
A Species Appropriate Diet
The owners of The Hound Lounge believe strongly in the benefits of a natural and species appropriate raw dog food. We love our dogs like the family members they are, but recognize that they have different nutritional needs than humans. We are currently carrying products from Raw Performance Dog Food and Big Country Raw. Come in to view our selection.
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Questions about a raw diet? Check out our FAQ below!
Frequently asked questions
Transitioning to raw is really quite easy! You can switch 'cold turkey' (pun intended). Simply feed a meal of kibble, wait 8-12 hours, then start feeding raw!
It is recommended to feed a rotation of 3 or more proteins but for the very first week, stick to just one. As your dog's body is adjusting to the change it is possible to see mild tummy upset such as loose stool but this shouldn't last more than a couple days. It can take up to two weeks to begin to notice the benefits of a raw food diet!
It is recommended to feed your dog 2% of their ideal body weight.
Check out our raw food feeding calculator to help determine how much raw food your dog needs a meal.
Since a raw diet is calculated by weight it is best to get a food scale to accurately weigh out their meals. Our team is always available to help you calculate how much your pet needs.
Raw dog food should be stored frozen in a secure package. To serve raw dog food, thaw it until defrosted. Thawing can be done in the fridge or a sink of cold water.
Always make sure to wipe down surfaces and wash your hands and utensils after handling. We recommend using a stainless steel bowl to feed as it is the easiest to clean. Defrosted raw food can last in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Overall, use the same care you do when handling meat for human consumption. Feeding raw dog food is not as complicated as it may seem, and the benefits are definitely worth it!
This is a bit of a controversial question. It used to be recommended to never mix kibble and raw food as they digest at different speeds. However, as more information has become available, this may not always be the case.
To see the true benefits of a raw food diet like less shedding, smaller poops, and fresher breath, a 100% raw diet is recommended. However, we understand for some this is not always possible. We encourage you to incorporate as much raw food into your dogs diet as you can.
Some dogs may do just fine mixing kibble and raw food but some may experience GI upset from this. Each dog is an individual so what may work for one is not the answer for all. If mixing kibble and raw food, monitor your pet closely. If GI upset occurs, keep kibble and raw food feedings separate.
No, it is not recommended to heat up raw dog food. Raw dog food contains a percentage of bone content which is completely safe for them to consume when raw, however once heated up it becomes brittle posing a safety concern. Heating of raw dog food can also compromise the nutritional integrity of the food, as well as increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
We advise following the specific storage and serving instructions provided by the raw dog food manufacturer to ensure the safety and quality of the food for your dog.
Thawing food in a microwave can be done but it is not recommended. If you have forgotten to thaw the food, placing it in lukewarm water is a safer way to defrost quicker. Most dogs will also eat their food a bit frozen!
You do not have to add anything to a raw diet but you can if you want to! The raw food brands we carry are packaged as complete diets, meaning they contain all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs to thrive. We recommend rotating proteins to give your pet a variety in their diet. Feeding both poultry (if possible) and red meat is helpful in maintaining consistent stools. When just starting out, we advise sticking to just one protein for the first week.
There are also lots of things you can add to your pets raw diet to make it even more exciting! Explore our options of supplements, fish oils, and meaty bones in store.






