Raw Feeding Basics

What is PMR?

PMR stands for Prey Model Raw feeding. It’s a style of raw feeding that mimics what a dog’s natural prey would look like in the wild. In a PMR diet, your dog gets a balanced mix of muscle meat, organs, and bones, usually in a ratio close to:

• Muscle meat (about 80%) - the main course your dog dreams about.

• Raw meaty bones (about 10%) – crunchy, calcium-packed, and perfect for healthy teeth.

• Organs (about 10%) – the secret sauce of vitamins and minerals. 5% of which should be liver and the other 5% other secreting organs.
  

The goal is to provide complete nutrition naturally, without relying on processed kibble or synthetic supplements.

Is raw food safe for dogs?

Yes! Your dog was basically born to eat raw. Their stomachs are tougher than yours and built to handle bacteria that would make us cringe. What gives raw feeding a bad rap is irresponsible humans. A little common sense goes a long way: wash your hands, sanitize bowls and surfaces, and keep the food properly stored—and you’re golden.

Did you know that most documented Salmonella outbreaks have involved kibble, not raw? So go ahead, serve it up raw, watch your dog thrive, …and bask in the glory of your dog’s shiny coat while the kibble crowd wonders why their pooches aren’t as amazing.

Why should I switch my dog to a raw diet?

Because your dog deserves more than crunchy brown nuggets pretending to be food. Kibble might fill a belly, but raw feeds a dog like a dog—real meat, organs, and bones. Expect a happier gut, a shiny coat, endless tail wags, and a whole host of benefits. Your dog will thank you—and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.

How do I switch to Radowg from kibble?

Most healthy dogs do great going “cold turkey” — literally. Fast your pup for about 24 hours, serve up the Radowg, and never look back. For healthy dogs with no allergies or health issues, we recommend starting with our Radowg chicken as it is easy to digest.

If your pup’s got a sensitive stomach or some health stuff going on, take your time and do a little digging — there’s no one-size-fits-all. Some dogs charge into change. Others need to read the fine print first.

Our Starter Guide also has a few tried-and-true transition tips.

At what age can I start my dog on raw?

If they’ve got teeth, they’re ready. Puppies can start raw as soon as they’re weaned—usually around 3 to 4 weeks. In fact, it’s the best time to start! Their growing bodies thrive on the nutrients that come from real meat, bones, and organs, not processed pellets.

And for the record, it’s never too late. Real food works wonders at any age, and raw feeding doesn’t just add years to life—it adds life to them.

Operation: Fill the Freezer

How does the food come?

Each bag holds 20–21 lb of goodness, divided into 24 bricks. That makes each brick weigh just under a pound. They’re portioned by humans, so a few may be slightly bigger or smaller - just embrace the quirks!

The bags are roughly 12” x 12” x 5”, compact and easy to stack in your freezer.

Our bags are basic. We skip designer bags, boxes, and gimmicks. Clear bag = nothing to hide. What you see is what you get, and it helps keep costs down. Though you will try to keep it sealed, freezer burn will happen. No worries — it’s completely safe. You’re just losing a little moisture.

BONUS: Less packaging makes for a happier Earth.

How do I order?

Simple — reach out and we’ll get your dog’s freezer stocked!

You can text or call your nearest pick up location:
📍 Melanthon (Dufferin): (416) 540-0263
📍 Lowbanks (Niagara/Haldimand): (905) 734-5475
📍 Grimsby (Hamilton/Stoney Creek): (905) 327-5506
📍 Mono (Orangeville): (519) 217-6609
📍 Brampton (Mississauga): (647) 936-2101

Prefer to shop local? Visit one of our Retail Pack Partners — you’ll find them all listed on our Retail page.

Do you offer delivery?

Live in one of these zones? Niagara Fresh can drop your order right at your door. And get this, they will do it FOR FREE on $50+ orders, or just $5 flat rate (as of Oct 2025).

Wentworth Crest: Hamilton Mountain, Stoney Creek, Binbrook, Mt. Hope, The Meadowlands
Haldimand Vale: Caledonia, Cayuga, Caistor Centre, Dunnville
The Entire Niagara Region: St. Catharines, Thorold, Niagara Falls, Welland, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Pelham, Lincoln, Beamsville, West Lincoln, Grimsby, Vineland, Ridgeway, Crystal Beach, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fenwick, Fonthill, Wainfleet, Smithville, Wellandport, Jordan, and any other place in Niagara that we missed.

🐾 New to Niagara Fresh? Pop in code RADOWG10 at checkout and snag $10 OFF your first order — because your dog deserves a proper “welcome to the pack.”

Some of our other locations may, but delivery options vary. Find your nearest Pack Partner, and give them a quick call to confirm.

How long will it take to get my order?

We’re a small, family-run team moving at human speed. Things can go from super efficient to delightfully chaotic, depending on how the universe decides to intervene. We highly recommend ordering at least a week ahead at our pick-up locations if you want to keep those tails wagging.

Retail partners? Much less drama — they typically have stock on hand, ready for pick-up.

How long will Radowg last?

Radowg is flash-frozen at -25°C, which is way colder than your typical home freezer. Over time, your freezer’s higher temps can cause frost to form on the bricks.

No need to worry — frost doesn’t affect the quality or taste. You can feed it as-is, or thaw it, and the frost will disappear.

Stored properly at 0°F (-18°C) or colder, Radowg keeps peak nutrition and taste for 6–12 months. After that, it’s still safe, but the flavour, moisture, and some nutrient potency might fade a bit.

How many bags do I need to buy before you start treating me like a big deal?

Just one. Yep, seriously.
No secret handshake, no 50-bag minimum. If you pick up from a wholesale distribution location, you get distributor pricing. Easy as that.

If you’re planning to fill a walk-in freezer (25+ bags/500 lbs+), we’ve got extra bulk discounts waiting for you. Head on over to our Reseller Page for the juicy details.

Feed ‘Em Like a Boss

How do I feed Radowg?

Easy Peasy. Thaw. Portion. Feed. Repeat.

Radowg comes pre-ground and ready to go. Just thaw it in the fridge in a sealed container, then serve it to your dog in a clean bowl. Treat it like you would your own dinner - wash up, wipe down, and you’re golden. Once thawed, keep them sealed and use within about 3 days.

Partially thawed? Still a frozen brick? Some dogs prefer it that way. See what your dog likes and go for it! Keep in mind, smaller dogs don't do as well with frozen meals. If your dog prefers a warmer meal, bring it to room temperature by sealing the container and setting it in warm water. Never cook or microwave Radowg Food.

Bonus tip:
Most adult dogs do great eating once a day. Puppies, on the other hand, need smaller, more frequent meals to keep up with their fast growth and boundless energy.

Can I cook Radowg?

That’s a no.

Radowg is meant to be fed raw. It contains bones, organs, and fresh meat, which have been carefully balanced to give your dog the nutrients they need. Cooking it destroys those nutrients and turns bones into brittle, dangerous shards.

If you absolutely had to warm it up, the only option would be the lamb (since it doesn’t contain bones). But even then, you’d be destroying beneficial nutrients like enzymes, vitamin B12, and healthy fats that keep your dog’s coat shiny, gut happy, and energy high.

Raw is how nature intended your dog to eat!

How much raw food should I feed my dog?

Every dog is different: size, breed, age, metabolism, health, zoomie frequency...
It all matters.

As a general guideline, most ideal, average adult dogs do well on about 2–3% of their body weight per day, while puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, and active pups may need more. Seniors and couch potatoes? A little less. Here's an example to help you calculate for a 50lb dog:

2%: 0.02 × 50 lb = 1 lb per day
3%: 0.03 × 50 lb = 1.5 lb per day

Since Radowg bricks weigh, on average, just under a pound each, 1–1½ bricks per day is a solid starting point.

Raw feeding doesn’t have to be exact. We're pretty sure you don’t measure each milligram of your food each day, and you don’t need to stress over it for your pup either — unless there’s a specific medical reason. Just watch your dog’s waistline, energy, and poop, and adjust as needed.

The best tool you’ve got isn’t a calculator — it’s your hands.
Can you easily feel your dog’s ribs? Perfect. Keep going.
Can’t find them? Time to cut back a bit..
Can you play xylophone on them? Add more food, ASAP.

A fit dog’s ribs are easy to feel and just barely visible.
Once you’ve hit that sweet spot — congrats, you’ve officially mastered raw feeding 👏

Pro tip: start small, adjust as needed.

Why do I feed my dog less raw than I would kibble?

Simple — Radowg isn’t stuffed with filler. Kibble packs in grains and carbs to bulk things up without adding real nutrition.
We skip the BS, so every ounce of food is actually fuel the body uses.

Pro tip: a little mental stimulation, slower feeding, or meal puzzles can help turn their raw-food frenzy into happy, tail-wagging energy instead of begging drama.

Ok, what about my puppy?

Start boneless for the first few days. Radowg offers boneless lamb, or you can start with boneless chicken breast from the grocery store.

Then, after those first 7–10 days, you can start introducing our other Radowg proteins one at a time, eventually adding in fish and eggs as well. Always watch your puppy’s poop and energy to make sure each new protein is tolerated before moving on.

Daily Portions by Age

Puppy Age Daily Portion (% of body weight)
7–10 weeks 8–10%
10–16 weeks 7–8%
4–5 months 6–7%
5–6 months. 5–6%
6–9 months 4–5%
9–12 months 3.5–4%
12–18 months 3–3.5%

Feed multiple small meals per day. Younger pups need more frequent meals. Calculate portions based on current weight and adjust as they grow.

Feeding Tips:

• Never rush new foods; slow and steady wins the race.

• You don’t need to be precise to the gram, just measure reasonably, watch their weight, energy, and poop, and adjust as needed.

For detailed info on feeding your pregnant bitch all the way to weaning her puppies you can check out https://www.rawfeedingadviceandsupport.com/from-pregnancy-to-weaning

Can I mix raw and kibble?

Short answer: not if you want your dog thriving.

Here’s why: when your dog eats, their stomach ramps up acid production to break down meat, organs, and bones efficiently — think pH 1–2, naturally built for a carnivore. This high acidity kills pathogens, breaks down bones, aids nutrient absorption, and keeps digestion running smoothly.

Kibble? Not so much. It's packed with carbs and fillers, it raises the stomach pH above 4, slows digestion, and weakens the natural protective barrier. Mixing raw and kibble prevents your dog’s stomach from reaching that optimal acidity, making digestion less efficient and increasing susceptibility to digestive upset and disease.

In short, feeding kibble alongside raw is like trying to run a high-performance engine on low-octane gas. Your dog might still eat it, but they won’t get the full benefits of real food.

Our tip: Go full raw and let your pup enjoy meat, organs, and bones the way nature intended. Their gut, immune system, and taste buds will thank you.

How do I know which protein is best?

Short answer: all of them — for most healthy dogs, there’s no single “best” protein.

Each protein has its perks, depending on age, activity, or health concerns:

Beef: Lower in sodium, making it a solid choice for pups that need heart support
Chicken: Lean and gentle on tummies, plus lower in potassium — a plus for kidney health
Turkey: Like chicken but with skin, so it’s a little fattier. Perfect for pups who need extra calories or fat
Salmon: Packed with omega-3s to keep joints, brain, skin, and coat in tip-top shape
Lamb: Rich, digestible red meat — great for dogs who need extra energy or just love a flavorful meal

We highly recommend rotating 3–4 proteins in your dog’s diet, focusing mostly on red meats. This gives your pup the widest range of nutrients, keeps meals exciting, and ensures they get the benefits of each protein type.

Our Premium House Blend offers a perfect balance, and our Hypoallergenic Mix adds great protein variety for those with more sensitive tummies.

All pups aren’t built the same — watch, learn, adjust, and check with a pro if you’re unsure.

Behind the Bricks

Where do you source your meats?

Short answer: from places we’re proud of — never mystery suppliers or questionable back doors.

Long answer: while specific suppliers can change based on availability and season, our standards never do. We only source from federally inspected facilities that meet strict quality and safety requirements.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Grass-fed beef & lamb
  We bring in premium grass-fed meats from New Zealand — because when it comes to quality, sustainability, and flavour, they’re basically the gold standard.

• Wild salmon
  Harvested right here in Atlantic Canada, where wild fish still means actual wild fish — not “raised in a tank and fed pellets.”

• Poultry, pork, and other proteins
  Sourced across Canada from reputable, inspected suppliers. While the exact farms may change, the quality bar does not. If it’s not good enough for our dogs, it’s not coming through our doors.
  

We don’t chase shortcuts, fillers, or bargain-bin meats. We chase quality — and your dog gets the benefit in every bowl.

Is Radowg human-grade?

“Human grade” isn’t necessarily the gold star people think it is. Did you know that a company can legally say “made with human-grade ingredients” even if the final product is NOT human grade, it’s made in a non–human-food facility, and only one single ingredient meets the criteria? The rest can be low-quality, feed-grade meats or fillers, maybe even waste products, and the label still gets to wear the shiny badge.

It’s marketing, not magic.

Here’s the truth:

Even though our meat comes from facilities designed for human consumption, our food isn’t.

But here’s what matters far more:

• We do not use by-products or mystery meat scraps

• We do not touch 4D meats (dead, dying, diseased, disabled

• We do not use slaughterhouse waste

• We do not use expired grocery or restaurant waste or “whatever was on sale” leftovers
  
  

We use high-quality, inspected meats, not gimmicks, loopholes, or marketing fluff.

Human grade is a label. Quality is a choice. We choose quality.

Does Radowg include fruits and veggies?

Nope — and that’s on purpose.
Dogs can eat fruits and veggies, but they’re not built to digest them efficiently. Their teeth and short digestive system are designed for meat, organs, and bone, not kale and carrots. They can only absorb nutrients from plants if they have been fully emulsified (basically pre-digested).

If you want to toss in a bit of pumpkin or a crunchy carrot for fun, go for it. So, while fruits and veggies aren’t bad, they’re more of an optional extra — not a nutritional necessity.
If you want to add some for fun, go for it! Pureed pumpkin is a great one, and a few apple slices (minus the core and seeds), carrots, or green beans make healthy, low-fat treats.

We keep it simple: just meat, bone, and organs. That makes Radowg perfect for pups with health quirks, those on elimination diets, or any dog who needs a solid, no-nonsense base to build their meals.
No filler, no fluff — just the good stuff your dog actually needs.

Is Radowg food complete and balanced?

Not one single Radowg blend is “complete” on its own, but together, they make magic. Each protein brings its own superpower: chicken’s packed with B-vitamins for bone health, salmon’s full of omega-3s for shiny coats and happy joints, and red meats like beef and lamb bring the iron, zinc, and copper to keep things running strong.

We’re big fans of mixing white and red meats with fish and eggs. Dogs on this rotation usually glow, literally, with better digestion, more energy, and that “who needs a supplement?” kind of shine.

Rotate your proteins! Think Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Beef, Venison and Lamb and you’ve got yourself a beautifully balanced Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet. That combo gives your dog all the muscle meat, calcium-rich bone, and nutrient-dense organs they’d get from nature’s menu.

Feeding just one protein on repeat? That’s like eating chicken nuggets every day — fine short-term, but not ideal for long-term health. You’ll need to supplement if you’re sticking to a single protein. And when you do, keep it real and use whole food additions, not synthetic stuff.

The perfect roation might not be doable, and there can be small gaps (hello, iodine, vitamin E, and manganese),
but they’re easy fixes:
👉 Toss in a raw egg or two each week for vitamin E and manganese.
👉 The salmon already gives a nice iodine boost, but if you’re skipping fish, add a pinch of kelp once a week. Just a pinch — too much can mess with thyroid levels.

Bottom line? Variety is the real secret sauce. Mix it up, keep an eye on your pup’s energy, and check in with a raw-savvy vet once a year.

Umm...That Doesn't Look Right

Why is the food sometimes watery?

You’re feeding real food, not lab-coated nuggets of sameness. So yep, some batches might look juicier than others. That’s what happens when you work with honest-to-goodness meat, not fillers and powders.

Moisture levels will change naturally depending on the protein, fat, and whether the batch used fresh or frozen ingredients. We don’t “fix” nature with additives; we just let it do its thing.

That liquid you see? That’s not water added in. It’s the good stuff: natural juices packed with nutrients and flavour. Basically, free gravy.

Chicken and fish tend to release more liquid than red meats, and thawing too quickly (like on the counter, or in warm water) can make it worse. Let it thaw in the fridge and serve it as-is. Those juices are part of the magic — waste nothing, please the beast.

What's with all the blood in the bowl when it defrosts?

We get it! It definitely looks like blood, but it’s not. The real blood is drained long before the meat it hits your freezer. What you’re seeing is myoglobin, a totally normal, nutrient-rich fluid that gives meat its deep red colour.

Myoglobin carries oxygen in muscle tissue and is packed with heme iron — the highly absorbable kind your dog’s body actually loves and needs.

Different meats, different batches, and how you thaw it all play a part in how juicy things get. It’s all part of using real, natural food — no fillers, no mystery gunk, just meat doing what meat does.

Whatever you do, don't toss it down the drain. Let your pup enjoy it. That rich red juice is nature’s multivitamin in liquid form.

Why does the colour and/or texture change between batches? Isn't it the same recipe?

Even though it’s the same recipe, remember that Radowg is real, whole-food dog food, and real food isn’t uniform. Differences in colour, texture, or appearance are completely normal. Think of the steak you ate for dinner. Did it look exactly the same as the one you ate last week? Not possible.

• Organs vary naturally: They can be very different from batch to batch, and can dramatically shift the colour depending on the animal’s age, diet, etc. That natural variance shows up in the final mix, and your dog gets all the nutritional benefits of this variety.

• Seasonal shifts in meat and fat: Even within the same recipe, meat and organs can vary depending on the season. Changes to what they eat, how much fat they carry, and even their muscle composition will shift throughout the year. This means some batches might be a bit richer, leaner, firmer, or softer than others. It’s totally normal and just another sign that you’re feeding real, whole food.

• Processing quirks: We use a digester, not a grinder. The food is smashed and mixed, and then forced through a plate. It doesn’t actually grind the meat together, so each batch can have subtle differences in texture depending on how the plates interact with the ingredients that day.

Bottom line: These variations don’t affect safety or nutrition. Your dog is still getting the same balanced diet, just with a little batch personality that comes from using real ingredients and whole-food processes.

Real Food, Real Results

My dog’s stool changed after switching. Is that normal?

Yep, totally normal. Moving from kibble to raw can cause your pup’s poop to change in colour, size, and consistency. Give their digestive system a few days (sometimes up to a week) to figure out this fancy new fuel.

Watch for:

• Firm but smaller stools

• Consistent elimination

• Normal colour (brownish, sometimes richer, sometimes a bit paler or slightly whitish)
  

Things to worry about:

• Runny or watery stools that don’t firm up after the adjustment period

• Strange odours that are unusual for your dog

• Blood, mucus, or anything that makes you raise an eyebrow
  

A little digestive drama at first is normal. It’s your dog’s tummy learning that real food > filler any day.

Will my dog really leave less “evidence” behind?

Yes! One of our FAVOURITE raw bonuses!!
Radowg is almost completely digested, which means your pup only turns about 2–7% of their food into…well, you know.
Some say it disintegrates so fast, it’s like it never even existed.

How quickly will I see improvements in my dog’s coat, energy, or health?

Every dog is different, so there’s no exact timeline. Most pups start showing small changes within a few weeks. You might notice:

• Shinier coat & healthier skin: Often the first thing people see, sometimes in just 2–4 weeks

• More energy & pep in their step: Usually within a month as their body gets proper nutrition

• Improved digestion & smaller stools: Can happen within days to weeks

• Overall health & vitality: Longer-term benefits appear over months of consistent raw feeding

Real change takes consistent real food. Think of it like upgrading from instant noodles to a gourmet diet; you don’t turn into a superhero overnight, but the results show up steadily and noticeably.

Why is my dog losing weight?

Chances are, it’s not a problem, and in fact, it’s a feature. Most dogs today are carrying around extra pounds from a lifetime of kibble and processed filler. When you switch to real, nutrient-dense food like Radowg:

• Their body gets exactly what it actually needs, not empty bulk

• Excess filler and fat melt away, and they naturally slim to their ideal weight

• You might be surprised, but “healthy” can actually look much thinner than you expected
  

Keep an eye out for signs like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, a distended belly or noticeable changes in coat quality and digestion. These can be signs that something is off. Otherwise, it's time to celebrate! Your dog is just shedding the kibble belly and thriving on real food.

We also have some helpful articles over on our Dog Blog

Still have questions?

You didn’t come this far to stop.
We can help!

...and don't forget to check your junkmail for our reply :)