Learning how to feed a raw diet to your Pomeranian can seem daunting at first, but with a bit of planning and experimentation, it can become a seamless part of your daily routine. Over time, I’ve developed my Pomeranian diet that works wonderfully for my Pomeranian girls, and I’m excited to share the process with you today!
Getting Started on How to Feed a Raw Diet to Your Pomeranian
When I first decided to switch my Pomeranians to a raw food diet, it wasn’t an overnight transformation. It involved a lot of research, trial and error, and some guidance from experts. I visited a pet boutique specializing in raw food and learned about various brands and forms of raw dog food.
Some of the popular raw food brands include:
- Stella & Chewy’s
- Bravo!
- Primal Pet Food
These brands offer raw food in several forms, each with its own benefits and considerations. Here’s a brief overview:
- CHUBS: These are large, cylindrical packages of raw food that look like a pound of ground beef. They’re sold in plastic wrap, and you manually cut and weigh out portions before thawing and serving.
- PATTIES: These resemble raw hamburger patties and are individually wrapped. You thaw them before serving.
- NUGGETS: These small, 1-ounce rectangular blocks are sold loose in bags. You divide them into smaller freezer bags, thaw them as needed, and serve.
Choosing the Right Brand
To determine which raw food my Pomeranians preferred, I took advantage of sample offerings from the pet boutique. The owner generously provided me with samples from Stella & Chewy’s, Bravo!, and Primal Pet Food. Testing different brands allowed me to observe which one my girls enjoyed the most and how they responded to it.
After a few days of experimenting, Primal Pet Food emerged as the clear favorite. The chicken-flavored nuggets were a hit with my Pomeranians, and the food worked wonders for their digestive systems. Primal’s ingredients and formulation aligned well with their needs, making it the ideal choice for us.
Setting Up a Feeding Routine
Once you’ve selected a brand and form of raw food, establishing a feeding routine is essential. Here’s how I manage the process in my home:
- Purchase and Storage: I buy a bag of frozen raw dog food from Primal Pet Food. When I get home, I immediately separate the food into daily portions using 1-quart freezer bags. Each bag contains the amount of food needed for one day. For instance, my Pomeranians eat 10 nuggets of food a day, so I place 10 nuggets in each bag.
- Thawing: To ensure the food thaws properly, I keep two bags of food in the refrigerator at all times—one for the current day and one for the following day. Since the food is frozen, it needs time to thaw. By keeping a day’s worth of food in the refrigerator, it’s always ready to serve.
- Feeding Time: At mealtime, I take the bag of food for the current day out of the refrigerator and serve it to my Pomeranians. They love the taste and eagerly devour their meals. The routine of thawing food the night before ensures that it’s ready when they’re hungry.
- Cleaning Up: After each meal, I clean their feeding dishes and any leftover food. Raw food can spoil quickly, so it’s important to keep their feeding area clean and hygienic.
Benefits of a Raw Diet
Feeding a raw diet has provided numerous benefits for my Pomeranians:
- Improved Digestion: Raw food is easier for dogs to digest than processed kibble. My Pomeranians have experienced fewer digestive issues, and their stools are more regular and healthier.
- Shinier Coat: The high-quality ingredients in raw food, such as salmon oil and organic vegetables, contribute to a glossy, healthy coat.
- Increased Energy: My Pomeranians have more energy and vitality since switching to raw food. They are more active and playful, showing signs of overall well-being.
- Better Weight Management: The natural ingredients in raw food help maintain a healthy weight. My Pomeranians have achieved and maintained their ideal body condition without the need for weight management diets.
- Enhanced Behavior: Yoki, in particular, has shown significant improvements in behavior since transitioning to raw food. She is calmer and more relaxed, which I attribute to the balanced nutrition provided by the diet.
Tips for Feeding Raw
If you’re considering switching your Pomeranian to a raw food diet, keep these tips in mind:
- Consult Your Vet: Before making any dietary changes, consult with your veterinarian to ensure the raw food diet meets your dog’s nutritional needs. They can provide guidance on portion sizes and any potential health considerations.
- Introduce Gradually: Transition to raw food gradually to avoid upsetting your Pomeranian’s digestive system. Mix a small amount of raw food with their current food, gradually increasing the raw portion over several days.
- Monitor Health: Keep an eye on your Pomeranian’s health and behavior after transitioning to raw food. Regular check-ups with your vet will help ensure they are thriving on the new diet.
- Quality Brands: Choose high-quality raw food brands that use organic, natural ingredients and avoid fillers or artificial additives. Look for brands with positive reviews and transparency about their sourcing and manufacturing processes.
Conclusion
Once you learn how to feed a raw diet to your Pomeranian it will be a rewarding experience that enhances their health and well-being. By following a structured feeding routine and choosing high-quality raw food, you can provide your furry friend with the best possible nutrition. If you have any questions or need further guidance on feeding raw, feel free to leave a comment or reach out for more information. Your Pomeranian will thank you for it with wagging tails and joyful playtime!