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Beagle Raw Dog Food Diet Guide: Recipes, Benefits & FAQs

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If you are a beagle owner looking to put your pet on a raw diet, youre in the right place! In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of a raw diet for beagles, including nutritional guidelines to follow, benefits alongside risk considerations, and some of the tastiest recipes your Beagle will undoubtedly adore. Lets get started!

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What Is A Beagle Raw Dog Food Diet?

Raw dog food (aka BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is designed to mimic a dogs ancestral diet based on the dogs carnivorous and primal instincts. A raw diet represents what dogs ate in the wild millions of years ago. It consists of raw ingredients. All the ingredients are uncooked to preserve the enzyme content, minerals, vitamins, and other vital nutrients.

There are three types of raw dog diets: frozen, freeze-dried, and homemade. A raw dog food diet plan typically consists of the following:

• Meat protein
• Bones, either whole or ground
• Organ meats (i.e., livers and kidneys)
• Raweggs
• Dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables
• Some dairy, such as yogurt.

A variation of the BARF model is known as theprey modelraw (PMR) food. The prey model excludes fruits, dairy, and vegetables.

Can Beagle Eat Raw Meat?

Yes. Beagles (dogs) are true carnivores. They can thrive on a raw meat diet. Beagles can eat raw meat and other raw ingredients. Genetic and anatomical research shows dogs have noticeable carnivorous traits that allow them to digest raw meat protein more quickly while killing potential bacteria in decaying meat.

Dogs also have a remarkable omnivorous capacity but areoptimized for eating meat. Beagles can safely enjoy balanced raw meals. Read our Can dogs eat raw meat? article to learn about the research supporting Beagles raw meat consumption.

If you plan to feed raw meat to your dog, you need to do so as part of a balanced raw meal plan with your vets supervision.

Beagle Raw Diet Benefits

Is raw dog food good for Beagles?

Dr. Ian Billinghurst, a veterinarian, pioneer, and top advocate of raw feeding dogs, mentions raw food has several positive effects on canine health, including:

• Shinner coat
• Improved skin health
• More energy
• Lean, strong muscles
• Smaller, firmer stools
• Improved dental health
• Stronger immune system
• Lower risk for allergies
• Improved digestion
• Increased agility
• Bright eyes
• Faster nutrient absorption
• Weight management

A BARF diet ensures dogs eatfresh, wholesome, and allergen-freefoods, asno chemicals, additives,or fillers are used in raw diets.

Raw Dog Diet Research

• Increased lifespan. The most extensive study on raw-feeding dogs concluded that a raw diet could add as much as32 months (almost three years) to a dogs life.^[1]Dr. Peter Dobias, who has 30 years of veterinary experience and has advocated for raw pet diets since 1995, says,From my experience, if people feed a raw diet, they will increase their dogs lifespan by 25 percent. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound.^[2]
• Deemed healthy. A study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that 98.7% (where 16.2% of 98.7% feed bones or raw food to their dogs) deemed their pet healthy.^[3]
• Balanced without supplementation. A study showed its possible to make balanced raw dog food that meets European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF and Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelineswithout additional synthetic supplementation.^[4]
• Beneficial. Lisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells WebMD many benefits attributed to a raw food diet for dogs, such as ashinier coat,are the result of the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Furthermore, For most animals,[raw diets] are more beneficial than processed foods, says Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, of the Beaver Animal Clinic in Beaver, PA.^[5]

Beagle Raw FoodRisks

There are some potential risks involved when preparing raw food for your dog.

• Ingredient contamination. Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens (i.e., Salmonella, E.Coli) that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans.
• Choking. Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures.
• Nutritionally unbalanced. Cooking a nutritionally unbalanced raw food diet can jeopardize your dogs health.
• Raw allergies. Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. We advise doing an at-home dog allergy test before picking the ingredients for your dogs next meal.

How To Reduce Raw Dog Food Risks

• Washing. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients.
• Sourcing. Buy raw products from reputable grocery stores or butchers with high sanitary standards.
• Raw bones. Avoid big bones and feed only raw bones that are small or ground bones. Never feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are more likely to splinter when chewed.
• Speak with a vet nutritionist. They can provide nutritional guidance to formulate the best Beagle raw diet or recommend a raw food delivery service.

Pro tip: Freeze all your meats for at least 2 to 3 weeks to kill any parasites Research found that Salmonella is highly sensitive to freezing and showed survival of 1% or less after 48 hours. E. coli proved less sensitive, showing a survival rate ranging from 10% to 30% during the first week of storage. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae.^[6]

Beagle Raw Diet Cost

The average price of traditional kibble is $1.97 per pound, while high-end kibble is $3.466 per pound.^[7] In contrast, according to our calculations, the average price for the markets most popular, high-end raw commercial foods is $6.4 per pound, with the lower-end raw options costing $3.8 per pound.

We also analyzed the price for the most popular meats. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, beef, chicken, and turkey have an average price per pound of $3.9, $1.5, and $1.28, respectively.

If you switch your Beagle to a raw homemade diet, your food expenses shouldnt vary much compared to what you spend on kibble. It might be cheaper. Conversely, buying commercial raw-meat food over traditional kibble is a tad more expensive, but we think the health benefits and convenience are worth the price. Read our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for tips on how to feed raw for cheap.

Raw Dog Food Nutritional Guidelines

Putting your Beagle on a raw diet requires you to feed him a balanced meal according to the BARF model and The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines.

The recommended guidelines for a BARF diet consist of 70%uncooked muscle meat, 10%raw edible bone, 10%vegetables and fruit, 5%liver, and 5%other organs.

Beagle BARF Diet Nutritional Breakdown

A Beagle raw diet plan should follow theAAFCOs guidelines.^[8] AFFCO is the entity regulating dog foods nutritional value in commercial dog food. It states every dog meal should have six indispensable nutrients to create a balanced meal that supports life and proper function in dogs. These include protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Before crafting your dogs meals, consider your pups weight, health conditions, size, and activity level.

*If feeding the Prey model, this method typically consists of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs (half of which is liver.). No fruits or veggies.

Beagle Raw Diet Supplement

A balanced raw diet shouldnt require additional supplementation. However, poorly made raw diets by inexperienced dog parents, a dogs unique dietary needs, or health conditions may require additional supplementation to specific nutrients. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin likeZesty Paws Multivitamin Chewsensures your Beagle gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.

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Best Raw Dog Food For Beagles

Are you confused about preparing a balanced Beagle raw meat diet? Do you have a busy lifestyle with little cooking time for your pup? Dont know where to start? If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, a raw dog food delivery service is the best way to let your dog reap the benefits of eating raw.

We Feed Raw is one of our favorite choices and offers the best BARF diet recipes for dogs available on the market. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bones. Plus, its supplemented with other key ingredients.

All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of aveterinary nutritionistto meet the nutritional guidelines AAFCO sets.

How Much Raw Food To Feed Beagles?

Thebody weight percentagemethod is the most straightforward alternative to many raw feeders (new and experienced). Its simple, and it works with any diet.

Generally, feed your dog about 2% to 4% of his ideal adult weight.

Please consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount.

Beagle Raw Feeding Chart

You have four scenarios to choose from to determine how much to feed your dog. To calculate your dogs daily raw food intake, multiply his weight times the percentages.

• Weight maintenance: Feed 2% 2.5% of their current weight in pounds per day.
• Active dogs (canine athletes, sport dogs, or highly active dogs): Feed 3% 4% of their current weight in pounds per day.
• Senior, less active, or overweight dogs (weight loss): Feed 1.5% 2% of their current weight in pounds per day.
• Underweight dogs (weight gain): Feed 3% 3.5% % of their current weight in pounds per day.

For a Beagle that weighs 23 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily.

Adult dogs typically eat two meals per day. So, break the total amount into two meals per day.

Raw Diet For Beagle Puppy

A Beagle puppys raw diet plan differs from an adult Beagles.

Puppies need moreprotein, fat, calcium, and phosphorusthan adult dogs. Feed puppies 15% bone and less than 20% fat to ensure enough nutrients and minerals. Raw food for puppies also should abide by AAFCO guidelines and include the six essential nutrients mentioned earlier.

How Much Raw Food Should Beagle Puppies Get?

Puppies need more calories than adult dogs and should eat about5% to 10%of their weight to support their growth.

Beagle Puppy Raw Feeding Chart

General raw feeding guidelines for puppies:

• Puppies 2 to 3 months: 8% to 10% of body weight daily
• Puppies 4 to 5 months: 6% to 8% of body weight daily
• Puppies 6 to 8 months: 4% to 6% of body weight daily
• Puppies 9 to 12 months: 3% to 4% of body weight daily

Puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times per day. When they mature (12 months & up), you can feed them twice daily.

Beagle Raw Food: Cooking, Handling & Serving Tips

Making raw dog food for Beagles requires meticulous attention to detail at every step.

• Never store raw pet food and human food together. Prepare and store raw pet food away from human-grade food as a preventive measure against cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and different cooking utensils to prepare your and your dogs food.
• Dont wash raw meat, only produce. Contrary to popular belief,raw food should not be washed or rinsed because it increases the spread of bacteria and the risk of cross-contamination. According to the USDA, meat and poultry are cleaned during processing, so further washing is unnecessary.
• Freezing and storing. Place raw dog food in a tightly sealed package or container and store it in the freezer at 0 F. Properly frozen raw food will prevent the growth of microbes (including mold and yeast) and kill parasites if frozen for up two weeks.
• Never thaw raw dog food in water or the microwave. Avoid thawing in water; nutrients could leach into the surrounding water. And do not microwave raw food. You will cook the foodThaw raw food in the refrigerator or countertop. Keep the refrigerators temperature at or below 40 F (35 F ideally). According to theUSDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 and 140 F, the Danger Zone.
• Once raw is thawed, Fido should eat it within two days. Store raw dog food in a container with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for no more than 24-48 hours. Keeping food refrigerated for 3 to 4 days might not hurt, but it increases the chances of cross-contamination and spoilage. Freeze-dried food can be stored at room temperature.
• Throw away leftovers from the day. Dont leave raw dog food out too long. It can result in spoiled food and bacteria growth. Cover any leftover raw food and put it in the refrigerator to be fed at a later meal. You should dispose of any uneaten food. This helps keep food at its peak freshness and avoid any digestive upset.
• Before, during, and after cooking (serving), sanitize the area where your dog eats. The FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. After each use, wash cutting boards, feeding bowls, countertops, and utensils such as knives with hot, soapy water. Please avoid using the same dishrag to wash your dishes, or you could contaminate them with raw food particles.

Pro tip: Make sure your dogs bowl is made fromstainless steellike this one. Other materials like plastic and porcelain can trap germs over time due to the porosity of their surfaces.

How to Make Beagle Raw Food (Video)

Watch this video and learn to make raw dog food for Beagles.

Raw Dog Food Recipes For Beagles

If you are ready to start your Beagle on a raw diet plan, weve listed our favorite recipes below.

As a bonus, we included a special treat recipe that is tasty and packed with impressive health benefits. It has our favorite secret ingredient,dog CBD oil. CBD oil can help with seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, wellness, and other health problems.

Note:Please consult with your pets veterinarian & use personal judgment when applying this information to your dogs diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portions vary depending on your dogs breed, weight, activity level, age, and health.

CBD-Infused Dog Treat

Every dog loves a tasty treat, and many agree that nothing beats nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade CBD oil dog treats. These goodies are made with Pumpkin and other essential vitamins and minerals (like iron, potassium, and vitamin A), which help promote better digestion and hydration. Coconut is also added for skin and coat health and allergy reduction.

Just be sure to check with your vet before to ensure CBD is safe for your pup and you are giving the correct dosage.

You can also purchasealready-madeCBD dog treatsso your pup can experience CBDs benefits without the cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 apple, cored and grated
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cuppeanut butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup olive orcoconut oil
• 1/2 cup water
• Dash of sea salt
• 120 mgCBD oil

Total:Makes 24 treats

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
3. Combine gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar in a medium-sized bowl. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl; mix thoroughly. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
5. Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion the dog biscuits and press them into the dog treat baking pan. Bake for 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden brown outside.
6. Store in an air-tight container.

Notes

The number of dog treats will vary depending on the mold size you use. Try to make each dog treat have 2-5 mg of CBD.

Recipe from:Truth Theory

Ground Beef, Chicken Liver, Veggies Mix

This raw meat food recipe for dogs is among our favorites. Easy to digest and packed with all the essential nutrients dogs need.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lbsof ground beef
• 4 ozchicken livers
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 small apple, cored
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 2 whole eggs (including shell)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbspground flaxseed
• 1 tbspolive oil

Directions

1. Put carrot, apple, and spinach in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
2. Add remaining ingredients except for beef and process until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add the beef until well-mixed.
4. Form the size of your palm into patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Freeze patties and transfer them to a storage container to keep them frozen.
6. The night before you wish to feed, remove the patties from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator to thaw.

Raw Boneless Turkey & Egg Dog

If you want to make a simple recipe that can last you well beyond a week, or perhaps you have more than one Beagle at home, this recipe will make 11 pounds of raw food, which is 6-7 days worth of food for a 50-pound dog, or two smaller dogs.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds 93% lean ground turkey
• 2 pounds of chicken heart
• 1 pound beef liver
• 6 pastured eggs without shells
• 8 ounces (3 large stalks) of kale
• 8 ounces (2 stalks) of broccoli
• 8 ounces (4 chopped cups) of dandelion greens
• 12 ounces (2 small clamshell packages) of blueberries or mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries)
• 6 Tablespoons bone meal (seaweed calcium can be used for adult dogs)
• 3 Tablespoons ground pumpkin seed powder
• 2 teaspoons Himalayan salt
• 1/4 teaspoon kelp

Directions

1. If you have a grinder, grind the chicken heart and beef liver. If you dont have a grinder, chop the liver and heart into small cubes.
2. Puree the eggs, kale, broccoli, dandelion greens, berries, bone meal, pumpkin seed powder, salt, and kelp in a food processor.
3. Mix the ground turkey, liver, heart, and veggie/berry.
4. Place the mixture into smaller containers and place them in your freezer. Its best to freeze your food in 1-3 day portions.

Recipe From: Dog Naturally Magazine

Organ Patties

This Beagle homemade raw dog food recipe should be served as a tasty treat or various feed options once or twice a week.

Make it with any excess organs. This recipe doesnt include bones and cartilage, so dont use it as a regular meal, but as a raw treat your Beagle can enjoy now and then.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces of beef hearts
• 4 ounces of kidneys
• 4 ounces of gizzards
• 4 ounces of liver
• 2 tablespoons of precooked vegetables
• 1 raw egg

Directions

1. The first thing youll need to do is prepare the ingredients. You must chop the organs or put them in a food processor. The same goes for vegetables.
2. Once everything is minced, mix it all. Add the raw egg with the shell. You can then form the mixture into patties and pop them in the freezer until youre ready to give them to your dog.

Recipe From: Daily Dog Stuff

Chicken & Greens

This is another easy homemade raw dog food recipe for Beagles to add to his menu.

It uses raw chicken with a veggie mix. Its full of nutrients and vitamins.

Ingredients

• 35% 50% Chicken thighs or breasts
• 10% 30% Chicken hearts and liver
• 12% 15% Ground chicken bone
• 5% lightly boiled chicken eggs
• 5% 10% Organic broccoli (like kale, broccoli is very rich in vitamin C and fiber and a lot of other nutrients)
• 5% 10% Organic celery (its quite rich in water when it is raw, but it is still a great source of dietary fiber)
• 5% 10% Organic spinach (very high vitamin and mineral content, excellent nutrient)
• 5% 10% Organic carrots
• 5% Alfalfa meal

Directions

Simply mix and freeze or serve. The eggs should be lightly boiled as protection against Salmonella.

Recipe From: Top Dog Tips

Want more recipes? This raw dog food cookbook has a ton of more raw food recipes for Beagles.

Best Raw Cooking Practices

Follow these raw cooking guidelines to make a Beagles safe and healthy raw recipe.

• Meticulous care is required in the handling, preparation, and sanitation of raw food
• Meat and other ingredients must be human-grade
• Buy ethically sourced ingredients
• Everything has to be natural and raw (no foods with additives, hormones, and toxins)
• Know by memory (or have a list) of toxic dog food
• Avoid grain, especially if your pup suffers from allergies
• Remove any bones that may become splintered (as your dog becomes more experienced with eating raw bones, this wont be necessary)
• Avoid heavy, big bones
• The liver is quite slimy. Be cautious and cut it into bite-size pieces to avoid choking.
• Feed the leanest ground products possible
• If you feed ground meat, remember that ground meats dont usually contain bone (unless specified). You will need to add bones.

Pro tip: Visit your local Mexican market, Asian market, or farmers market Typically, you will find a wider variety of organ meats at lower prices. You can also have frozen organ meats delivered to your door on ice.

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How to Transition Your Beagle To A RawDiet

Raw feeding your Beagle for the first time must be done progressively to allow his digestive tract to adjust and prevent stomach issues.

Below is a general schedule for transitioning from kibble to a raw diet.

• Week 1:25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 2:50% new food and 50% old food
• Week 3:25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 4:100% new food

Dont change your dogs food abruptly. It can cause anupset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. Monitor your dogs health closely. If you notice any adverse reaction to the new diet, you should go back a week in the transition plan and proceed slowly.

Foods Your Beagle Should Never Eat

These ingredients are hazardous to dogs. Never use them in your recipes.

Theprincipal toxic foodsinclude:

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Onions and garlic
• Avocados
• Coffee, tea, and other caffeine
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Raw bread dough
• Alcohol

Check out the complete list of foodyou should never feed your dog. Consider having it on your refrigerator as a reminder.

Raw Foods To Never Feed Dogs

Never feed a raw potato to your dog. Potatoescontain solanine, a toxic compound to somedogs, says the AKC. Raw tomatoes also have solanine. Cooking themreduces the levels of solanine, but its better to stay on the safe side by avoiding them.

Dont feed salmonor salmonid species of fish. It can contain the Neorickettsia helminthoeca parasite, which causessalmonpoisoning disease. This disease can be fatal. The small brittle bones can choke yourdogor lodge in his stomach or intestines.

Boneless fish (especially oily fish) are allowed only once a week. Never give fish with sharp spines and barbs. No wild pork, bear meat, or meats from wild animals are allowed, not even after freezing. Wild meats contain more parasites than farm-raised meats.

Always research every ingredient before feeding it to your dog.

Beagle That Shouldnt Eat Raw Dog Food

Raw diets are not suited for all dogs. Dogs withkidney or liver problems should avoid eating raw. Raw foods are generally high in protein; excess protein can stress these organs, worsening either condition.

Dr. Doug Knueven, a holistic medicine specialist who consults for Natures Variety (Instinct, a raw pet food brand), says that dogs on chemotherapy or immune-suppressing drugs should be restricted from eating raw food.

For dogs suffering from pancreatitis or digestive problems, starting with a fresh dog food recipe diet before switching to raw is recommended.

Beagle Raw Dietvs Kibble

Is raw dog food better than kibble? Both diets have pros and cons, but it all comes down to whats best for your Beagle.

If you still have lingering questions or concerns about raw feeding dogs or the whole kibble vs. raw debate, Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind The Dry Versus Raw Debateis a must-read for all interested in getting answers to this controversial topic.

Here is a glance at how they stack up against each other.

Is A Raw Food Diet Good For Your Beagle?

Is raw food good for Beagles? Here is what supporters and veterinarians had to say.

Monitor Weight & Health

As a dog owner, you must understand that your Beagles weight is one of the most influential longevity, quality of life, and disease prevention. This is why monitoring his weight on any new diet is vital.

A poorly maderaw diet can lead to an extreme lackof energy, skin or coat disorders, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition,orobesity.If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately stop feeding this food to your dog and call your vet.

Track your dogs health and weight for a month to ensure that raw feeding does not adversely affect him.

Beagle Raw Diet Conclusion & Alternatives

A raw diet can indeed become a powerhouse of nourishment, provided its tailored meticulously to the specific needs of your Beagle. Remember, balance is key, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not apply. Always consult with a vet or pet nutritionist to ensure your beloved pet is receiving optimal nutrition.

To conclude, the choice to switch your Beagle to a raw diet is not just a decisionits a commitment, an act of love, and a pledge to their long-term health. This guide serves as your trusted companion in this endeavor, offering insights and guidance to make the journey less daunting and more rewarding. Heres to embarking on a new path with your Beagle, one that promises exciting flavors and a vibrant, healthier life!

There are also alternative options, such as high-quality commercial dog foods. Ourbest dog food for Beaglesguide can help you find the best options for this breed. Similarly,homemade food for Beaglescan provide a well-balanced and healthy diet. Ultimately, the most important thing is to prioritize your dogs health and well-being when making dietary choices. If you are not a fan of either option, explore vegan dog food.

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