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Feeding a Raw Diet:
Learning the Basics for Raw Feeding

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What you feed your Canaan Dog is vital to his health and life span. We do not promote feeding your dog kibble. Instead we believe that feeding a home-prepared diet, consisting of mostly raw meaty bones, is the most natural and healthy way to meet your Canaan Dog’s nutritional needs. There are many variations on raw feeding for dogs, prey model, B.A.R.F., and Volhard style. Research several to see which one is right for you.

Feeding raw is not time consuming once you get the hang of it. But if time or convenience matters more than money, then we recommend feeding pre-made raw food such as Nature’s Variety.

We used to suggest a handful of kibbles that cater to the raw crowd, but found that they are still far from being as good as real raw food.  If you are interested in having a beautiful physically fit dog with no doggie odor, clean white teeth, and a shiny coat, the raw diet is the choice for you.

Note: We are not nutritionists or veterinarians, but we have done our research. The following is just a guideline.  You should do your own research to determine if raw is the right diet for your dog.

The Basics

Let’s start with three common rules of thumb:

Balance Over Time - you don’t have to prepare perfectly balanced meals everyday.

No Grazing - Maintain specific mealtimes by not allowing your dog to graze on food.
Give your dog about 15-20 minutes to eat. Anything left over should be taken away and saved for the next meal. 

Don’t Waiver - Your will to feed him what is good will need to be greater than his need to fill his tummy.  Remember, your dog should only have 15-20 minutes to eat, if he rejects the food, put what is left in the fridge and serve it at the next mealtime.  Continue this until he has finished the meal.  This battle can go on for a number days, but don’t worry, your dog’s hunger will eventually overcome his will to pass up food he does not like.  Once he learns you will not wavier, it won’t take so long next time.

The Mechanics

Learn the who, what, where, when, why and how to feed a raw diet.

Who - Your Canaan Dog, that’s Who

What to feed – There are five primary elements to a well rounded raw diet. Chicken backs, wings and necks should be the basis of your dog’s diet.  Chicken is preferable over turkey and beef because chicken bones are not very hard.  Turkey and beef bones are denser because these animals are typically not used for consumption until they are full grown adults.  While turkey and beef bones should not be your dog’s primary source of RMBs (raw meaty bones), they are fine to include occasionally for variety.

The remaining four elements consist of Fruits and Veggies, Offal, Supplements, and recreational bones.

Breaking Down the Five Elements of a Raw Diet -

1.  RMB’s should comprise 75-85% of the diet and have an equal bone to meat ratio.

• Chicken – necks, backs, wing, carcasses
• Turkey – ground, necks, tails
• Beef – ground, ribs, necks
• Lamb – ribs, necks, shanks
• Pork – any smaller boned parts (must be frozen for 10 days to kill parasites)
• Ox tails
• Rabbit, Deer, Venison– whole or parts
• Fish – sardines, salmon (only Atlantic variety), and tilapia

$ Cost Saving Tip - When grocery shopping, check the meat section for items that have a large markdown due to nearing expiration dates.

2.  Fruits &Veggies should comprise 7-17% of the diet (of that fruit should only contribute 2-5%). They contain healthful fibers, simple sugars, enzymes, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. 
Since veggies have cellulose walls that dogs digestive systems cannot break down, all veggies must be pureed prior to feeding.  We use a food processor and add a little water to help get a nice smooth consistency, but a juicer or blender will work just as well.  Note: Never cook veggies.  They must be raw in order for dogs to derive any benefits. 
* Time Saver – Save time by blending a large batch of veggies once a month. Freeze in ice-cube trays, and then transfer to a zip-lock bag. That way you have small portions conveniently available without the fuss. Consider thawing cubes for 20 minutes prior to feeding – and never defrost cubes in microwave (you don’t want to kill the nutrients by cooking).
When preparing batches of fruits and veggies, we suggest using no more than two or three veggies at a time mixed with a smaller portion of only one kind fruit. This will help you determine the source of a food allergy if one should arise.

• Romain (green leafy veggies are best), Sprouts, Broccoli, Zucchini, Carrots
• Apples, Berries, Oranges or Pears (seed all fruits)

$ Cost Saving Tip – Ask your local grocery store if you can have the not so pretty veggies they don’t set out for customers to buy.

3.  Offal & Internal organs should comprise 10% of the diet.  Offal is very rich and can cause a soft or runny stool if too much is given, so start with a small amount at first.  As time goes on, you can increase the amount as needed.  Offal can come from almost any animal; chicken, cow, rabbit, buffalo, deer, elk, etc. Commonly used organs include:

• Liver    
• Kidneys    
• Heart
• Green Tripe (avoid white or bleached)

4.  Supplements – Supplementation is beneficial in that it helps to make up for the loss of nutrients and low mineral levels of soils in which certain vegetables have been grown.  Moreover, supplements bridge a gap in nutritional needs that aging or young dogs may have due to life stage or disease.  Generally, supplements should be in response to either dietary shortcomings or particular health problems.  Be careful not to “over supplement” as too much may cause gastrointestinal upsets.
Below is a compilation of the supplements we have used.  Supplements should only be used on an “as needed” or seasonal basis, with the exception of the salmon oil and vitamin E.

  Please remember we are not professional nutritionists. Do conduct your own research to determine if these supplements should be used in your feeding program and verify through an independent source the dosage amount suitable for your dog.

• Salmon Oil (cold pressed). – Salmon oil is an activated Omega 3 EFA’s (essential fatty acids). A Lack of EFA’s will cause skin, reproductive and growth problems.  Other sources of Omega 3’s include green leafy vegetables and some organ meats.  Note: If you do not use salmon oil in timely manner, it will go rancid. Try capsule form if you need an extended shelf life.

Some use Flaxseed Oil instead of Salmon Oil, but many dogs have allergic reactions to flaxseed. 

• Vitamin E – Supplementing with EFA’s requires that you also supplement with vitamin E.  Vitamin E prevents the polyunsaturated oils in your dog’s body from becoming rancid.
• Vitamin C – Vitamin C has many beneficial uses and generally there is no worry of overdose as excess will pass through the urine. Vit. C is used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antihistamine properties. Try using it for stabilizing ligament growth to bone growth and supporting collagen. Many use vitamin C to boost the immune system in times of stress, and those who do, report a calming effect in dogs when given in anticipation of travel. 
• Probiotics  – Probiotics supply nutrients such as Folic acid, Niacin, B12 and B6, and protect against risk of certain cancers and aids in curing diarrhea.  The primary use of probiotics is to restore the good bacteria in the stomach and intestines for proper digestion of food.  Use probiotics if your dog as to take a course of anti-biotics. Although prescribed to kill the bad bacteria and “cure” your dog’s illness, it also kills all the good bacteria your dog needs to fight off infections.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – A natural antibiotic, soothes arthritis symptoms, supplies trace minerals and is sometimes useful for subsiding allergies.
• Garlic – Garlic is nature’s antibiotic, stabilizes blood pressure, and boosts immune system.  Particularly good for flea prevention!  Be careful not to over supplement.
• Kelp – An excellent source of iodine with over 60 trace minerals.  Iodine is essential for normal functioning of the thyroid gland.  Helps promote normal metabolism.  
• Eggs – Another source of Omega 3’s & protein.  Shells are a good source of calcium.  Eggs may upset puppies’ tummies, so wait to feed eggs when he is about 4 months old.  When feeding eggs for the first time, serve them at a morning meal. That way you will have the day to watch for digestive problems.
•  Cottage Cheese – Another source of protein and contains amino acids to help repair damaged muscle tissue.  Cottage cheese is also great for pregnant bitches.
• Lean Meat – Best source of protein.  Great for boosting his energy level on long hikes or workouts.  Iditarod dogs live on raw meat during training and races;  You won’t find kibble near those dogs.

5.  Recreational/Marrow bones – Giving your dog recreational bones helps keep his teeth clean and will keep him busy while you are away for short periods of time.  Knuckle bones and long bones from limbs of cattle are prefered, however bones from sheep and pigs are acceptable as well.  Limit recreational bones to once or twice a week.

Treats - There are many treat choices at your local pet store, but few are worth giving to your dog.  If there are more than a few ingredients, you should probably avoid them. 
Freeze dried liver top of our list of recommended treats.  Most dogs consider them high value treats. 
Human food is better than most common dog treats and inexpensive.  Try using Cheerios, diced hot dogs, string cheese and left over cooked meats such as pork or beef roasts.  Make sure to cut the bone out and chop meat into bite size pieces.  Human food is almost always considered a high value treat.

Alternative to raw hides - We don’t suggest using raw hides as they can be a problem if too much is eaten at one time.  Instead try “Bully Sticks,” dogs love them and most pet stores carry them.

Foods to avoid: This list is by no means all inclusive:

• Sugar (some dog treats have sugar)
• Chocolate (toxic)
• Onion (toxic)
• Raw Salmon (salmon poisoning, mainly found in Pacific Salmon)
• Cooked bones as they can splinter and cause serious injury or death
• Carbohydrates – Some feel pets need carbohydrates such as rice or pasta.  These are just fillers and unnecessary.

Where to Feed Raw

• Outdoor Feeding – We prefer to feed outdoors, on a grassy area. That way there is no mess to clean up off the floor or in a crate.
• Indoor Feeding – If you choose to feed indoors, use your puppy’s crate and close the door behind him while he eats. This way you can minimize the amout of sanitizing that needs to be done, as you probably don’t want him dragging that raw chicken throughout the house.
• Doggie Dishes - Feed your dog in glass or stainless steel dishes.  Plastic can be scraped off by your dog’s teeth and become toxic.

 When – After you. In a pack, the “alpha” always eats first, followed by those in subsequent ranking order down to the “omega” dog who eats last.  In keeping with this philosophy, you and your family should always eat before your puppy.  Ideally his meal time will begin after yours has ended. If you find it inconvenient to schedule your meals before his, try eating a light snack in front of him, then give your puppy his meal.

Why – Feeding a Raw Diet is what Nature Intended. A raw meat-based diet is the best way to provide your dog with naturally balanced nutrition. Most raw diets operate on the theory that by providing a combination of choice fresh raw foods you can “build a prey animal” for your dog to eat (See Schultz).  Raw fed dogs tend to be free of many problems associated with kibble fed dogs.  You will know a kibble fed dog when you see yellow teeth, hot spots, allergies; smell bad breath and stool, and feel a dull course coat. 

How Much to Feed - A young active puppy of 10 lbs may need 8-10% of body weight per day while an adult dog may only require 2-4% of body weight per day.  A growing puppy will burn calories at a much higher rate and needs the extra nutrients for growing muscle and bones.  This means that a 11-22 lb puppy will need about 12 – 21 oz of food daily, while a 22-55 lb adult dog will need about 21-39 oz of food daily.

We recommend you use a kitchen scale to weigh typical items you plan on feeding to get an idea what they weigh.  Our source provides chicken wings that are approximately 3 oz and chicken necks that are about 1.5 oz. Once you have established your own averages, you can dispense with the scale.

How Often - Puppies should be fed 2-3 times a day, adult dogs 1-2 times a day.  The change occurs somewhere around 1 year of age. 

Let’s End with Best Practices

Use common sense when handling raw meat.  Thoroughly wash hands and surfaces used to prepare meat.  Keep your dog’s utensils and bowl clean.  Raw pet food should be stored appropriately. Make sure it does not contaminate human food by using a second refrigerator or storing the food in large plastic Rubbermaid containers.

Feeding Order- Perhaps this may sound ridiculous to a few of you, but controlling the order in which the family or pack eats is a very important tool. In a pack, the “alpha” always eats first, followed by those in subsequent ranking order down to the “omega” dog who eats last.  In keeping with this philosophy, you and your family should always eat before your puppy.  Ideally his meal time will begin after yours has ended. If you find it inconvenient to schedule your meals before his, try eating a light snack in front of him, then give him his meal.

Ward Off Food Aggression – Sporadically practice giving your puppy food, then taking it away.  A good time to do this is just after he has started to eat.  Take his bowl or piece of chicken from him, give some praise, and then give back the food.  Doing this on a regular basis will ensure your puppy does not become food aggressive.  Also try standing near him from time to time while he eats, this will teach him that people are not a threat to his food. Everyone in the family should practice this exercise periodically. 

Keeping Him Hungry - Puppies should never be fed so much that they leave food behind.  You want to keep them a little hungry, even after eating.  This is to keep their growth at a nice slow pace.  If they are allowed to grow too fast, they may experience joint and bone problems.  Bone grows faster than muscle and can therefore out grow the ligaments and muscle that keeps everything in place. Canaan Dogs are naturally lean and every attempt should be made to keep them that way.  When was the last time you saw a fat pariah dog?

Feeding Too Much, or Too Little – Your dog’s ribs will give you the answer to this question. You should not see your dog’s ribs while he is standing in a relaxed position.  However, you should feel his ribs when you gently run your hands along his sides.  If you have found this balance, Good Job!  You are feeding the correct amount.

Conversely, if you see his ribs, you are not feeding enough and if you can’t feel his ribs, you are over-feeding.  Time to put your Canaan Dog on a diet.

Introducing New Foods/Supplements - When your puppy first arrives and is adjusting to his new surroundings, don’t give anything but raw chicken with a sprinkling of Vitamin C for the first few days.  After this adjustment period, introduce one new item a week.  This will help you determine the source of an allergic reaction or other problem should one occur.

Sample Menu:  This is only a suggestion and can be modified to fit your needs and schedule. You can opt to give the mush meal every fourth meal instead of every day.

Day One

• Morning meal – RMBs (chicken wings, backs or necks)
• Evening meal– “Mush Meal”, a mixture of ground turkey, veggie mix, vitamin c, apple cider vinegar, kelp, and alfalfa supplements.

Day Two

• Morning Meal - Large marrow bone and chicken wing
• Evening Meal – “Mush Meal”, a mixture of canned sardines, veggies, yogurt, vitamin C.

Day Three

• Morning Meal – RMB’s (ox tails or beef necks)
• Evening Meal – “Mush Meal”, a mixture of ground beef, diced heart or kidney, veggie mix, whole raw egg (shell included), garlic, vitamin E, and salmon oil.

Raw Feeding FAQ’s