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To read about where our Raw Food comes from click here

Whilst it might seem a daunting task to begin with, the general premise is quite simple: feeding a balance of meat & meaty bones (minimum 80%) alongside offal, fruit, herbs and vegetables. We produce a range of meals to suit different budgets and nutritional preferences and recommend that once you and your dog are settled on your meat of choice, you gradually introduce other meats from our range to promote much needed variety in their diet. 

“Use as dog food only. Keep apart from food. Wash hands and clean tools, utensils and surfaces after handling this product”
Please see this important Hygiene Information Sheet from the Pet Food Manufacturers Association: Raw Feeding Factsheet

ADULT DOGS – Raw

Please consider your dog’s level of activity, exercise, desired weight and age when planning the percentage of food they will need. This can change on a daily basis.

Feed between 2-4% of your adult dog’s body weight per day. Smaller dogs can need up to 4% of their body weight, medium dogs usually 2-3% and larger dogs often only need 2% of their body weight per day. Ongoing weight monitoring will always be one of your priorities.

PUPPIES – Raw

Puppies aged 0-3 weeks

They should be drinking their mother’s milk to obtain essential nutrients, enzymes, microbiome and essential fatty acids.

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Puppies aged 3-4 weeks

These pups need 3 meals a day. Feed around 8% of the puppy’s body weight per day.

For instance:
1kg – 80g
2kg – 160g
3kg – 240g
4kg – 320g

Mash the foods up very well. If the pups are not still drinking milk from their mother, try adding goat’s milk to their diet too, as this is easier for puppies to digest than cow’s milk, and is full of nutrients.

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Puppies aged 6-12 weeks – Raw

Stick to the above percentages, using common sense to monitor the pups growth, activity levels and adjust slightly if need be.

Most pups will begin to wean from their mother at 3/4 weeks and be weaned completely at 7/8 weeks. They will still benefit from some of their mother’s milk even up to 12 weeks old, if she has any milk left or any tolerance left to feed them.

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Puppies aged 12 weeks
and over (3 months) – Raw

Feed 2 or 3 meals a day. You should be able to feed all the variety of Southend Dog Puppy raw foods by this stage. Introduce some more raw meaty bones now too, such as trachea chews or poultry necks.

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Puppies aged over
4 months – Raw

Begin to reduce the amount the puppy eats per day. Aiming to reach 5/6% of body weight by the time the puppy is 6 months old. 

Continue to gradually reduce the % of food your puppy eats as they grow up. Until you have reached the % you wish to feed them as an adult.

Puppies over 6 Months are fine to have all of our of raw food

TRANSITION ADVICE -Raw or Cold Pressed

Transitioning your dog from one food to another gradually is a good practice to minimize digestive upset. Here’s a sample 10-day transition plan:

Day 1-2: 90% Old Food, 10% New Food

In your dog’s regular bowl, mix 90% of their old food with 10% of the new food.
Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive discomfort.
Day 3-4: 80% Old Food, 20% New Food

Adjust the ratio to 80% old food and 20% new food.
Continue to observe your dog’s behaviour, stool consistency, and overall well-being.
Day 5-6: 70% Old Food, 30% New Food

Transition to a ratio of 70% old food and 30% new food.
Check for any adverse reactions and ensure your dog is comfortable with the new diet.
Day 7-8: 60% Old Food, 40% New Food

Gradually shift to 60% old food and 40% new food.
Keep an eye on your dog’s appetite and energy levels.
Day 9: 50% Old Food, 50% New Food

Equal parts of old and new food on day 9.
Observe closely for any signs of allergies, intolerance, or digestive issues.
Day 10: 100% New Food

Your dog should be fully transitioned to the new food on the 10th day.
Ensure that your dog is adapting well to the new diet.
It’s important to note that every dog is unique, and some may need a more gradual transition, especially those with sensitive stomachs. If you notice any adverse reactions during the process, consider extending the transition period or consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice. Additionally, ensure that the new food meets your dog’s nutritional needs and is appropriate for their age, size, and health condition.

We don’t recommend feeding kibble and raw in the same sitting. The simplest, safest way is a straight switch, feeding exclusively raw after a 24 hour fast, for instance missing the dogs previous evening meal, then moving to raw, real food the next day.

Because raw is a very satisfying meal, some dogs do well for a few meals then turn their nose up. This could just be because they’re full (even some Labradors!), so throw away that meal and reduce the overall volume of their next meals. Let your dog be your guide and try not to get bogged down with how many grams they should be eating every day.

Obviously this is only if they’re otherwise well. Any sign of illness or secondary symptoms in conjunction with lack of appetite should warrant further attention.

When they’re doing well, gradually add in different protein sources over the next few weeks and months, as different animal meats provide different nutrients. You’re striking a balance over time, which is a more natural way to feed, much like for ourselves. This is the key to balance with raw feeding.

In addition to our meals, many people like to feed their dogs treats, recreational bones such as Duck Feet or Turkey Necks (avoid large weight bearing knuckle bones). Keep an eye on our website for treats from the Southend Dog range in the near future.

HOW WILL YOU KNOW HOW THEY’RE DOING?

The best indicator is appetite. Many dogs will self-regulate on raw food (that previously wouldn’t on kibbles) because of the higher levels of satiety.

Faecal output can be another indicator. If the poo’s very dry, white and crumbly, they could be consuming too much bone. If this happens, you can reduce the bone content, or up the level of offal and heart, or feed our complete meals, balanced for you.

But ultimately, you’re going to be looking at body condition. Look for a good covering of muscle over the hips, shoulders and back, and you

should be able to feel but not see the ribs. This is harder in a dog with a longer coat but familiarity with weekly grooming sessions will help you get to know your dog’s overall body condition.

If they’re starting to add an extra layer of internal insulation, then reduce the amount given daily until you reach a happy balance. Remember, all dogs will vary in what they need, even through the seasons.