Raw Dog Food: Beginners Guide

BullyBillows

Author: BullyBillows, 22 Aug 2025

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"She loves it! Eats it straight away every time!"

Raw Dog Food: Beginners Guide

If you’re considering feeding your dog a raw diet, you’re already exploring one of the most natural and nutrient-rich ways to fuel their health. At BullyBillows, our raw dog food range is carefully formulated to support the needs of dogs at every stage of life, from energetic puppies to active adult working breeds.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of raw feeding, the 80/10/10 rule, how our food is designed to meet it, and how to calculate the right portion for your dog.


What Our Community Say:

Transitioning to a BullyBillows Raw Food Diet → 

How to Store BullyBillows Raw Food →


Why Raw Feed Your Dog?

Raw feeding aims to replicate a dog’s ancestral diet. It’s all about fresh, unprocessed meat, bone, and organ meat in the right balance. 

Owners who switch to raw often notice:

  • Improved digestion and nutrient absorption

  • Shinier coat and healthier skin

  • Fresher breath and better dental health

  • Smaller, firmer stools

  • Increased energy and focus

Our Raw Dog Food is rated 80% by All About Dog Food and made from 100% natural ingredients, a mix that’s great for digestion, supports healthy weight, and can help reduce allergies.


The 80/10/10 Rule Explained

The 80/10/10 rule is a widely used guideline for creating a balanced raw diet for dogs, based on their ancestral eating habits in the wild.

A balanced raw diet typically follows the 80/10/10 rule:

  • 80% muscle meat – protein for growth, energy, and maintenance
  • 10% raw bone – natural source of calcium and minerals
  • 10% organ meat – rich in vitamins and essential nutrients

This combination is designed for nutritional completeness when fed as part of a varied raw feeding plan, making it ideal for working breeds, active pets, and dogs with sensitive stomachs.


How Much Raw Food to Feed Your Dog

Adult Dogs

Every dog is different, so feeding amounts should be tailored to age, weight, activity level, and body condition. However, as a general guide, we recommend feeding 2–3% of your dog’s ideal adult body weight per day, split over two meals.

Example:

20kg adult dog × 2.5% = 500g per day (250g per meal)

Raw Food Calculator →


Puppies

Puppies need more food relative to their size to support rapid growth. Feed around 3% of their expected adult weight each day, split into 3–4 meals.

Tip: You can also use our BullyBillows Raw Food Calculator to find the perfect portion size for your dog.

Raw Food Calculator →


Safe Transition to Raw

A gradual transition is important because a dog’s digestive system needs time to adjust to the richer, unprocessed nature of raw food. Sudden changes can overwhelm the gut, leading to diarrhoea, vomiting, or nutrient absorption issues, while a slow introduction helps build tolerance and maintain digestive balance.

Switch gradually over 1–2 weeks:

  • Start with one protein source (like our Beef & Tripe) for the first week.
  • Monitor digestion and stool quality.
  • Add variety and introduce new proteins and organs slowly.

Food Safety Essentials

Proper food safety is essential when feeding raw because raw meat can carry bacteria that may harm both dogs and humans. Following safe storage, handling, and hygiene practices prevents contamination, protects your household, and ensures your dog’s meals stay fresh and safe to eat.

Raw feeding is safe when handled correctly:

  • Store raw food in the freezer until needed
  • Thaw in the fridge, not at room temperature
  • Wash hands, utensils, and bowls after handling
  • Serve in stainless steel or ceramic bowls

Why Choose BullyBillows Raw Food?

BullyBillows Raw Food is crafted to deliver premium nutrition in its purest form, combining natural, high-quality ingredients with a balanced formula that supports overall health.

Designed for all dogs, from sensitive pets to high-energy working breeds, it offers a wholesome, digestible diet you can trust.

  • 100% Natural Ingredients (no fillers, grains, or artificial additives)
  • Formulated for Digestive Health
  • Great for Sensitive Dogs - helps reduce skin and digestive allergies
  • Trusted Quality, rated 80% by All About Dog Food
  • Perfect for Working Breeds - energy-dense and nutrient-rich

PRODUCT FEED FOR RAW DOG FOOD ITEMS

Switching to a raw diet can be one of the best decisions you make for your dog’s health. With BullyBillows Raw Food, you can be confident your dog is getting a balanced, high-quality, and delicious meal that meets their nutritional needs.

Whether you’re feeding a playful puppy or a seasoned working dog, start with the 80/10/10 rule, adjust portions to suit your dog, and enjoy the benefits of fresher, more natural feeding.


Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the 80/10/10 rule for raw dog food?

The 80/10/10 rule is a simple guideline for creating a balanced raw diet: 80% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, and 10% organ meat (half of which should be liver). This ratio mimics the natural prey-based diet of wild canines, providing the right mix of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health.


How to feed your dog raw for beginners

Start by choosing a high-quality, balanced raw food (like BullyBillows Raw Beef & Tripe) that meets the 80/10/10 ratio. Begin with one protein source for the first week, feed the recommended daily amount based on your dog’s weight and life stage, and monitor their digestion. Over time, introduce new proteins and organ meats to provide variety and cover all nutritional needs.


What to expect when switching to raw?

During the first couple of weeks, you may notice changes in your dog’s digestion, such as smaller, firmer stools or a brief adjustment period with softer stools. Over time, most dogs experience benefits like improved coat condition, better dental health, more stable energy levels, and fresher breath. A gradual transition helps minimise digestive upset and ensures your dog adapts comfortably.


What are the benefits of a raw food diet for dogs?

Many owners report positive changes, including:

  • Shinier coats and healthier skin
  • Better digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Smaller, less odorous stools
  • Improved dental health
  • Increased energy and vitality
  • Raw diets are also free from fillers and artificial additives, making them ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

How much does it cost to raw feed a dog?

The cost depends on your dog’s size, activity level, and the quality of food you choose. As a general guide, feeding a medium-sized adult dog (around 20 kg) with 2–3% of their body weight in raw food per day will cost more than basic kibble but often less than premium grain-free dry diets.

Bulk buying/subscription plans, like those offered by BullyBillows, can help reduce costs.


Can I mix raw with kibble?

Yes, you can (and we’d recommend our dry dog food range if you want to), but it’s best to feed them in separate meals rather than mixed in the same bowl.

Raw food and kibble digest at different rates, so separating them can help reduce the risk of digestive upset. Many owners use a combination approach, feeding raw for one meal and kibble for another, as part of a gradual transition or to suit their dog’s needs.

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