Raw Food Diet for Small Dogs

Feeding dogs a raw food diet has been promoted since the 1980s by veterinarians Dr. Ian Billinghurst and Dr. Tom Lonsdale, author of Raw Meaty Bones. They consider this to be the natural feeding regime for all breeds.

Meat and Bones

Use chicken (including neck, wings and feet), eggs, fish and sheep, together with by-products and offal. Half the diet should be raw bones--Billinghurst recommends chicken wings--together with smaller quantities of offal and vegetables.

Vegetables and Fruit

Offer green leafy vegetables, carrots, celery and a little fruit. For a small dog, these can be liquidized.

Supplements

To ensure a balanced diet, flax seed, alfalfa, cod liver oil and garlic may be added to the diet. These contain essential fatty acids and vitamins.

Benefits

Raw food enthusiasts report improvements in their dog's dental health and coat condition, firmer stools and better weight control.

Considerations

Raw meat and eggs can contain salmonella, which may cause infection and pass through feces into the environment. Observe strict kitchen hygiene when handling raw ingredients.