❌ Common Raw Feeding Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

Real talk for beginners and beyond – for dogs, cats & ferrets

Raw feeding can do amazing things for your pet’s health — but it’s not just about chucking a bit of meat in a bowl. As raw feeders ourselves at Raw Feeding Dagenham, we’ve seen some common mistakes that can lead to health issues, frustration, or just confusion.

This guide covers the biggest pitfalls, and how to feed confidently — without over complicating things.

1. 🚫 Feeding Only One Protein

Why it’s a problem:
Feeding just chicken, or just beef, limits the nutrients your pet gets — different proteins offer different amino acids, fats, and vitamins. It can also increase the risk of sensitivities over time.

Fix it:
🌀 Rotate proteins regularly. Aim for at least one red meat and one poultry each time you stock up. You don’t need to stick to one brand — raw feeding is flexible! If your go-to brand offers limited proteins, just mix in others where you can.

2. 🚫 Not Feeding Balanced 80:10:10 or Complete Meals

Why it’s a problem:
Feeding just minced meat or only tripe isn’t a balanced diet. It lacks essential nutrients like calcium, organ content, and fat-soluble vitamins.

Fix it:
✔️ Feed properly balanced 80:10:10 meals or FEDIAF-compliant completes. If you’re DIYing, make sure you follow the correct ratios, or use a trusted natural supplement to support the balance.

3. 🚫 Not Including Organ Variety

Why it’s a problem:
Some feeders only include liver as their organ source, but that’s not enough. You need other secreting organs like kidney or spleen to complete the nutritional profile.

Fix it:
⚖️ Stick to the full 10%: 5% liver + 5% other secreting organ. Most of our minces already follow this ratio, so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.

4. 🚫 Ignoring Fibre (or Overloading Veg)

Why it’s a problem:
Too much veg turns raw into a carb-heavy bowl. Too little fibre can cause soft stools, anal gland issues, or gut imbalance — especially in dogs.

Fix it:
🥦 Keep veg minimal and always blend or lightly steam. Or skip the veg and add our Shanzi Naturals Fibre Support — perfect for raw-fed pets who need a little help keeping things regular.
Note: Cats and ferrets don’t need fibre.

5. 🚫 Only Feeding Muscle Meat

Why it’s a problem:
Muscle meat alone doesn’t provide enough calcium, essential fats, or vitamins. Long-term, this can lead to serious imbalances.

Fix it:
💡 Make sure meals include bone and organ as part of the 80:10:10 ratio. Or buy pre-balanced raw meals to take the guesswork out.

6. 🚫 Feeding Bone Incorrectly

Why it’s a problem:
Feeding weight-bearing bones can break teeth. Too much bone (like carcass mince with no meat or offal) can cause constipation or impaction.

Fix it:
🦴 Stick to soft, edible bones like wings, necks, or ribs — or use bone-in minces that are already safely balanced. Everything we stock is clearly labelled for safety and use.

7. 🚫 Poor Hygiene & Handling

Why it’s a problem:
Raw feeding gets a bad name when hygiene is ignored — but the truth is, it’s no different than preparing your own raw meat at home.

Fix it:
🧼 Use basic food safety: keep meat cold or frozen, clean surfaces and bowls, wash your hands, and don’t leave food out too long. When handled properly, raw feeding carries no more risk than preparing your own dinner.

8. 🚫 Rushing the Transition (Sometimes)

Why it’s a problem:
It’s a myth that all dogs need to be transitioned slowly. Most young, healthy dogs can switch straight over with no issue. But for dogs with gut problems, older pets, or those on long-term kibble, a slower approach may be best.

Fix it:
⏳ If your dog is fit and well, a straight switch is usually fine. If your pet is sensitive or older, transition gradually and support digestion with something like our Shanzi Naturals Gut Health Supplement.

9. 🚫 No Supplements on Limited Diets

Why it’s a problem:
Pets with allergies or limited proteins may miss key nutrients over time.

Fix it:
🌿 Add a natural support blend (like our Shanzi Naturals range). We offer supplements for joints, gut health, allergies, calming and more — all designed to work safely with raw diets.

10. 🚫 Not Asking for Help

Why it’s a problem:
Raw feeding can feel overwhelming — especially with all the opinions out there. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Fix it:
📲 Just reach out. It’s only the two of us behind Raw Feeding Dagenham, and one of us is always just a message or call away. Whether you’ve got a quick question or want step-by-step help, we’re here for it.

💬 Final Thoughts

Mistakes happen — they don’t make you a bad pet parent. What matters is learning, staying open, and doing your best. When raw is done right, it’s incredibly safe, nutritious, and rewarding for you and your pet.

🐾 Explore our balanced minces, complete meals, and Shanzi Naturals supplements — and let us help you make raw feeding simple, affordable, and stress-free.