The Benefits of Raw

Raw diets should be based on ‘Biologically Appropriate Raw Food’, also known as a B.A.R.F. Diet. Founded by veterinarian and nutritionist Dr. Ian Billinghurst, the principle is to feed dogs the diet they evolved to eat—a raw diet composed of meats and greens that are fresh, uncooked and wild.

The genetic makeup of domesticated dogs supports this. From Boston Terriers to St. Bernards, dogs are essentially the same as their ancestors, gray wolves.

The raw diet is high in protein, moderate in fat, has minimal amounts of carbohydrates and consists of:

  • Muscle meat
  • Raw meaty bones
  • Organ meat
  • Vegetables and fruits
  • Supplements

Benefits of Feeding Your Dog a Coastal Raw Diet

There are numerous health benefits to feeding your dog a raw food diet. These include:

  • Leaner, more muscular build; nearly 60% of dogs are overweight or obese based on body condition scoring, which leads to a number of related conditions
  • Skin and coat improvements
  • Cleaner teeth and fresher breath
  • Less odor
  • Vibrant, calm energy

And don't forget about the environmental benefits: feeding raw lowers our ecological footprint. A raw diet is more fully utilized by dogs’ and cats’ bodies, which equates to smaller stools and cleaner litter boxes.

Our raw food also utilizes animal parts like organ meats that, while safe for us to eat, are usually avoided by humans. Using these parts of the meat reduces waste.

In short: what’s good for our pets is also good for our environment. It’s truly a win-win. Have questions? Send us and email or check out our FAQs.

How Much Raw Food Should You Feed?

Regardless of food, whether it be dehydrated, raw or treats, it’s always important to take into account dog weight and age. 

Your dog's dietary needs vary by activity level, metabolic rate, age, breed, outdoor temperature and other variables. It is important that you observe your pet closely and increase or reduce food quantity as needed for proper weight. 

One rule of thumb is to feed 2-4% of the pet’s body weight. Smaller dogs will require a higher percentage of their body weight, while larger dogs will require a smaller percentage of their body weight.  The daily portion should be split between morning and night.

  • a 10 lb. dog will eat about 2 to 2-1/2 lbs. per week or about 10 lbs per month
  • a 25 lb. dog will eat about 5 lbs per week or about 20 lbs per month
  • a 50 lb. dog will eat about 8 lbs per week or about 32 lbs per month
  • a 75 lb. dog will eat about 10-1/2 lbs per week or about 42 lbs per month
  • a 100 lb. dog will eat about 13-1/2 lbs per week or about 54 lbs per month

Remember that these are guidelines and that food needs vary. Observe your pet closely and increase or reduce food quantity as needed for proper weight. Always consult your integrative veterinarian, especially for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.

Important note: If you are transitioning from dry food, it is common to see significant weight loss in the first week, which is primarily water weight. After this, it is important that they lose no more than 1 – 2% of their body weight per week. It is recommended that you work with your veterinarian to assist in monitoring your dog during weight loss.