WHY CRADLE KENNELS FEEDS RAW FOOD
A practical journey into natural feeding for Jack Russell puppies
Our Story: From Dry food to Raw
For nearly 19 years of breeding Jack Russell Terriers, we were committed to feeding only high-quality imported dry dog food. No table scraps, no compromises.
Everything changed in September 2018.
After one of our dogs was diagnosed with a sensitive digestive system requiring lifelong chronic treatment with cortizone and antihistamine and placed on a “sensitive” dry food diet, we began questioning what was really in commercial dog food. That curiosity led us down a path of research into ingredients, processing methods, and nutritional value.
In searching for alternatives, we discovered raw feeding. The information was overwhelming—often contradictory—but the real turning point came from:
- Conversations with experienced breeders
- Guidance from raw feeding practitioners
- First-hand testimonies from pet owners
Despite warnings from some traditional veterinarians, we decided to try it ourselves.
The Turning Point
The results were immediate.
Our “sensitive” dog improved so dramatically that:
- Medication was no longer needed
- The special diet was no longer necessary
- The supposed “lifelong condition” disappeared
It became clear: her body simply needed proper, natural nutrition.
Transitioning to Raw Feeding
We started small:
- First with 3 dogs experiencing digestive and weight issues
- Then gradually introduced raw feeding to all our dogs over 4 months
Once confident, we extended raw feeding to:
- Pregnant females
- Nursing mothers
- Puppies from 4 weeks old
Each stage was carefully monitored, and the results were consistently excellent.
What Is a Raw (Paleo-Inspired) Diet?
A raw diet aims to replicate what dogs would naturally eat in the wild:
- Meat
- Bones
- Organs
- Fish
- Small amounts of plant matter
It excludes:
- Processed foods
- Grains
- Artificial additives
The goal is simple: real food for real health.
What Makes a Balanced Raw Diet?
A proper raw diet is not just meat—it requires balance:
- Muscle meat +/-55%
- Fish +/-10% (for omega-3 fatty acids)
- Raw bone +/-10%
- Liver +/-5%
- Other organs +/-15%
- Pureed fruit & vegetables +/-5%
- Optional extras (small amounts):
- Raw eggs
Guidelines:
- NEVER feed cooked bones; it should always be raw
- Freeze meat before use, then thaw (helps reduce bacteria risk)
- Puree fruits and vegetables for digestibility
- OR feed brand name meals now and again containing fruit & veg
Why Raw Meaty Bones Matter
- Provide natural calcium and minerals
- Encourage chewing, tearing, and natural instincts
- Support dental health and jaw development
Feeding whole pieces (like chicken portions) helps maintain a natural balance between meat and bone.
Introducing Raw Feeding to Puppies
From 4 Weeks
Puppies are weaned onto:
- Finely minced meat and bone blends
From 5 Weeks
They are gradually introduced to real textures and chewing:
- Whole fish (with bones)
- Beef lung
- Chicken or duck heads
- Unbleached beef, game or mutton tripe
- Small amounts of liver
Ground food is still provided afterward to ensure they are fully fed.
By 8 Weeks
Puppies can comfortably eat a wide variety of whole foods:
- Beef, mutton, game
- Chicken, turkey, duck
- Rabbit, ostrich
- Fish (important for balance)
- Organs (in controlled amounts)
Their:
- Digestive systems
- Jaw strength
- Eating behaviour
develop naturally and progressively.
Why Chicken & Duck Heads?
Although unusual to some, they offer:
- A natural balance of bone, meat, and organ tissue
- Excellent chewing exercise
- High acceptance by puppies and adult dogs
- Cost-effective nutrition
Heads can be replaced with other bone-in cuts if preferred.
Feeding Routine at Cradle Kennels
We follow a balanced raw + dry approach:
Adult Dogs – once daily
- Raw food: 6 days per week
- Dry food: 1 day per week
Puppies – twice daily – 10-12hours apart
- Raw from 4 weeks
- Dry food introduced at 6 weeks
- Dry food: 3 mornings per week
- Raw food: remaining meals
⚠️ Important:
Do NOT mix raw and dry food in the same meal. Always feed separately.
Practical Feeding Principles
- Keep your dogs slightly lean (never overweight)
- Focus on body shape and condition, not just weight
- Avoid snacks—use raw bones instead
- Do not offer too many food choices (prevents fussiness)
- Offer leftover raw food first at the next meal – do not give alternatives or choices
- Puppies should be hungry at mealtime
- Do not restrict quantity until 16 weeks—only the feeding time
- Offer food for 12 minutes or until pup loses interest, then remove
- Over feeding causes funniness, obesity and long tern health problems
- Adjust portions weekly as puppies grow
Important Feeding Notes
- Combine fish and lung with other meats & bone (to avoid loose stools)
- Limit heart:
- Small amounts only, twice weekly
- Feed liver:
- Small portions, twice weekly
Always provide fresh water.
Buying & Preparing Raw Food
For convenience and cost balance:
- Buy bulk from a butcher and portion monthly
- Order trusted brand name raw food online and get delivery to your door
- Combine both approaches for the best benefits
Tips
- Avoid “petsmince” (often made from low-quality, prcessed & expired meat)
- Use affordable options like:
- Chicken (base protein)
- Sprats, Cavala, Tilapia for afordability & good fish proteien source
- Organ meats
- Make doggy meatballs of 50% minced lungs & 50% bone sawdust
The Results We See
Our dogs consistently show:
- Stable digestion
- Healthy skin and shiny coats
- Strong teeth and jaws
- Calm, balanced energy
- Healthy eating behaviour
- Natural satisfaction after meals
Our puppies leave us:
- Confident eaters
- Physically strong
- Ready to thrive in their new homes
A Note on Veterinary Perspectives
Holistic veterinarians often support natural diets and preventative health approaches.
Some traditional vets may be skeptical of raw feeding. This is not unusual.
However, if your dog experiences:
- Skin issues
- Digestive problems
- Chronic conditions
consider exploring nutrition as a root solution—rather than immediately relying on long-term medication.
In Summary
We believe in:
Feeding real food to build real health.
Raw feeding, when done correctly and with balance, supports:
- Natural development
- Long-term wellness
- A healthier, happier dog
Disclaimer
This guide is based on years of hands-on experience in breeding and raising Jack Russell Terriers, combined with extensive personal research.
It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Every dog is different—use your own judgement and make informed decisions.