People might call me crazy. I prefer the word passionate.

One of the things I hear all the time is, “I’d love to add raw, but it seems like so much work.” The good news? It doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to switch to a full raw diet overnight. In fact, adding a little fresh food is better than adding none at all.

I’m a big believer in progress over perfection. Not every pet parent is going to feed a full raw diet, and that’s okay. There are lots of easy ways to boost your pet’s bowl with fresh, nutritious additions.

Why Add Raw?

Dogs and cats are designed to thrive on diets high in animal protein. By adding more meat based foods to the bowl, you can increase species appropriate nutrition and often lower the amount of carbohydrates that come from feeding only dry food.

And you guys know my favorite word: moisture. (Honestly, if I had a nickel for every time I said moisture, I could probably retire.)

A natural prey based diet contains about 70 to 75% moisture, while kibble contains very little. Adding raw toppers, broths, or goat milk is an easy way to increase moisture while also adding nutrients, flavor, and variety.

Easy Ways to Add Raw

Elixirs & Broths

These are a great option for pets that need a little extra support, whether it’s immune health, inflammation, or a sensitive tummy.

Have a small dog and think, “There is no way I’m going to use this whole container in a week.” No problem. Freeze it in a silicone ice cube tray, pop the cubes into a labeled bag, and use them as needed.

And please label them. In my house, there’s a very good chance my husband will think it’s one of my freshly squeezed lemon cubes for water. Trust me, accidentally putting pork broth in your lemon water is not the wellness trend we’re starting. Ask me how I know.

Remember, if you’re using bone broth, make sure there’s no onion or garlic in the ingredients. One from the pet store is perfect.

Raw Goat Milk

You guys have heard me talk about goat milk before because I am a huge fan. It’s an easy way to add moisture, probiotics, and variety to the bowl.

Same idea as the broths: freeze it into small portions if you won’t use it within the recommended time after opening.

Freeze Dried Raw Treats

This is probably the easiest place to start because, well, everybody gives treats. Right?

Beef liver, lamb heart, and other freeze dried organ treats are incredibly palatable. My dogs would probably wash the car for a beef liver treat. I haven’t tested that theory yet, but I’m not ruling it out.

They break apart easily, make fantastic training treats, and add a little extra animal based goodness to the day.

Frozen Raw Toppers

Raw patties and toppers make it easy to add a small amount to your pet’s regular meal. No measuring a whole new diet, no major life changes, just a little fresh boost in the bowl.

Freeze Dried Raw Meals & Toppers

If touching raw meat makes you say, “Absolutely not,” I get it.

Freeze dried raw gives you the benefits of fresh animal proteins without the mess. It’s convenient, shelf stable, and pets usually go absolutely nuts for the flavor.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to choose between all kibble and a full raw diet.

A little goat milk. A few freeze dried treats. A spoonful or glob of a raw topper. You don’t get extra credit for measuring. Measure with your heart.

Small changes can make a big difference. The best nutrition plan is one that works for both you and your pet and that you can actually stick with.