Frequently Asked Questions
Option 1: $10 Delivery to Manitowoc or Sheboygan counties. Simply shop our products, add to cart, and choose our delivery option at check-out. Deliveries are made on Mondays and Thursdays between 7am-7pm. We recommend leaving out a cooler if you will not be home.
Option 2: Local Pick-Up. Shop our products and choose your pick-up location at check-out. Current pick-up locations:
(1) Howards Grove Meat Market: 211 S. Wisconsin Dr. Howards Grove, WI. Pick-Up Hours: Tu-Fri|9-5| Sat|9-3|
(2) Wild Chiropractic Office: 3411 Lakeshore Rd. Sheboygan, WI. Pick-Up Hours: M-Th|8-5| F|9-1, 2-5|
Option 3: Buy In-Store at The Guild of Modern Wellness, 21415 W. Greenfield Ave. New Berlin, WI
Step 1: Thaw
Step 1: Determine portion size (see “How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Dog”)
Step 3: Add-in extras, if desired & feed!
Rustic Mutt provides the option of quality, affordable, local, small-batch raw dog food that requires minimal prep work on your end. Our 5lb tubes allow you to determine the portion size that best suits your dog.
After thawing, place remaining raw food in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
While we believe your dog will thrive solely on our beef blend (whole-prey meat, bone, and organs) we also understand you may feel most comfortable providing your dog with additional nutritional variety.
Wholefood canine-appropriate options you may consider pairing with our Raw Beef Blend:
-Raw pasture-raised whole egg (or just the yolk)
-Sardines, mackerel, mussels, kelp
-Raw goat’s milk
-Gelatinous bits (chicken feet, pig’s ears, oxtail, etc…)
-Cooked butternut squash, carrot, pumpkin
-Apples, pear, blueberries
Absolutely. Raw feeding is safe when done properly. In fact, it aligns closest with what dogs have evolved to eat for thousands of years. Known as the ancestral diet, raw feeding is rooted in what dogs naturally consumed long before commercial pet food was created. Their digestive systems are uniquely equipped to handle raw meat, bones, and organs.
Dogs Are Built for Raw
•Highly acidic stomachs: A dog’s stomach has a pH as low as 1–2, which helps break down raw meat and bone.
•Short digestive tracts: Food moves through a dog’s system quickly, leaving less time for pathogens to multiply.
•Enzymatic digestion: Dogs produce natural digestive enzymes specifically designed to break down proteins and fats from raw animal sources.
These biological traits allow dogs to thrive on a diet that mimics what their wild ancestors ate, free from artificial fillers and preservatives.
Our Commitment to Safe Feeding
At Rustic Mutt, we take every precaution to ensure the raw food you receive is nutritionally balanced and safe.
•We use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients including fresh meat, bone, and organ in optimal ratios.
•Our small-batch production model ensures greater control and oversight.
•Products are immediately frozen to lock in freshness and reduce microbial activity.
Safe Handling at Home
Raw dog food should be handled with the same care as preparing raw meat for your family:
•Keep it frozen until ready to thaw and serve
•Use clean utensils and bowls
•Wash hands and surfaces after handling
•Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Peace of Mind, Naturally
Feeding your dog raw isn’t just safe, it’s biologically appropriate. And when you pair a dog’s natural ability to digest raw food with our safe preparation practices and freezing, you can feel confident knowing your pet is receiving the same food we feed our own.
A general rule of thumb is to feed your dog based on their body weight, age and activity level. Raw feeding recommendations are typically calculated as a percentage of your dog’s ideal body weight:
•Minimally Active Dogs: Feed about 2% of their body weight daily
•Moderately Active Dogs: Feed about 2.5% of their body weight daily
•Very Active Dogs: Feed about 3% of their body weight daily
Use the chart below to estimate how much food your dog needs each day. For example, a 40 lb moderately active dog would eat approximately 1.0 lb (16 oz) of raw food per day. Always adjust based on your dog’s individual needs, energy levels, age and condition.
Need help figuring it out? Use our Raw Feeding Chart.
Switching your dog to a raw diet can be one of the best decisions you make for their overall health and vitality. However, it’s important to approach the transition in a way that suits your dog’s digestive system, temperament, and history.
Below are a few common transition methods, along with what to expect and watch for.
Option 1: Cold Turkey Transition
For dogs with strong digestive systems, no known allergies, and a history of tolerating different types of food well, the cold turkey method may be suitable. This involves immediately switching from kibble to raw with no overlap.
•Best for: Dogs with no sensitivities or history of GI issues
•Tip: Fast your dog for 12–24 hours before their first raw meal to clear the system and reset the gut
•Monitor: Stool firmness, energy levels, and appetite
Option 2: Raw as Treats
A gentle introduction method is offering bite-sized raw pieces as treats. This helps your dog’s digestive enzymes begin adjusting to raw protein sources without overwhelming the system.
•Best for: Cautious dogs or those prone to stomach upset
•Suggested use: 2–3 small raw treats per day alongside their usual kibble
•Monitor: Tolerance to the protein, signs of GI discomfort, interest in raw texture/taste
Option 3: One Meal at a Time
Another gradual method is to swap just one meal per day with raw, while continuing kibble for the other meal.
•Best for: Dogs who are new to raw or for cautious owners
•Start with: One raw meal daily for 1–2 weeks, then increase to fully raw if digestion remains healthy
•Monitor: Bowel movements, energy levels, hydration
What to Watch For During Transition
•Digestive changes: Some stool changes (e.g., lighter color, occasional mucus) are normal early on. Diarrhea, vomiting, or refusal to eat for more than a day are signs to pause or adjust.
•Energy shifts: Most dogs gain steady energy levels and alertness within the first couple weeks.
•Less waste: Because raw food is more bioavailable, your dog will produce smaller, firmer, and less frequent stools.
•Detox effects: Temporary itchiness, goopy eyes, or yeast smell may occur as the body adjusts. These should resolve as gut health improves.
Additional Tips
•Always transition gradually if your dog is older, has a history of sensitivities, or is on medication.
•Use single-protein meals (like chicken or turkey) during the first 1–2 weeks to minimize reaction variables.
•Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. Raw diets are moisture-rich, but proper hydration supports healthy digestion.
•Keep portions consistent and adjust based on your dog’s weight, activity, and stool condition.
•If unsure, consult your vet, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions.
Every dog is different. Go at your dog’s pace and stay mindful. Whether you go all-in or ease into raw feeding, Rustic Mutt is here to help make the transition smooth, safe, and rewarding for both you and your pup.
Partial raw feeding still offers benefits! Many owners successfully feed one meal per day raw, and one meal per day kibble, often due to budget, convenience or transitioning gradually.
Whether you choose to feed all raw or partially add it into your dog’s diet, even small changes can make a big impact.