Raw Feeding Beginner’s Supply List

There is a small investment into equipment needed to provide a home prepared raw diet. Luckily, many items can already be found in the standard home kitchen but there may be supplies and equipment needed to make raw feeding more efficient.

Necessary Tools for Raw Feeders

There are tools necessary for all raw feeders to have. These tools are needed to weigh, prep, and store items for a pet’s raw diet. Below are necessary tools to have as a raw feeder.

Kitchen Scale

It is important to use a scale when beginning raw feeding. Raw feeders should use a kitchen scale when assembling or prepping meals not overfeed their pet. Over feeding can result in diarrhea and unwanted weight gain.

Digital scales are very user-friendly, inexpensive, and worth the small investment. It is useful to select a scale with the ability to weigh in pounds and kilograms because then there is the option to measure in ounces and grams.

Sharp Knife

A knife is a useful tool when prepping large items. There are many types of knives which provide different functions. Always remember to maintain each knife’s blade so that it remains sharp. Ceramic handheld sharpeners are a great option for sharpening knives.

Kitchen Shears

Kitchen shears are useful for breaking down whole chickens, ducks, and rabbits. Kitchen shears can cut through smaller, lightweight bones and portion out smaller items instead of using larger knives.

Freezer Space

Having a portion of freezer space dedicated to the pet’s food is ideal. At minimum, it is a good idea to have at least 1 to 2 weeks of raw food on hand. Plus, this will save the pet parent daily trips to the grocery store!

Optional Tools for Raw Feeders

There are optional tools to provide convenience and ease to the raw feeding lifestyle. Here are some additional tools to help make meal prep easier.

Dedicated Freezers

Having a dedicated freezer, or multiple, is a great way to build up a raw food stock. Freezers specifically dedicated to storing the pet’s food allows the pet parent to monitor sales papers for bargain prices to stock up; contact local hunters for scraps; buy in bulk from grocery stores, restaurant supplies, or co-ops; and score freezer clean outs off of sites like Craigslist – all of which helps maintain lower costs in the future.

Knife Sharpener

A knife is only as good as how sharp it is and with frequent use, it will become dull. Maintaining a knife’s blade by using a knife sharpener once a week will help keep a nice and sharp blade. A sharp knife helps prepping meals go by much faster because less force is required to cut through items.

Storage Containers

Many raw feeders prep multiple meals in advance for easy thaw and feed convenience. Freezer-grade storage containers are recommended to minimize waste from plastic bags and maintain freshness of the food while in storage.

Bussing Tub

Defrosting and moving large quantities of raw items can become messy. The plastic bussing containers contain the mess in a sturdy tub which is easy to carry around.

Added bonus: Bussing tubs will contain all the defrosted liquids and blood after prepping. Pour the defrosted liquids into a plastic storage container or make blood cubes for feeding!

Cut Resistant Gloves

Additional safety measures can be taken to prevent cuts from sharp knives. Durable, cut-resistant gloves are beneficial for raw feeders who have a tendency to cut themselves when prepping food for their pet.

Apron

Maintaining a clean prep space is one piece to the puzzle and an apron is the second piece. An apron helps keep clothes clean from any splashing or spilling while prepping meals. Additionally, some aprons come with pockets to carry a knife sharpener and any other tools needed for prepping.

Buy a Perfectly Rawsome apron here!