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We Love Your Dog!

Feed Responsibly

Thank you for choosing Real Dog Box to include more real food in your dog's diet. We know your dog is the center of your universe, and you want to spoil them, but feeding real food requires thoughtful care. Our goal is to help you feed your dog responsibly to keep them safe and healthy.

Start Slow – Know Their Portion Size

Introducing new treats and chews should be a gradual process. Begin with one protein at a time to avoid digestive upset. Watch your dog’s stool to assess how they’re adjusting to each new item. For tips on what to look for, check out our Poop Guide for signs of healthy digestion.

  • Small dogs (under 20 pounds): One treat the size of two quarters
  • Medium dogs (under 50 pounds): Two treats the size of three-quarters
  • Large dogs (under 100 pounds): Three treats the size of four-quarters
  • Giant dogs (over 100 pounds): Four treats the size of five-quarters

For chews, start with a 10-15 minute session maximum. If your dog is new to chews, start with 5 minutes and work up gradually. Don’t be tempted to feed multiple chews in one day—wait until your dog’s next walk and check for solid stools before offering another chew.

For detailed treat and feeding instructions, visit How to Introduce Real Dog Box Treats.

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Supervise While Chewing

Never leave your dog unsupervised with a chew. Watch for signs of gulping or aggressive chewing. If your dog tends to gulp, hold the chew or use a chew holder to slow them down. Each dog has a different chewing style, so observe and adjust as needed. Gulpers may require more hands-on supervision to prevent choking or swallowing large pieces.
For more chew-specific guidance, visit How to Chew Real Dog Box Chews

Shelf Life & Storage

Real Dog Box treats are free of preservatives, so store them in a cool, dry place, or freeze them to extend their shelf life. Don’t feed anything past its expiration, just as you wouldn’t eat old food yourself. If you have any questions, we’re one text away at 858-348-5954.
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Nutrient-Dense – A Small Amount Goes a Long Way

Our treats and chews are nutrient-dense and dehydrated, meaning they are about 10-15% of their original weight. A small amount goes a long way—organ treats are especially rich, so feed them in moderation to prevent digestive upset. Muscle meat treats can be used more freely, such as for training or meal toppers.
For organs and seafood treats, feed in small portions. Overfeeding can cause diarrhea or digestive issues. Remember, start small and adjust based on your dog's response.
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Risks Involved in Fresh Feeding

While feeding real food provides many benefits, there are some risks to be mindful of:
  • Digestive upset: Tummy issues can happen, especially when introducing new proteins or chews. Slippery elm bark powder can help prevent loose stools when used 30 minutes before feeding new items.
  • Tooth fractures and choking: Always supervise your dog with chews, especially bones. Be aware of gulping and fast eating.
  • Blockages: Regurgitated bone in vomit is normal, but repetitive vomiting or diarrhea could indicate a blockage. If this happens, contact your vet immediately.
Feeding real food requires careful attention to your dog’s specific needs and responses.

Know Your Dog

Every dog is unique, and breed-specific health considerations may affect what and how you feed your dog. Certain breeds, like Siberian Huskies and Dalmatians, have special dietary needs that should be addressed in consultation with your vet. Monitor your dog closely and adjust their diet accordingly to prevent any health issues.

How Much Food Should You Give Your Dog?

There are several ways to calculate how much food your dog needs, but basically, it depends on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Measuring in weight measurements, pounds or kilograms, is more straightforward than figuring out how many calories your dog needs. Keep in mind that every dog is different and you’ll need to make adjustments for your individual dog. General guidelines are:

Not very active dogs need about 2% of their body weight daily. Not very active means that your dog gets less than 1 hour of exercise daily. Most house dogs fall into this category.

Somewhat active dogs need about 2.5% of their body weight daily. Somewhat active dogs get around 2 hours of exercise daily.

Very active dogs need about 3% of their body weight daily. Very active dogs are those getting 3 hours of exercise daily.

Super active dogs need about 3.5% of their body weight daily. A super-active dog gets 4 or more hours of exercise each day.

Feeding according to activity level is essential for obesity prevention. Over 50% of the dogs in the US are overweight or obese.

Watching your dog’s body condition and adjusting the amount of food provided will help keep off those unwanted extra pounds.

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Feed Real Food

We believe fresh, real food is better for your dog than the same processed food every day. It’s your responsibility to monitor your dog’s health markers and adjust portions as needed. Ultimately, your dog depends on you to make the best choices for them. Feed responsibly it’s an investment in your dog’s long-term health and happiness.
For more tips and guidance, explore our Real Dog Wellness Membership or schedule a consultation with one of our Certified Professional Canine Nutritionists.
Please #feedresponsibly

It's an investment for your dog's life.

We will take good care of you! But don’t take our word for it, read what dogs and their owners are saying about us and let us help you feed your dog real food, too!
FRESH TO YOUR DOOR
We craft our food in small batches, air-dry it in a single step, and deliver it fresh.
OUR PERFECT FIT PROMISE
We guarantee that if your dog doesn’t love a treat, we’ll replace it for free.