At Tucker’s, our approach to food supports the unwavering belief that pets are family and deserve real, high-quality USDA ingredients with minimal processing. That’s why we make it simple to add raw nutrition to your pet’s diet without sacrificing convenience or budget. Whether you’re considering a fully raw diet or simply adding a fresh-food boost, this guide will help you get started.
A Little Raw Can Go a Long Way
Feeding a complete raw diet can support many meaningful benefits. Fortunately, going all-in isn’t the only option! Emerging research suggests that consistently adding even a small portion of fresh or raw food to your pet’s diet may support:
• Healthy skin and coat.
• Healthy teeth and gums.
• Formed, consistent stools.
• Healthy weight and lean muscle mass.
• Joint mobility.
• Healthy immune function.
• Consistent energy.
• Reduced inflammation.
• Greater resilience to environmental stressors and more.
Raw doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to make a difference.
Raw Feeding Made Simple
Tucker’s individually vacuum-sealed portions make thawing, serving, and storing raw food easy. Whether you’re feeding a complete and balanced food patty, adding a functional Boost product, or offering a raw marrow bone; thaw only what you need and replenish it every few days. We recommend 2-3 days’ worth at a time.
Create a Routine
Move two to three days’ worth of food from the freezer to the refrigerator at a time. Thaw it in Tucker’s BPA Free food-safe packaging or transfer it to another food-safe container and serve when ready. This keeps portions fresh, manageable and ready when you need them.
Approximate refrigerator thawing times:
- Boost Cubes: Soften within several hours.
- 6oz Rad Cat bars and 8oz canine patties: Can take up 24 hours to thaw.
- One pound (16oz) canine patties: May take up to two days to thaw.
- Boost Butter Pints: May take up 30 hours to thaw.
- Boost Broth 20oz: May take a full day to thaw in the refrigerator. Can be warmed up to 105°F on the stove to draw out aromas. (Great for enticing extra picky eaters.)
Always thaw frozen raw products in the refrigerator and keep refrigerated until serving. Return uneaten food into the refrigerator within 30 minutes if not consumed. Product can be refrozen twice before discarding is recommended.
Raw Additions and (Fun)ctional Boosters:
Raw and fresh foods help us feel and move through life better! Your pet is the same. So, whether you’re looking to add a boost of fresh nutrition; have a picky eater, a pet on the mend, or bored with your current routine, Tucker’s has plenty of functional raw options to try. Here’s a few of my favorites:
- Add 1 .8oz Boost Cube to your pet’s bowl or favorite enrichment toy for added hydration and essential fresh nutrients.
- Thaw Tucker’s Boost Broth, pour in any amount, or if you prefer measurements, 1 tablespoon for every 10lbs of pet weight to rehydrate your pet’s kibble or freeze-dried food. This provides moisture, supports digestion and proper ongoing nutrient absorption.
- Allow your Boost Product to thaw; portion into daily or treatable serving sizes using silicon molds, then refreeze until you’re ready for more. A small amount of food prep provides big time rewards for you and your pet!
- Using 1-2 Tucker’s Freeze-dried domino pieces and some thawed Boost Broth or Boost Butter, create a delectable whole food meatball to disguise medications and supplements that come in pill form. Simply combine ingredients and roll into a ball! Ideal for the pet on the mend! Boost Butter can also be used on its own!
- Offer an appropriately sized raw bone for a fun, functional chew that provides mental enrichment, physical engagement and naturally occurring calcium.
Estimated daily cost for a fun, functional Boosts:
$0.50–$5.00 per day
What to Expect During the Transition
Every pet responds differently to a dietary change. Some pets won’t skip a beat, while others, like some senior pets, or dogs with a history of digestive sensitivities, may need several days to adjust and develop consistently formed stools.
All Tucker’s complete canine diets contain 5% non-GMO pumpkin. Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense source of fiber that helps support healthy digestion, formed stool and regularity.
Complete Raw Transition Guide
Any dietary change can cause temporary digestive upset, so we recommend transitioning gradually over seven to ten days.
Use Tucker’s feeding calculator to determine your dog’s recommended daily portion.
No One Size Fits All
There is no “one size fits all” to recommended feeding. A pet’s individual requirements will vary based on several factors, including metabolism, age, daily exercise, health, genetics, outdoor environments, stress and anxiety, and how often a pet receives treats. Veterinarians recommend treats make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily diet. Our feeding calculator and tables offer a starting point in terms of how much to feed your pet per day, but it can be adjusted to suit your individual pet’s needs. If you have any questions or concerns about how much to feed, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian.
Transitioning to 100% Tucker’s
Days 1–3: Feed 75% current food and 25% Tucker’s.
Days 4–6: Feed 50% current food and 50% Tucker’s.
Days 7–9: Feed 25% current food and 75% Tucker’s.
Day 10 and Beyond: Feed 100% Tucker’s.
Estimated daily Cost to feed 100% Raw:
30Lb Dog $3.33
50lb Dog $5.03
70lb Dog $6.81
Transitioning to a 50% Raw Diet
Days 1–3: Feed 75% current food and 25% Tucker’s.
Days 4–6 and Beyond: Feed 50% current food and 50% Tucker’s.
Once your pet is doing well, maintain the 50/50 ratio as part of their regular feeding routine. You can also consider feeding one all raw meal a day or mixing with your current canned or kibble at mealtime.
Estimated daily cost to feed 50% Raw:
30lb dog: $1.67
50lb dog: $2.52
80lb dog: $3.40
Start where you are, keep it simple, have fun (smile!) and build a routine that works for both you and your pet.
For your safety always remember to wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw materials.
For more answers, contact us or to find a store near you check out or store locator.