food!

If your pet still hesitates, try the following:

  • Try our Tripe Blend — many dogs and cats love the smell and taste
  • Let the food thaw slightly for a softer, more appealing texture
  • Rotate proteins (chicken, turkey, beef, etc.) to find their favourite

😋 What to Expect

Once they get a taste of real, fresh food…
it’s often game over for kibble.

Some pets take a few meals to adjust — a little patience goes a long way.

🐶 Can I raise my puppy or kitten on raw food?

Yes — and it’s one of the best choices you can make.

A properly balanced raw diet supports healthy bones, muscle development, and a strong immune system — just as nature intended.

🐾 What to Keep in Mind

Young pets have higher nutritional needs, so it’s important to:

  • Feed appropriate portions for growth and energy levels
  • Provide a balanced diet with the right ratio of nutrients
  • Monitor their weight, body condition, and development

💡 A Simple Approach

When done properly, raw feeding can help set the foundation for a healthy, active life from the very beginning.

If you’re unsure where to start, we’re happy to help guide you based on your pet’s age and breed.

🐑 My dog can’t eat chicken — what do you recommend?

No problem — many dogs do great on alternative proteins.

👉 We recommend trying our Turkey or Lamb blends:

  • Turkey Blend
    Contains a small amount (~7% beef liver) for added nutrients
  • Lamb Blend
    A great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities

🐾 Tip

If your dog has known sensitivities, start with a single protein and monitor how they respond over the first few meals.

Many dogs that struggle with chicken do very well on these options.

🧪 Can I make my own raw food at home?

Yes — you can!

If you’d like to try DIY, you can start with our Plain Chicken as a base and add your own ingredients.

⚖️ Keep in Mind

Creating a fully balanced raw diet takes careful planning.

Your pet needs the right balance of protein, organs, bone, and key nutrients.

💡 A Simpler Option

All of our blends are formulated by a certified pet nutritionist, so they provide complete, balanced nutrition — without the guesswork (or risk).

If you ever have questions about balancing meals, we’re happy to help.

🚙 Where do you deliver?

We offer free personal delivery every Monday and Saturday, depending on your location and delivery zone.

📍 Delivery Areas

We currently serve pet owners across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, including:

Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Anmore, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Cultus Lake, Ladner, Langley, Lions Bay, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster, North Delta, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Rosedale, Surrey, Tsawwassen, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and White Rock.

📦 What to Expect

  • For first-time orders, we’ll do our best to deliver as soon as possible
  • For regular orders, you’ll receive an email the day before delivery (Friday or Sunday) with your 2-hour delivery window

⏱️ Ordering Timeline

Because we make our recipes in small batches for freshness, we recommend placing your order at least 2 days before your preferred delivery day.

💬 Questions?

If you’re unsure about your delivery area or timing, feel free to reach out anytime at darren@deedeesraw.com — we’re always happy to help.

👉 Delivery is always included — no minimums or extra fees.

📦 What if I’m not home during delivery?

No problem!

We’ll safely leave your order in the spot you specify at checkout.

🧊 Keeping It Frozen

In warmer weather — or if you live in an apartment — we recommend using one of our reusable cooler bags.

  • We’ll pack your order inside to help keep everything frozen and protected
  • Simply leave the bag out for pickup on your next delivery day

We’ll always do our best to place your order somewhere safe and discreet and out of the sun.

❓Couldn't Find Your Answer?

We'd love to hear from you.

If you don't see your question above, feel free to reach out anytime at darren@deedeesraw.com — I'm always happy to help.

No question is too small — we're here to help you and your pet every step of the way.

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