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All about Raw Feeding or Lightly Cooking for your K-9

  • vonfrohnhoefergerm
  • Jan 7
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 15

Why Raw or Lightly Cooked Food Makes Sense for Dogs

What we feed our dogs matters.Food is not just calories. It’s information for the body.

Dogs were not designed to thrive on ultra-processed food. While kibble may be convenient, fresh food better matches a dog’s biology and supports long-term health.

Today, we’ll cover:

  • Why fresh food makes sense

  • Common myths about raw feeding

  • How to feed raw safely

  • Simple ways to get started



Dogs Are Built for Fresh Food

Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning they thrive primarily on animal-based nutrition but can digest some plant matter.

Their bodies are designed for it:

  • Short digestive tract

  • Highly acidic stomach

  • Strong ability to digest animal protein and fat

This design is very different from humans and helps dogs process fresh, whole foods efficiently.






Why Fresh Food Supports Better Health

Better Digestion

Fresh food is more digestible than kibble.

  • Less filler means less waste

  • Smaller, firmer stools

  • Better nutrient absorption

Dental Health

  • Raw meaty bones help naturally clean teeth

  • Kibble does not clean teeth

  • Less plaque and gum disease over time

Skin & Coat Health

  • Whole-food fats support skin and coat

  • Fewer inflammatory ingredients

  • Many dogs experience less itching and shedding

Hydration Matters

  • Fresh food is 65–75% moisture

  • Kibble contains only 8–10% moisture

  • Better hydration supports kidney and bladder health

Lower Inflammation

Kibble is ultra-processed.

  • High heat damages nutrients

  • Oxidized fats and excess omega-6 increase inflammation

  • Fresh food provides natural anti-inflammatory nutrients

Gut & Immune Health

  • Better gut bacteria balance

  • Less starch, more bioavailable nutrients

  • A healthy gut supports a strong immune system


Higher Nutrient Quality

  • Heat processing destroys nutrients

  • Kibble relies on synthetic vitamins

  • Raw and lightly cooked foods retain natural nutrition



Ways to Feed Fresh Food

There is no single “right” way to feed raw.

Ancestral Diet (Prey Model)

  • 70% muscle meat

  • 10% bone

  • 5% liver

  • 5% other secreting organ

  • 5% small oily fish

  • Fur or natural fiber sources

BARF Diet

  • 70% muscle meat

  • 10% bone

  • 5% liver

  • 5% other secreting organ

  • 10% vegetables, fruit, seeds

Both approaches can work when properly balanced.







Balance Matters (NRC & AAFCO)

A raw diet must meet NRC and AAFCO guidelines to avoid deficiencies or excesses.

Key considerations:

  • Calcium to phosphorus balance

  • Omega-3 from fish or algae oil

  • Omega-6 from land animals

  • Avoiding over- or under-supplementation

Helpful tools and calculators can be found at feedreal.com, including powdered organ blends for easier balancing.



Common Myths About Raw Feeding

Myth 1: Raw Food Is Dangerous

Dogs have very acidic stomachs and are designed to handle natural bacteria.

Illness risk comes from poor handling, not raw food itself.

Safe handling tips:

  • Handle like raw human food

  • Wash bowls and surfaces

  • Freeze meats when possible



Myth 2: Raw Diets Are Nutritionally Deficient

Any diet can be unbalanced — including kibble.

Raw diets can meet NRC and AAFCO standards when formulated correctly.

Myth 3: Raw Bones Are Dangerous

  • Raw bones are soft and digestible

  • Cooked bones splinter

  • Size and supervision matter

Always supervise and choose appropriate bones.

Myth 4: Puppies Can’t Eat Raw

Puppies actually need:

  • Highly bioavailable protein

  • Proper calcium and phosphorus

  • DHA for brain development



Balance is critical.

Puppy calcium-to-phosphorus ratio:

  • Ideal: ~1.3 : 1

  • Acceptable range: 1 : 1 to 2 : 1

Adult dogs do best around 1.2 : 1.



Myth 5: Raw Feeding Is Too Hard

Raw feeding doesn’t have to be complicated.

You can:

  • Buy complete, balanced raw food

  • Buy meat/bone/organ mixes and add what’s missing

  • Use NRC-balanced recipes

  • DIY with proper guidance



How to Feed Raw Safely

  • Use clean, quality ingredients

  • Balance nutrients correctly

  • Rotate proteins

  • Practice safe food handling

  • Monitor body condition

Perfection isn’t the goal — better nutrition is.

Companies I Trust

  • Viva Raw – Organic options, complete or DIY bases

  • BJ’s Raw – Complete meals and organ sourcing

  • My Pet Carnivore – 80/10/10 mixes and wide organ selection

  • Open Farm – Slow-cooked and freeze-dried raw options



Feed the Dog in Front of You

Every dog is different.

Fresh food supports:

  • Digestion

  • Immunity

  • Skin, coat, teeth

  • Overall vitality

It’s not about feeding perfectly, it’s about feeding better.



Need Help Getting Started?

If you want help balancing meals, supporting puppy growth, or reviewing your current diet, I offer:

  • Personalized raw and fresh-food guidance

  • NRC-balanced meal planning

  • Puppy-specific nutrition support

  • Diet reviews and testing guidance

📧 Have a quick question? Reach out anytime.

Call or Text 518-423-4236

📞 Want deeper support? Schedule a virtual or phone consultation.


 
 
 

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Comments

Welcome To The Raw side and Lightly Cooked TCVM K-9 Food Therapy Page

​

I would like to introduce myself my name is Melissa Frohnhoefer. I am a Certified TCVM K-9 Food Therapist. My goal as a TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) Food Therapist is to use food as medicine to help pets achieve balance and overall health. I will provide customized diets based on a pet’s body constitution and imbalances (like too much heat, cold, dampness, or dryness) to support healing and prevent disease. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, I will choose specific ingredients that nourish the pet’s organs, energy (Qi), and immune system, promoting long-term wellness in a natural way.

​

For those who don't know what TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) is here is information on what it is all about.

 

TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) is a natural approach using an ancient healing system to support pets' health naturally. (TCVM) has been used for over 2,000 years. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, and Tui-na (a type of therapeutic massage). TCVM focuses on balancing the body's energy (Qi) to promote healing, prevent illness, and improve overall well-being. It can be especially helpful for pain relief, digestive issues, anxiety, and chronic conditions in pets.

 

For those who don't know what Qi is here is a brief description: In TCVM, Qi (pronounced "chee") is the vital life energy that flows through the body, supporting health and balance. When Qi moves smoothly, pets stay healthy, but if it becomes blocked or weak, illness and pain can occur. TCVM treatments include acupuncture, herbs, and food therapy helps restore the natural flow of Qi to promote healing and well-being.

​

History of TCVM (used for animals) and TCM (used for people):

​​TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) has been practiced for thousands of years, with historical records tracing its roots back at least 2,000 years in China, primarily focusing on the treatment of horses during the Shang Dynasty (1766-1066 BCE). 

 

 TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine):

 has been practiced for over 5,000 years for people. The earliest written records of TCM date back to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). 

​

Information on TCVM and Raw & Lightly Cooked Recipes:
The recipes that are given will be a diet specific to what your K-9's needs are using my knowledge on Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. I will send  questionnaires and the information that is provided about your pet will help me determine what your pets body requires for foods. 

TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine):  

TCVM is a diet that is formulated based on a pet’s unique characteristics and imbalances. To be more specific  I will determine your pets: Body Constitution, find any imbalances and find their food energetics with the questionaries' you fill out. The recipes will contain species appropriate food that relate to your pets  specific element, energetics . The recipes will include meats, bones, organ meats, vegetables, fruits, oils, herbs and will have supplements. If you are requesting lightly cooked food recipes detail information to how to cook it will be sent. The recipes will be balanced with the AFFCO or NRC guidelines. 

If you are interested in a food consultation:

Consultations are in person and virtual. 

​

Other Food Services Offered:

  • Nutritional Coaching on Raw or Cooked Diets or Formulation for your puppy/dog

  • You Can Order Monthly Order Organic Wheat Grass or Select Sprouts

  • You Can Order Monthly Orders for Grass-Fed and Finished Organ Meat

        Options include Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Lamb

  • You Can Order Monthly Sprats or Sardines

                                    **** All meat orders are for local pick up only and pre-paid. ​

     <<<<<<Email Now To Set Up Your Dogs TCVM K-9 Diet Appointment>>>>>>

​

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  • NuVet Supports:

    • Immune system

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Save money by ordering in bulk and enjoy free shipping on orders of 12 full-size bottles (Mix and match between NuVet wafers, powder, NuJoint wafers and they have K-9 hygiene products ).

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Click here -> To order your NuVet http://www.nuvet.com/420933

Recipes Catered To Your Dog's TCVM Constitution 
Meal and Treat Recipes for Each Element 🐾

 

Understanding your dog's Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) constitution can help tailor their diet for optimal health. Whether your dog is of the Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, or Wood element, we offer recipes designed to balance their unique energies.

​

 Meal Recipes

Enhance your dog's well-being with our TCVM-inspired meal recipes:

  • Price: $10 per recipe

  • Special Offer: Buy 3 recipes and receive a 10% discount

 

Each recipe is crafted to align with your dog's specific TCVM constitution, promoting balance and vitality.

​

Treat Recipes

Reward your dog with our wholesome, TCVM-aligned treat recipes:

  • Price: $5 per recipe

  • Special Offer: Buy 3 recipes and receive a 10% discount

These treats are designed to complement your dog's dietary needs based on their TCVM element.

 

How to Purchase

To order meal or treat recipes:

Please include your dog's TCVM constitution and any specific dietary concerns.

Empower your dog's health through personalized nutrition rooted in the wisdom of TCVM.

​

If you need further assistance or have questions about determining your dog's TCVM constitution, feel free to reach out and a consultation appointment can be set up!

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