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How to Feed Raw

Transition Feeding

To transition your pet to a raw diet:

dog sitting next to cat eating out of bowl

1.

Start by gradually reducing the current diet by ¼ and replace with ¼ the feeding suggestions for your pet of thawed diet, or feed them as a separate meal

2.

Gradually increase the portion of raw frozen and reduce the current diet over 7 to 10 days or until the transition is complete

Day 1 & 2

25% raw food

75% Current Diet
25% Raw Diet

Day 3 & 4

50/50 old food with raw food

50% Current Diet
50% Raw Diet

Day 5 & 6

75% raw food diet

25% Current Diet
75% Raw Diet

Day 7 & 8

fully raw food diet

100%
Raw Diet

Supplemental Feeding

Northwest Naturals can also be used in addition to your pets current diet as it provides bio-available nutrients for optimal health. Use Northwest Naturals as a meal topper or substitute for 1 meal a day.

dog and kitten eating out of the same bowl

See packaging or our feeding calculator for amounts to feed.

Raw Frozen recipes contain fresh whole foods and may vary in size, color and texture.

Feeding Guidelines are approximate and may vary as every pet has different metabolic requirements.

Our feeding guidelines are based on your pet’s weight, age and activity level. Calculations are approximate.

Feeding Information

  • Simply thaw your pets’ meal portion at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes or in your refrigerator overnight in a covered container.
  • Raw frozen nuggets will retain optimal freshness for 3 to 5 days under refrigeration.
  • Puppies and lactating females: divide daily portions into 3 to 4 meals daily
  • Adults and seniors: divide portions into 2 meals daily
  • Keep unused portion frozen.
dog next to raw meat

For exact weight, it is suggested you use a scale. The size and density of the nuggets will vary per recipe.

  • Northwest Naturals Nuggets weigh approximately .2 ounces each = approximately 5 nuggets per ounce.*
  • Meal Bars weight 1 pound – the bar is scored into 4 sections – each section is approximately ¼ pound (4 ounces).*
Feeding Percentage5 lb Dog (Feed in oz)10 lb Dog (Feed in oz)25 lb Dog (Feed in oz)50 lb Dog (Feed in oz)75 lb Dog (Feed in oz)
Low Activity *2%1.6 oz3.2 oz8 oz16 oz24 oz
Moderate Activity *2.5 to 3%2 to 2.4 oz4 to 4.8 oz10 to 12 oz20 to 24 oz30 to 36 oz
Weight Gain *3.5%2.8 oz5.6 oz14 oz28 oz42 oz
Puppies 3 to 12 Weeks *4.5 to 6%3.6 to 4.8 oz7.2 to 9.6 oz18 to 24 oz36 to 48 oz54 to 72 oz
Juniors 3 to 13 Months *4%3.2 oz6.4 oz16 oz32 oz48 oz
Lactating Female *4.5 to 8%3.6 to 6.4 oz7.2 to 12.8 oz18 to 32 oz36 to 64 oz54 to 96 oz

The above Feeding Guidelines are approximate as every pet has different metabolic requirements.

*Calculations are based on percentage of body weight, age, and activity level.

To Feed:

Simply thaw your pet’s meal portion at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes or in your refrigerator overnight in a covered container. Keep unused portion frozen.

Transition Feeding:

When transitioning your dog to a raw diet, start by replacing ¼ of your dogs current diet with raw. Gradually increase the portion of raw and reduce the prior diet over the next 7 days until transition is complete.

Supplemental Feeding:

Northwest Naturals can also be used in addition to your pets current diet as it provides bio-available nutrients for optimal health. Use Northwest Naturals as a meal topper or substitute for one meal a day.

For exact weight, it is suggested you use a scale. The size and density of the nuggets will vary per recipe.

  • Recommended – If feeding for meals – split the amount into 2 feedings per day.*
Feeding Percentage5 lb Dog (Feed in Nuggets)10 lb Dog (Feed in Nuggets)25 lb Dog (Feed in Nuggets)50 lb Dog (Feed in Nuggets)
Average Pet or Weight Loss *2%8 nuggets16 nuggets40 nuggets80 nuggets
Moderate Activity to Active *2.5 to 3%10 to 12 nuggets20 to 24 nuggets50 to 60 nuggets100 to 120 nuggets

The above Feeding Guidelines are approximate as every pet has different metabolic requirements.

*Calculations are based on percentage of body weight.

To Feed:

Use the feeding guidelines to determine the amount needed for meal substitution according to your pet’s weight and activity level. Always make sure to provide plenty of fresh water for your pet when feeding a freeze-dried diet. Approximately 14 to 18 nuggets per ounce.

Supplemental Feeding:

Northwest Naturals can be used in addition to your pets current diet as a meal topper or substitute one meal a day. Use the feeding guidelines for amount needed for meal substitution according to your pet’s weight.

Northwest Naturals cat nibbles are easy to feed and thaw quickly. 1 cup equals approximately 4 to 6 ounces. For exact weight for feeding, we suggest you use a scale.

Cat WeightApproximate Cups
5 lb0.5 cups
10 lb1 cup
15 lb1.5 cups
20 lb2 cups
25 lb2.5 cups

Cats activity level, age, and breed can affect the amounts recommended.

*Calculations are based on percentage of body weight.

Adult Cats:

Feed 2 to 3% of their body weight per day. Split the recommended amount into 2 feedings daily.

For Kittens and Pregnant/Lactating Females:

Split the recommended amount into 3 to 4 feedings daily.

Transition Feeding:

Transition slowly by adding a small amount of raw with their current diet. Gradually increase the amount of raw and decrease the amount of their current diet.

Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried cat nibbles are easy to feed. Simply add warm water, let the food rehydrate, and serve.

Cat WeightApproximate Cups
5 lb0.5 cups
10 lb1 cup
15 lb1.5 cups
20 lb2 cups
25 lb2.5 cups

Cats activity level, age, and breed can affect the amounts recommended.

*Calculations are based on percentage of body weight.

Adult Cats:

Split the recommended amount into 2 feedings daily.

For Kittens and Pregnant/Lactating Females:

Split the recommended amount into 3 to 4 feedings daily.

Transition Feeding:

Transition slowly by adding a small amount of freeze-dried nibbles with their current diet. Gradually increase the amount of freeze-dried food and decrease the amount of their current diet.

Video Tutorials

Frozen Nugget Recipes for Dogs

Frozen Nibble Recipes for Cats

Frozen Meal Bars for Dogs

Freeze Dried Recipes for Dogs

Always have fresh water available.

Freeze Dried Recipes for Cats

Always have fresh water available.

How Much To Feed

Feeding amounts may very with age, size and activity of your pet. Please refer to the feeding guidelines on our product packaging and feel free to visit our feeding calculator page for amounts to feed.