Raw feeding has become one of the most popular ways for pet parents to support their dog’s health, digestion, and energy levels. But when it comes to deciding between homemade raw dog food and professionally prepared raw blends, many dog owners wonder which option is best.
Here’s what you should know about the differences, risks, and benefits so you can feel confident about the food you put in your dog’s bowl.
Why Pet Parents Consider Homemade Raw Dog Food
Making raw meals at home sounds appealing for several reasons:
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Control over ingredients: Some pet owners want to handpick every cut of meat and vegetable.
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Perceived cost savings: At first glance, buying meat in bulk might seem cheaper.
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DIY mindset: Many enjoy the idea of crafting meals from scratch, just like cooking for their family.
But while homemade meals give you control, they also come with some serious risks.
The Risks of DIY Raw Dog Food
Nutritional Imbalances Are Common
Dogs need the right balance of protein, fat, calcium, and trace minerals. Without careful formulation (and often lab testing), homemade meals can cause deficiencies that impact your dog’s long-term health.
Food Safety Concerns
Cross-contamination and improper storage can lead to harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. Professional raw brands like Albright’s, GreenTripe, and Halshan follow strict safety protocols to keep every batch clean and safe.
Time & Cost Add Up
Shopping for specific cuts of meat, grinding bones, and prepping balanced meals every week can quickly become overwhelming. When you factor in supplements and wasted ingredients, DIY raw feeding is often more expensive than people realize.
Why Professionally Prepared Raw Dog Food Is the Smarter Choice
Choosing a trusted brand takes the guesswork out of raw feeding.
Balanced Formulas Backed by Experts
Running Wild works with nutritionists and suppliers to provide complete and balanced raw meals that meet your dog’s needs, without you having to calculate nutrients.
Quality & Safety Standards
From sourcing to packaging, professionally prepared raw dog food is handled with food safety in mind. Running Wild has strict standards—we only carry products from manufacturers who use premium, fresh, high-quality proteins and maintain strict standards for packaging and handling.
Convenience For Busy Pet Parents
No more grinding bones or weighing supplements, just thaw, serve, and watch your dog thrive. Running Wild even offers raw dog food delivery in Northern Nevada and Truckee/Tahoe for maximum convenience. So you can spend more time snuggling and hiking with your pet than on food prep.
Homemade vs. Professionally Prepared: What It Means For Reno Pet Parents
At the end of the day, the difference between DIY raw dog food and professionally prepared raw meals comes down to safety, nutrition, and convenience. Homemade diets often lack essential nutrients and put your dog at risk of imbalances, while pre-made raw blends are formulated to support long-term health. Professionally prepared raw dog food also saves you time, ensures safer handling, and often costs less than trying to prepare balanced meals at home.
Choose What’s Best For Your Dog With Running Wild Raw Food!
With locally available raw starter packs, balanced blends, and trusted brands like GreenTripe, Albright’s, and Halshan, we take the stress out of feeding raw, so you can feel confident that your dog is getting everything they need to thrive without the risks of DIY.
Ready to try it for yourself? Explore our raw dog food delivery in Reno, NV, and discover how easy raw feeding can be.
