Natural Diet for Dogs: A Guide to Fresh Feeding

August 14, 2026

Feeding your dog a fresh, natural diet is a great way to introduce more variety into their meals. Rather than relying entirely on highly processed foods, many dog owners choose to include fresh meat, raw meaty bones, organ meats, vegetables, fruit and other wholefood ingredients.

A well-planned natural diet should provide a suitable balance of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. The right approach will depend on your dog's age, size, activity level and individual nutritional needs.

Whether you're new to natural dog food or looking to improve your dog's current diet, this guide explains the basics of fresh food feeding, suitable ingredients, feeding quantities and convenient ways to add variety to your dog's bowl.

The Basic Fresh Food Ratio for Dogs

As a general starting point for healthy adult dogs, some raw feeding approaches use the following proportions:

70% raw meat
10% raw meaty bones
5% organ meats
10% vegetables
5% extras, such as fruit, eggs, suitable herbs and seeds

These proportions are a general guide, not a complete nutritional formula for every dog. The nutritional value of meat, bones and organs varies, and simply following these percentages doesn't guarantee a balanced diet. Calcium, essential fatty acids, trace minerals and other nutrients need to be considered when planning meals.

Puppies, pregnant or lactating dogs and dogs with particular nutritional needs require a more carefully formulated diet.

70% Raw Meat

Fresh meat provides protein, fats and a range of nutrients that contribute to your dog's overall diet.

Where practical, choose quality meat from a variety of sources. Suitable options may include:

Chicken
Rabbit
Mutton
Duck
Kangaroo
Lamb
Turkey
Pork
Beef

Choose fresh, unseasoned meat and avoid processed or cured meats such as bacon, ham and sausages, which can contain high levels of salt and other additives.

Varying protein sources introduces different nutritional profiles and helps create variety across your dog's meals. However, rotating meats alone doesn't guarantee nutritional balance.

Raw meat also requires careful handling, storage and preparation. If raw feeding isn't suitable for your household, fresh cooked meat can be incorporated into a properly balanced diet.

10% Raw Meaty Bones

Raw meaty bones can provide calcium, phosphorus and other nutrients as part of an appropriately formulated raw diet.

Examples include suitable chicken necks, wings and feet, although the right choice depends on your dog's size, chewing style and individual needs.

Always supervise your dog when feeding bones. Avoid cooked bones, which can splinter, and take care with large, very hard bones that may damage teeth. Bones can also cause choking, digestive obstruction and other injuries, so they're not appropriate for every dog.

If your dog can't safely eat whole bones, an appropriately formulated calcium source may be a better option.

Remember: Calcium and phosphorus need to be supplied in suitable amounts and proportions. Don't assume that adding bones automatically makes a homemade diet nutritionally complete.

5% Organ Meats

Organ meats are a valuable part of many natural feeding plans because they contain nutrients that aren't present in the same concentrations in ordinary muscle meat.

Options include:

Liver
Kidney
Heart
Spleen
Tripe
Other suitable edible organs

Liver is particularly rich in several vitamins and minerals, while heart provides protein and nutrients including taurine. Different organs have different nutritional profiles, so including a suitable variety is preferable to relying on just one.

Explore our guide to offal for dogs and cats for more information about incorporating organ meats into a natural diet.

If fresh organ meats are difficult to source, suitable dried organ products can offer a convenient alternative.

Taurine is an important nutrient for dogs, although the need for additional taurine depends on the overall diet and individual circumstances. If you're feeding a homemade diet, consider the full nutritional formulation rather than supplementing individual nutrients without assessing what's already being supplied.

10% Vegetables

Vegetables can add fibre, vitamins, minerals and a range of plant nutrients to your dog's meals.

Finely chopping, mincing or puréeing raw vegetables helps break down their structure, making them easier for dogs to eat and digest. Some vegetables are better offered cooked, depending on the ingredient.

Suitable options to consider include:

Kale
Broccoli, including stems and leaves
Carrot
Celery
Fennel
Beetroot
Sweet potato
Asparagus
Cucumber
Endive
Radicchio
Cauliflower
Zucchini
Capsicum
Peas
Pumpkin
Okra
Mushrooms that are known to be safe for dogs
Cooked Brussels sprouts

Small amounts of suitable sprouts and microgreens can also add variety. Broccoli sprouts are particularly rich in plant compounds.

Fermented vegetables may be offered in small amounts where appropriate. Choose plain, onion-free varieties without unsuitable seasonings.

Foods to avoid: Onions, garlic chives and other members of the Allium family can be toxic to dogs. Never feed wild mushrooms or unidentified fungi.

Vegetables should complement the diet rather than displace the animal-based ingredients and other nutrients your dog needs.

5% Extras: Fruit, Eggs, Herbs and More

The remaining portion of a fresh food diet can include suitable ingredients that add variety, flavour and additional nutrients.

Fruit

Fruit can be offered in small, suitable portions as part of a varied diet.

Options include:

Blueberries
Raspberries
Blackberries
Strawberries
Mulberries
Cranberries
Banana
Kiwi fruit
Papaya
Apple, without the seeds and core
Pineapple
Rockmelon
Watermelon, without the rind and seeds

Fruit contains natural sugars, so keep portions appropriate for your dog's size and overall diet.

Never feed grapes, sultanas or raisins. They can cause serious kidney injury in dogs.

Eggs

Eggs provide protein, fats and a range of nutrients. Cooked eggs are a convenient addition to many dogs' meals.

Finely ground, properly prepared eggshell can supply calcium, but the amount must be accounted for within the overall diet. Don't add eggshell indiscriminately to a diet that already contains bones or another calcium source.

Herbs

Suitable fresh or dried herbs can add variety to your dog's food.

Examples include:

Parsley
Basil
Rosemary
Oregano
Thyme
Coriander
Ginger
Turmeric

Use small amounts, introduce new ingredients gradually and check that each herb is appropriate for your dog.

Greenpet also stocks a range of natural herbs and nutritional supplements for dogs for owners looking to explore additional wholefood ingredients.

Fish and Seafood

Fish provides protein and, depending on the species, beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

Sardines are a popular addition to fresh food diets and can be offered fresh or canned in water, provided the product is free from added salt, sauces and unsuitable seasonings.

Green-lipped mussels and other suitable seafood can also add variety.

Take care with fish bones, particularly when feeding smaller dogs. Choose products and preparation methods appropriate for your dog's size and chewing ability.

Nuts and Seeds

Some seeds can be included in small amounts as part of a varied diet.

Examples include:

Linseed (flaxseed): Provides plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. Ground linseed is easier to incorporate into meals.
Pumpkin seeds: Provide fats, protein and minerals, including zinc.
Brazil nuts: Contain selenium but are very concentrated sources, so they're not a necessary everyday addition.

Nuts and seeds are energy-dense and should make up only a small proportion of the diet.

Avoid macadamia nuts, which are toxic to dogs. Never offer salted, seasoned or chocolate-coated nuts.

Seaweed

Suitable edible seaweeds, such as nori, wakame and dulse, can provide trace minerals.

Seaweed can contain substantial amounts of iodine, and the amount varies between species and products. Use it sparingly and account for other iodine sources in the diet, particularly if your dog already receives a supplement containing kelp.

Greenpet offers natural nutritional products for dogs, including options for owners interested in wholefood ingredients.

Coconut

Small amounts of fresh coconut meat or plain dried coconut can be offered occasionally.

Coconut is relatively high in fat, so keep portions modest and consider your dog's overall calorie intake and tolerance.

Spices

Small amounts of suitable spices, such as Ceylon cinnamon, cumin and turmeric, can add variety to meals.

Introduce them gradually and use plain ingredients without added salt, sugar or flavourings. Avoid nutmeg, which can be toxic to dogs.

Grains and Dairy

Grains aren't essential for every dog, but they can form part of a suitable, balanced diet. Some dogs tolerate appropriately prepared grains well.

Dairy isn't necessary for a healthy adult dog. Small amounts of plain natural yoghurt or cottage cheese may be suitable if your dog tolerates dairy.

Consider your dog's individual needs rather than automatically excluding or adding particular food groups.

How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?

The amount of food your dog needs depends on their ideal body weight, age, metabolism, activity level and the energy content of their meals.

As a rough starting point, some adult dogs eating fresh food may require around 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day. This is only an estimate, not a universal feeding recommendation. Calorie requirements and the energy density of different diets can vary considerably.

For example:

Dog's ideal weight	At 2% daily	At 2.5% daily	At 3% daily
10 kg	200 g	250 g	300 g
25 kg	500 g	625 g	750 g

These figures illustrate the calculation rather than prescribe how much every dog should eat.

Using a 10 kg dog receiving 250 g of food per day as an example, the original 70:10:5:10:5 ratio would work out as follows:

Food component	Example daily amount
Raw meat	175 g
Raw meaty bones	25 g
Organ meats	12.5 g
Vegetables	25 g
Extras	12.5 g
Total	250 g

This example follows the general ratio described above. It doesn't establish that the resulting diet is complete or suitable for an individual dog.

Monitor your dog's body condition, appetite, stools and energy levels, then adjust feeding amounts according to their needs.

What About Puppies?

Puppies have different nutritional requirements from adult dogs. Their diets must supply suitable amounts of energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus and other nutrients to support growth and development.

Don't simply apply adult feeding ratios to a growing puppy. A properly formulated growth diet is especially important for large-breed puppies, whose mineral requirements need careful consideration.

How to Prepare a Fresh Food Diet

Preparing fresh meals doesn't need to be complicated, but consistency and good food hygiene matter.

Prepare your ingredients. Finely chop or purée suitable vegetables and prepare the meat and other ingredients according to your feeding plan.
Measure the portions. Weighing ingredients can help you maintain consistent quantities.
Account for essential nutrients. Make sure the overall recipe provides suitable amounts of calcium, phosphorus, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
Prepare individual meals. You can make meals fresh or prepare suitable batches and divide them into portions.
Store food safely. Refrigerate fresh ingredients promptly and thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator. Avoid leaving fresh food sitting out for extended periods, especially in warm weather.
Clean thoroughly. Wash hands, utensils, preparation surfaces and bowls after handling raw meat.

If you're feeding a combination of commercial food and homemade ingredients, consider how the additions affect the nutritional balance of the complete diet.

Convenient Natural Dog Food Options

Preparing a fresh food diet from scratch isn't always practical. Fortunately, there are convenient options for owners who want to introduce more variety without preparing every ingredient themselves.

Greenpet stocks a range of natural dog food and feeding products, including:

Lenny's Kitchen Natural & Complete Muesli – A convenient blend of plant-based ingredients designed to accompany fresh meat.
Phuds Natural Dog Food – A blend of grains, vegetables, legumes and herbs designed to be combined with fresh or cooked meat according to its feeding directions.
Organic Dehydrated Bone Broth – A convenient meal addition that can be rehydrated or sprinkled over food.

Always follow the product's feeding instructions. If you're using a food blend alongside meat, check whether the combination supplies a complete diet in the quantities you're feeding.

Feeding a Fussy Dog

Some dogs are enthusiastic eaters, while others turn their noses up at anything unfamiliar. If your dog is reluctant to try a fresh food diet, a gradual transition can help.

Try these approaches:

Introduce new ingredients in small amounts.
Mix suitable new foods into a familiar meal.
Keep meal preparation consistent while your dog adjusts.
Try lightly cooked meat if your dog prefers it to raw meat.
Experiment with different suitable textures and protein sources.
Avoid introducing several unfamiliar ingredients at once.

Meal toppers can also add variety and flavour to a dog's usual food.

Greenpet options include:

PROMISE Beef Liver Sprinkles – Made from freeze-dried beef liver and easy to sprinkle over meals.
Organic Dehydrated Bone Broth – Can be added as a powder or rehydrated according to the directions.
Greenpet Tripe Meal Topper – Made from dried beef tripe and designed to add flavour and variety.
Natural dog treats and food – Explore the range of feeding options available at Greenpet.

Start with small quantities and account for toppers and treats in your dog's overall food intake.

Do Dogs on a Fresh Food Diet Need Supplements?

A varied fresh food diet can supply many important nutrients, but variety alone doesn't guarantee nutritional completeness. The ingredients you choose, the quantities you feed and the way meals are prepared all affect the final nutritional profile.

Some homemade diets may benefit from additional nutritional ingredients or supplements, depending on what's already included.

Greenpet offers several options for owners looking to complement their dog's diet:

Greenpet Essentials – A wholefood-based nutritional supplement containing ingredients such as flax meal, kelp, spirulina, green barley and rosehips.
Augustine Approved SuperBoost – An organic wholefood supplement designed to be added to a dog's meals.
Greenpet Pet Booster – A superfood supplement containing ingredients including rosehips, turmeric, chlorella and alfalfa.

The right choice depends on your dog's diet and nutritional needs. Check each product's ingredients and feeding directions, and avoid stacking multiple supplements that supply the same nutrients without considering the combined amounts.

Supplements are intended to complement an appropriate diet, not compensate automatically for an unbalanced recipe.

More Tips for Natural Dog Feeding

A few simple habits can help you maintain a consistent feeding routine.

Offer a suitable variety of meat and organ ingredients rather than relying on one source.
Use fresh ingredients and store them correctly.
Supervise your dog when feeding bones and chews.
Choose an appropriate calcium source if whole bones aren't suitable.
Introduce dietary changes gradually.
Keep treats and meal toppers in proportion to your dog's overall intake.
Monitor body condition and adjust food quantities as activity levels change.
Review the diet when your dog's age, weight, lifestyle or nutritional needs change.

Remember that nutritional balance matters over time. A diet made up of wholesome ingredients still needs to provide all the nutrients your dog requires in suitable amounts.

Is a Fresh Food Diet Right for Your Dog?

A fresh, natural diet offers opportunities to introduce variety and wholefood ingredients into your dog's meals. However, there's no single feeding approach that suits every dog.

Age, activity level, body condition, food tolerance and individual nutritional requirements all influence which diet is appropriate.

If you're unsure how to transition your dog to fresh food or want help choosing suitable natural feeding products, Greenpet can help you explore your options.

Our range includes natural foods, nutritional supplements, herbs and practical resources to support your journey towards more informed, natural pet care.

Explore the Greenpet dog products collection to find natural feeding options for your dog.