The list of supplies for making raw diets for dogs is short. Most items are found in standard kitchens. The staples of raw feeding are similar to feeding kibble but with a few extra things. Our team has compiled a brief list of items you need to start feeding your dog raw, along with some tips you may find helpful.

The key to successfully preparing your dog’s meals is ensuring that you set aside time to complete the task. Choose the number of meals you intend to prep and ensure you have all the supplies on hand. Planning ahead will save time and aggravation!

Here is a list of recommended essential items

Scale: ideally digital that you can tare and measure up to 5 lbs in the food containers. If you have a small dog, you want to be able to switch the measuring unit to grams as some of the amounts may be very minimal, especially if you choose to use the Real Dog Box air-dried treats and chews in your dog’s bowl.

Reusable freezer-safe containers: Glass is ideal, but we recommend Bisphenol A (BPA)- and phthalates-free if using plastic.

Sharp kitchen knives: a standard 6 or 8-inch chef’s knife is key; a cleaver and deboning knife could also be helpful 

Cutting boards: Separate boards for raw meat and veggies are best. If you’re worried about contamination, get a second set for dog meal prep only.

Food grinder: Some dog parents are more comfortable grinding the bones than feeding them whole. Grinders should be at least 1-1.5 HP to grind up poultry bones efficiently.

Gloves: Some people are apprehensive about raw feeding because of potential bacterial contamination. Gloves also keep your hands clean.

Chest freezer: Additional freezer space helps to take advantage of good meat deals when buying in bulk and, of course, to store your prepped meals. 

Serving bowls: Large stainless steel or ceramic bowls can help organize your ingredients during meal prep. We also like large plastic tubs typically used in restaurants.

Puzzle feeders and lick mats: These are great for the dogs that gulp their food and for added enrichment. However, these feeders are difficult to sanitize. Edible meal plates made from large pieces of Real Dog Box air-dried pig skin, cow ears, or other flat animal parts can provide a safe, toxin-free lick mat for your dog’s meal. Coating the “lick mat” with raw kefir or bone broth and adding organ pieces or other treats, followed by freezing, creates a great enrichment treat! 

That's it! Short list, right? That's all you need to get started providing your dog with optimal nutrition benefits. 

There are several types of storage containers to use for your dog’s meals. Once you have read through each type's pros and cons, choose the best containers for your situation.

Although convenient and space savers in the freezer, plastic bags are not sustainable over time. Many of the cheaper brands of plastic bags may be made of inferior products, resulting in chemicals leaching into foods. 

Using Plastic Containers Versus Other Materials

The quality of storage containers directly affects the foods being stored in them. Only Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates-free, and freezer-safe plastics should be used. Do not heat foods in these containers to avoid potentially leaching toxic chemicals. Plastics are difficult to sanitize.

Glass containers are suitable for food storage and freezing. Glass materials do not absorb or release toxic chemicals or microscopic particles due to their non-porous nature. Glass containers generally take up more space and are more expensive. However, they are sustainable and easily cleaned and disinfected.

Stainless steel containers are gaining popularity. They are incredibly durable. The challenges with stainless steel are the cost and space they use in the freezer, but they are easily cleaned and disinfected. 

The same considerations for food storage should be applied to the dogs’ meal bowls. Sanitation of the bowls is essential between meals. The ideal dog bowl must withstand daily washing and rough handling by the dog.

Plastic bowls are the least expensive and unbreakable. Dogs love to chew on plastic food bowls creating scratches and grooves. Cleaning plastic bowls is easy when new, but it becomes challenging once they are scratched.

The best dog bowl materials are stainless steel or ceramic. Stainless steel bowls are usually lined on the bottom with a rubber rim on the edge to prevent slippage. They are easily sanitized and durable.

Ceramic bowls must have a protective glaze. These bowls are easily sanitized but are not durable. Small cracks can form in the glaze, so they must be inspected daily. Any bowl with cracks or chips should be discarded.

Puzzle feeders for dogs are becoming increasingly popular. They come in a bowl, tray, or plate shape with grooves, edges, and forms that cause dogs to manipulate the food to get it into their mouths. These are great for the dogs that gulp their food and for added enrichment. However, these feeders are difficult to sanitize. 

Edible meal plates made from large pieces of air-dried pig skin, cow ears, or other flat animal parts purchased from Real Dog Box  can provide a safe, toxin-free lick mat for your dog’s meal. Coating the “lick mat” with raw kefir or bone broth and adding organ pieces or other treats, followed by freezing, creates a great enrichment treat

A digital scale is easier for most people. Choose a scale that measures pounds, ounces, and grams.

A chest freezer in your home can help you save money by buying bulk and planning meals for up to a few weeks. 

We recommend feeding raw meaty bones because they provide more mental enrichment and dental benefits than ground food. But storage and time may make this challenging. If you buy a grinder, ensure it’s at least 1.5 hp to break down poultry bones (pork and beef bones are not recommended in non-industrial food grinders/processors). 

A large mixing bowl or tub to hold all of your food ingredients can also be beneficial in keeping your countertop clean and organized during meal prep.

A sanitizing solution made of vinegar- or bleach- water is also essential for cleanup. Whatever you typically use in your kitchen is sufficient.

If you have any questions regarding the necessary supplies, please book a free consult with one of our Certified Professional Canine Nutritionists. They will walk your dog’s transition to raw feeding! 

Preparing your dog’s diet in advance is recommended to reduce the time and effort required for DIY raw feeding. It also saves you money by buying the food components in bulk.

Plastic bags and containers should be avoided to reduce exposure to toxins. 

Glass containers are recommended to prevent toxin exposure and reduce costs associated with raw feeding.

The Types of Plastics Families Should Avoid - The New York Times  

Tackling the toxins in plastics packaging | PLOS Biology  

Impacts of food contact chemicals on human health: a consensus statement  

The list of supplies for making raw diets for dogs is short. Most items are found in standard kitchens. The staples of <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/raw-feeding">raw feeding</a> are similar to feeding <a href="https://feedreal.com/glossary/kibble">kibble</a>, but with a few extra things. Our team has compiled a brief list of items you need to start feeding your dog raw, along with some tips you may find helpful.

The key to successfully preparing your dog’s meals is to set aside time to complete the task. Choose the number of meals you intend to prep and ensure you have all the supplies on hand. Planning ahead will save time and aggravation!

There are several types of storage containers to use for your dog's meals. Once you have read through each type's pros and cons, choose the best containers for your situation.

The quality of storage containers directly affects the foods being stored in them. Only Bisphenol A (BPA)- free, phthalate-free, and freezer-safe plastics should be used. Do not heat foods in these containers to avoid potentially leaching toxic chemicals. Plastics are difficult to sanitize.

Glass containers are suitable for food storage and freezing. Due to their non-porous nature, glass materials do not absorb or release toxic chemicals or microscopic particles. Glass containers generally take up more space and are more expensive. However, they are sustainable and easily cleaned and disinfected.

Plastic bowls are the least expensive and unbreakable. Dogs love to chew on plastic food bowls, which create scratches and grooves. Cleaning plastic bowls is easy when new, but it becomes challenging once they are scratched.

Edible meal plates made from large pieces of air-dried pig skin, cow ears, or other flat animal parts purchased from <a href="real.dog">Real Dog Box</a>  can provide a safe, toxin-free lick mat for your dog’s meal. Coating the “lick mat” with raw kefir or bone broth and adding organ pieces or other treats, followed by freezing, creates a great enrichment treat.

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