Quick takeaway: DIY raw feeding often costs more (and takes more time) than people expect. Prepared raw can be a smarter option if you want balanced nutrition with less prep and reduced handling risk.
What DIY Raw Feeding Usually Looks Like
The simplest DIY raw source is often the local supermarket. Preparation typically happens in the home kitchen using household appliances such as mixers, food processors, and grinders.
- Common protein choice: Chicken (often used because it’s affordable)
- Typical DIY ratio: 80% muscle meat, 10% organ, and 10% bone
- Optional add-ins: Fruits and vegetables (often 10–20% of the meal, depending on who you follow)
Where DIY Gets Tricky
DIY raw feeding challenges usually come down to five big areas:
1) Pathogens & Food Safety
Pathogens can be present in raw grocery-store meat. The level can vary depending on shelf time and handling practices. That’s why you’ll see minimum cooking temperature guidelines—like 165°F for chicken—to make food “safe” for people.
Handling raw meat can expose you to pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, which can lead to illness.
Note: Most healthy adult pets typically tolerate bacteria better due to a highly acidic and short digestive tract. However, kittens and puppies can be more vulnerable because their immune systems are not fully developed.
2) Sanitation in the Home
Preparing raw meals requires strong sanitation habits. Pathogens can remain on countertops, prepping surfaces, and utensils for hours. Washing your hands and sanitizing your kitchen helps protect you and others in the household.
3) Nutritional Balance
Balance matters. DIY feeders often spend time learning from books and articles on pet nutrition to build meals that stay nutritionally complete over time.
4) Time (It Adds Up Fast)
DIY raw feeding usually involves sourcing ingredients, portioning with a formula (like 80/10/10), and building feeding portions for each pet’s meal size. Many people batch prep, setting aside a few hours one day a month to prepare a month’s worth of raw meals.
5) The True Cost of DIY Raw
DIY costs vary widely by protein choice and deal-hunting. Here’s a snapshot of typical price ranges mentioned in the article:
| Ingredient | Typical Cost (per lb.) |
|---|---|
| Chicken | ~$2 |
| Ground Turkey | ~$4–$5 |
| Ground Pork | ~$4.50–$5.50 |
| Ground Beef | ~$6+ |
| Beef Liver | ~$4–$5.50 |
| Salmon | ~$10+ |
| Fruits & Veggies | ~$2–$4 |
If you’re extremely good at sourcing deals, you might get DIY raw down to around $3–$4/lb. More likely it’s going to be $6–$9/lb—and that’s before factoring in your time.
So… Is DIY Raw “Cheaper”?
It depends. The ingredient bill is only part of the equation. DIY also costs you time for sourcing, prep, portioning, and cleanup—and it increases household exposure to raw-food pathogens.
Why Many DIY Raw Feeders Switch to Prepared Raw
According to Mark, his best customers are the folks who have already tried DIY. They understand:
- What pathogen exposure feels like (some have even gotten sick while preparing raw)
- How much sanitation is required to keep a kitchen safe
- How much education goes into building a balanced diet
- The real cost of ingredients and the value of their time
So when they learn they can feed a balanced, all-natural raw diet with no fillers or additives for around $4/lb—in less time than it takes to boil water—it becomes an easy decision.
Another key point: Mark notes the product is pasteurized under pressure, not heat (often referred to as high-pressure processing).
Key Takeaways
- DIY raw can work, but it carries food-safety and sanitation burdens.
- Getting nutritional balance takes research and consistency.
- DIY is often more time-consuming than expected.
- Real-world costs can range widely—and may end up higher than prepared raw.
- Prepared raw offers a faster path to balanced feeding with less handling.
FAQ
Does raw meat always contain pathogens?
Not always, but it can. Grocery-store raw meat may carry pathogens depending on handling and shelf time, which is why safe handling and sanitation are so important.
Is DIY raw safe for puppies and kittens?
You should be extra cautious. Puppies and kittens can be more vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. Talk with your veterinarian about what’s appropriate for your pet’s age and needs.
What’s the simplest way to feed raw without spending hours prepping?
Prepared raw can reduce prep time, simplify portioning, and limit how much raw meat you handle in your kitchen—while still supporting a raw-feeding approach.
Ready for a simpler raw-feeding routine?
Ask us about prepared raw options and how to choose the right plan for your dog or cat.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian when making significant changes to your pet’s diet, especially for puppies/kittens or pets with medical conditions.