Can you warm up raw dog food?

Absolutely, you can warm up raw dog food if you find your furry friend prefers it that way. Lynn Menard is the founder of Everything Raw and she has years of experience in pet dietary management. As a long-time and dedicated advocate for raw dog food diets, Lynn emphasizes that it’s essential to understand that different dog breeds and personalities may have distinct preferences when it comes to their meals. 

The Importance of Maintaining Raw Integrity 

Lynn emphasizes that while warming up raw dog food is indeed an option, it’s essential to approach this practice with care. Cooking or over-heating is never recommended, primarily because of the bone content present in raw dog food. These bones should remain in their natural state to preserve their nutritional value. 

Tailoring Food Temperature to Your Dog’s Preferences 

Preferences can vary among different dog breeds and sizes. For instance, some smaller dogs may prefer their food to be slightly warmed up, as it can make it more appealing to their palates. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid heating it to the point where it loses its raw integrity. 

In Lynn’s experience, most dogs typically prefer their raw dog food to be thawed and, in some rare cases, frozen. Thawing ensures that the food is at a temperature that’s comfortable for them to consume but doesn’t diminish its nutritional integrity. 

However, breeds like huskies and dogs initially bred for cold climates may have a unique preference to have their food provided in a frozen state.  This preference could be due to their historical adaptation to cold environments, where they may have consumed partially frozen prey.  

When you’re new to feeding your dog raw food, you may want to use a little trial and error to find out what temperature your dog likes best. Your best bet is to start by choosing high-quality products from Everything Raw, to ensure your furry friend receives the best nutrition while respecting their individual preferences.