🥩 Raw Feeding for Beginners: What You Actually Need to Know

(For Dogs, Cats & Ferrets)

Thinking about feeding your dog, cat, or ferret a more natural diet — but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Raw feeding can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Whether you’re raw-curious or ready to make the switch, this is your no-fuss guide to what raw feeding really is (and how to keep it simple).

At Raw Feeding Dagenham, our goal is to make natural feeding easy, accessible, and affordable — without overcomplicating things. We focus on ready-to-serve balanced minces and completes to take the hard work out of raw feeding.

🌿 What Is Raw Feeding, Really?

Raw feeding is about giving your pet real, biologically appropriate food — fresh, unprocessed, and species-appropriate. That means:

• Raw muscle meat

• Edible bone

• Nutrient-rich organs

• Optional extras like herbs, eggs, kefir, or natural supplements

It’s how dogs, cats, and ferrets are naturally designed to eat — and when done right, it supports everything from digestion and skin to energy and behaviour.

❌ What Raw Feeding Isn’t

Let’s clear up a few common myths:

• ✖️ It’s not unsafe (when done properly)

• ✖️ It’s not expensive or complicated if you shop smart

• ✖️ It’s not just for dogs — cats and ferrets thrive on raw too

• ✖️ It’s not about perfectly balancing every single meal

• ✖️ And it’s definitely not just throwing some raw meat in a bowl and calling it done

At Raw Feeding Dagenham, we offer pre-balanced 80:10:10 minces and complete meals, so you don’t have to figure it all out yourself. No calculators. No stress.

🥩 What Does a Balanced Raw Diet Look Like?

The 80:10:10 ratio — which makes up most of what we stock — is a widely used raw feeding model:

• 80% Muscle Meat

• 10% Edible Raw Bone

• 10% Organ (with at least 5% liver)

This works beautifully as a base diet for dogs, cats, and ferrets.
We also offer a bones and chunks section, carefully selected to complement a balanced raw diet — perfect as enrichment toppers or natural treats.

💡 We take pride in offering products that make raw feeding simple, balanced, and suitable for all life stages — even for new feeders.

🐾 Common Concerns (Let’s Clear Them Up)

“Is it safe?”
Yes — when done properly. Our products are handled to human-grade standards and clearly labelled for species suitability.

“What about bones?”
Raw bones are safe when fed appropriately. We stock soft bones, wings, and ribs that are ideal for beginners or pets used to eating bone-in products.

“Will I get it wrong?”
Not if you keep it simple — and you’re not doing it alone. There’s just two of us behind Raw Feeding Dagenham, and one of us is always just a message or call away. If you’ve got questions, just ask — we’ll help you every step of the way.

🩺 What About Vet Concerns?

Many vets express concern over raw feeding — and often for good reason. The problem isn’t the concept of raw, it’s the way some people approach it:

• Feeding unbalanced diets with no organ, or too much bone

• Using cheap, misleading products (e.g., “chicken mince” that's just minced carcass — high bone, no offal = not balanced!)

• Feeding only tripe, or only one protein source

• Ignoring hygiene basics and storage safety

We’ve seen these mistakes ourselves — and they can lead to real problems. But when raw feeding is done properly, it’s not only safe — it’s highly beneficial.

Many vets now support or even recommend raw diets that are:

• Properly balanced, either via 80:10:10 or fully complete FEDIAF-approved recipes

• Made to human-grade standards

• Stored, handled, and served safely

At Raw Feeding Dagenham, we stock both 80:10:10 minces and completes that meet strict nutritional standards — so you can feed with confidence. We also cover how to feed raw properly (and what to avoid) in our Raw Feeding 80:10:10 Guide.

💚 Supplements & Extras That Support a Raw Diet

Even balanced raw diets can benefit from additional support — especially for pets with sensitivities, those transitioning from kibble, or those with extra needs due to age or health.

Natural supplements can help with:

• Digestion and gut balance

• Skin, coat, and immune support

• Calming and anxiety

• Joint and mobility care

Our herbal supplements are suitable for dogs, cats, and ferrets, and are designed to work with the body, not against it.

🐶 First Steps You Can Take Today

If you're not ready to go 100% raw, that’s okay. Here are a few easy starting points:

• Add a raw topper to your pet’s usual food

• Try one of our 80:10:10 minces for a balanced meal

• Mix kefir, bone broth, or mince into a KONG or lick mat for enrichment

• For cats or ferrets: start with small pieces of raw mince or a complete tailored for them

✨ Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep It Simple

You don’t need to be a nutritionist to feed raw. That’s why at Raw Feeding Dagenham, we’ve carefully chosen a range of balanced minces, complete meals, and helpful extras to make your life easier — and your pet’s life healthier.

Whether you’re a first-timer or just looking to simplify your routine, we’re here to help — with real products, real advice, and real support.

🐾 Explore our raw feeding essentials and feel free to reach out. We’re only ever a phone call or message away.