WHY OPT FOR FRESH DOG FOOD?

There are numerous benefits in feeding your dog with complete & balanced fresh food consisting of raw or cooked meat. As a matter of fact, a dog fed with such biologically appropriate diet shall benefit from all the following advantages:

ENHANCED VITALITY

A diet mainly composed of fresh meat and organs provides essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins in a natural form. The presence of amino acids in quality meat contributes to the dog muscular mass development and ensures strong muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

IMPROVED GLOBAL HEALTH

Fresh quality food, combined to an optimal weight control, will contribute to improve the pet’s global health and longevity.

BETTER DIGESTION

Fresh meat contains highly digestible nutrients and a significant biological value. The dog energy level is improved due to the proper digestion of raw ingredients. Stools will likely be smaller and firmer, since fresh and unprocessed food is far better absorbed by their organism. Hence, discharges tend to be decreased.

BEAUTIFUL COAT AND HEALTHIER SKIN

The enhanced coat aspect becomes silky and shiny, thanks to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. Skin irritation tends to decrease and minimizes allergic reactions.

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INGREDIENTS AND RECIPES

Homemade dog food is the meal that a dog owner will prepare by mixing all the required ingredients, consisting of raw or cooked boneless meat, organs, and fruits & vegetables (and supplements).

Even though this may involve a certain amount of time and energy (especially if you’re preparing portions for several weeks), this fresh food diet offers you more freedom (compared to commercial premade formulas). But don’t you worry, they are simpler to prepare than you think!

Here is the list of ingredients that we can find in certain fresh dog diets. However, you must know that most homemade rations often lead to nutritional deficiencies, namely in terms of vitamin D, vitamin E, choline, zinc, copper, manganese, and more. Hence, it is essential to add supplements, such as the Karbur dog powder supplement, that contains all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and developed to meet the specific needs of each dog life stage and correct the deficiencies often found in  homemade dog rations.

THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR DOG

80% MEAT *

Meat

Beef, pork, chicken, turkey, horse, fish, lamb, duck, rabbit, etc

It is recommended to choose meat with a % of protein equivalent or higher than the % of fat.

10% ORGANS

Organs

Heart, liver**, lungs, kidney, tripe, gizzard, pancreas, etc.

10% FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Fruits & vegetables

Apple, blueberry, rasberry, strawberry, cranberry, melon, pear, spinach, kale, carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, squash, zucchini, pumpkin, sweet potato, broccoli, green beans, etc.***

* Should you use the Karbur dog powder supplement in your homemade ration, it is mandatory that you use boneless meat, since our supplement contains enough calcium and phosphorus.

**Exercise care and caution when you feed your dog with liver, as it must not exceed 50% of the organ daily ration. It is recommended to combine the daily organ ration (10%) with 5% liver only and 5% of any other organ. As a matter of fact, an excess amount of liver can lead to hypervitaminosis A.

*** Fruits & vegetables to avoid: Grapes, peach, cherry, nectarine, apricot, rhubarb, citrus fruits, onions, garlic, mushroom, raw potato, avocado, tomato stem and leaf, chives, shallots, leek, etc.

PREPARATION METHOD

Validate your dog’s recommended daily ration

Prepare the meat you will serve (thawed, raw or cooked)

Prepare the organs (thawed, raw or cooked)

Prepare the selected fruits & vegetables (preferably raw, juiced or crushed)

Measure the meat quantity (with a scale) so it represents 80% of the daily ration, then place in a bowl

Measure the organ quantity so it represents 10% of the daily ration, then mix with the meat

Measure the fruit & vegetable blend so it represents 10% of the daily ration, then mix with meat and organs

Should you use the Karbur dog powder supplement, please refer to the indicated daily dosage based on your dog’s age, weight and energy level, then pour the supplement in the ration mix

Stir well and serve!

Fruit & Vegetable Blend Suggestions

Spring Blend

Apple, carrot, spinach, bell pepper, alfalfa

Autumn Blend

Rasberry, pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, cucumber

Summer Blend

Blueberry, green bean, broccoli, sweet potato, zucchini

Winter Blend

Cranberry, spinach, carrot, zucchini, celery, bell pepper

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DAILY RATIONS

You will find below the Karbur raw food daily ration charts for your dog, based on their age, weight, and activity level.

Puppy Daily Ration (Small and medium breeds)
Puppy Daily Ration (Large breeds)

We recommend you to feed your puppy twice a day (morning & night) (even three times a day, if you’re in the position to do so) until your puppy is at least 6 months old. By doing so, it will protect them as much as possible from any episode of hypoglycemia.

Adult / Senior Dog Daily Ration (Karbur beef)
Adult / Senior Dog Daily Ration (Karbur chicken)
Adult / Senior Dog Daily Ration (Karbur pork)
Adult / Senior Dog Daily Ration (Karbur turkey)
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TRANSITION

Even though most dogs can easily switch from commercial industrial dog food (kibbles, cans, etc.) to fresh dog food (with raw or cooked meat), others might need a certain transition period. Should your dog have a sensitive digestive system, you may fast them for about 12 hours before introducing the new diet.

Before initiating the transition, we recommend you to book an appointment with your vet to check on your dog’s health. Furthermore, puppies (regardless of their age) should not fast more than 12 hours.

We recommend first trying an easily digestible protein, such as chicken, turkey, or duck, and slightly cooking it (if possible). After a few days, you can slowly introduce raw food (if you wish) until the transition process is completed (which normally lasts 7-10 days). Then, you can include other types of meat. Otherwise, your dog may remain on a cooked-meat homemade dog diet, if you prefer.

When introduced to fresh food, some dogs may go through a transition phase and experience certain symptoms, especially for the dogs with a sensitive digestive system or that were previously fed with  commercial food. Puppies and younger dogs generally adapt more easily to dietary changes.

Through the transition phase, your dog may experience the following symptoms :

  • Loose stools with or without mucus
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Eye discharge
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Temporary loss of appetite
These are indications that your dog’s digestive system is adapting to a new diet and that their organism is disposing of toxins accumulated over time. Such symptoms should disappear after 2 weeks.

Please note that these symptoms may be mild or even non-existent. However, if you notice any change in your dog’s behavior, global health, or worsening symptoms, please consult immediately your veteranian.

We recommend you to keep a dog food journal so you can note what your dog enjoys eating (or not) and which ingredient leads to allergic reactions or digestive disorders.

GUIDELINES FOR USE AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Store meat & organs in the freezer until ready to use
  • Thaw in the refrigerator or in cool water for 15 minutes
  • Clean utensils and preparation surfaces before and after the ration handling and processing process
  • Wash your hands after each dog food manipulation

Please note that the information contained on this website is strictly for educational and informative purposes. It does in no way replace a veterinarian professional advice and does not constitute a medical diagnosis or treatment.