Things to Consider Before Switching to Raw Food
As with everything concerning your pet's health and well-being, it's extremely important to consult with your veterinarian about your decision to switch to raw food. Do realize that most traditional vets may have a skewed view of what your pet should eat, because nutritional information disseminated in vet schools is limited and often comes from pet food manufacturers. S/he may balk at the idea, so it behooves you to become well-informed about raw feeding before broaching the subject.
A holistic vet will be more understanding and supportive. Search for a holistic vet in your area.
Do you have a pet sitter? If so, be sure the person is not squeamish about handling raw food. Also, explain your reasons for the decision and why it's important to you and your pet. Try to make it as easy as possible for the sitter by having the appropriate portions thawed out and ready to be fed.
If your pet spends time at a boarding kennel, you may not be able to provide raw food during that time. Some kennels are very accommodating when it comes to food, but may or may not be willing or have the freezer space to deal with raw food. Discuss your options well in advance; you may have to look around for someone else.
If you can't find a facility willing to cater to your pet's raw diet, they will probably let you provide other food. Choose a high quality, primarily meat canned food, and keep your pet used to it by feeding that food occasionally instead of a raw meal.
Similarly, travel with your pet can present problems. Of course, if you're only going away for two or three days, it's relatively simple to keep the food in a cooler with some ice that you replenish when needed. But what do you do if you go on a two-week vacation?
If you are purchasing your raw food from a distributor for Oma's, s/he will be able to help you find one in the area you're traveling to.
Your freezer. Unless you're feeding a cat or a small dog, you'll find the freezer above your fridge to be inadequate. Buying fresh meat every few days will become old very quickly, too. So, investing in your own freezer is almost inevitable. You can probably find a used one reasonably in your local penny-shopper. Keep in mind that many people experience in increased need for space because they start buying more frozen foods for themselves as well!