How to Feed Fresh, Real Food
Simple. Flexible. Works in real life!
Feeding fresh, real food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Most of our clients start exactly where you may be — unsure where to begin and wanting to do what’s best for their pet without feeling overwhelmed.
We’ll guide you every step of the way so everything feels simple, manageable, and works with your lifestyle.
How Much Should I Feed?
A simple starting point is:
Dogs: 2-3% of their “ideal” body weight per day
Cats: Smaller, more frequent meals based on size and appetite
From there, we adjust based on:
Age
Activity Level
Metabolism
Goals (weight loss, maintenance, working, performance)
Every pet is different and that’s how we approach it.
What Do We Mean By “Ideal Weight”?
Ideal weight isn’t always your pet’s current weight.
Many pets today are unknowingly overfed, often from a combination of portion sizes and extra treats throughout the day.
Even a few extra pounds can impact:
energy levels
joint health and pain
heart health
overall longevity
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important and controllable ways to support a longer, healthier life.
If you’re unsure what your pet’s ideal weight should be, we’re happy to guide you.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Is at a Healthy Weight?
A simple way to check at home:
You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily — with just a light layer of tissue over them
When looking down from above, you should see a gentle curve at the waist, even with fluffy dogs.
If the ribs are difficult to feel or there is a thicker layer over them, it may be a sign your pet could benefit from shedding a few pounds.
Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference in your pet’s energy, comfort, and long-term health.
If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to help you assess and adjust.
How Often to Feed
Most dogs do well with 1-2 meals per day. Puppies and kittens may eat 4-5 meals per day
Cats naturally prefer smaller, more frequent meals
There is flexibility here — we can help you find what works best for your pet and your daily routine.
How Do I Transition My Pet?
There are two common approaches:
Gradual Transition (most common)
Slowly mix fresh food with current food over several days
Straight Transition
Some pets do well switching right over
You may notice temporary digestive changes as their body adjusts. This is normal.
We’ll guide you through the process so you feel confident every step of the way.
Remember, we are always just a phone call or text message away if you have questions or need guidance.
Storage & Handling
Handling fresh pet food is no different than handling meat in your own kitchen.
Keep food frozen until ready to use
Thaw in the refrigerator
Wash hands before and after feeding
Clean counter and food bowl after each feeding
Simple. Familiar. Easy.
A Simple Perspective
Feeding fresh, real food to pets isn’t a new idea. It’s how domesticated animals were fed for thousands of years.
Before commercial pet food became widely available in the mid-1900’s, dogs and cats were nourished with what was naturally available — fresh meat, bones, leftovers, and nutrient rich scraps from the kitchen.
Over time, convenience shifted feeding towards highly processed, shelf-stable foods.
Today, many pet owners are simply returning to what makes sense which is real, unprocessed nutrition that the body can recognize and use.
This is the approach I began using in the early 1990’s — long before it became popular — and it’s something I have trusted in my own home every since because my pets are incredibly healthy (from the inside out) and my last Boxer lived to 13.5 years old!
When I was a little girl, there was a 26 year old Collie Shepherd mix dog on my uncle’s farm. This is my inspiration and reminds me of what is possible. Dogs living to over 20 years old! Wolves live to 17-18. Our pets should do the same.
A Common Concern — Let’s Talk About It
It’s completely normal to wonder if feeding raw meals to your pets is safe, especially when it comes to bacteria.
We have been feeding raw, fresh meals to our pets since the early 1990’s — long before it became popular — and continued feeding this way while raising our children in the same home.
We never had an incident or anyone become sick.
Like any real food, this simply comes down to basic, common sense food handling, the same way you would handle the meat you’re going to prepare for your family’s dinner.
There’s no need to be worried or overly cautious, just mindful.
Dogs and cats are naturally equipped with spectacular enzymes to handle fresh, raw food in a way their bodies were designed for. Think about the dog who buries a bone in the backyard, waits a month for it to be perfectly “seasoned” digs it up and enjoys his bounty!
This isn’t a trend. It is a return to real, unprocessed nutrition from nature itself..
Starting something new can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be!
We’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you create a simple plan that works for you and your pet that your pet with love.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Get Started
We’ll help you determine exactly what and how much to feed.