Is RAW Food Cheaper Than Kibble? Yes, and Here's How to Do it

Is RAW Food Cheaper Than Kibble? Yes, and Here's How to Do it is a easy American recipe that serves 30. 2500 calories per serving. Recipe by 1st508th Airborne on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 35 min

Cost: $77.89 total, $2.60 per serving

Ingredients

  • 70 lb Chicken Leg Quarters (raw, skin on, bone‑in; purchased as seven 10‑lb bags)
  • 12 lb Frozen Tilapia Fillets (thawed before portioning; bought as four 3‑lb bags)
  • 2 lb Chicken Feet (raw, cleaned)
  • 2 lb Chicken Gizzards (raw, cleaned)
  • 2 lb Chicken Livers (raw, trimmed of any connective tissue)
  • 1 lb Frozen Blueberries (unsweetened, no added sugar)

Instructions

  1. Gather and Chill Ingredients

    Remove all meat, fish and organ packages from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator for 30‑45 minutes to make cutting easier while keeping them safely cold.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Portion Chicken Leg Quarters

    Using the kitchen scale, cut the chicken leg quarters into 1‑lb portions (approximately one quarter of a leg quarter per portion) and place each portion into an individual freezer bag.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Portion Tilapia Fillets

    Thaw the tilapia fillets, then cut them into 0.5‑lb portions and bag them separately.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Portion Organ Meats

    Combine chicken feet, gizzards and livers into 1‑lb mixed organ bags (roughly equal parts) and seal.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Add Blueberries

    Measure out 1‑2 tbsp of frozen blueberries per 1‑lb meat portion and add to the corresponding freezer bag. Mix gently to distribute.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Store the Raw Food Batches

    Place all sealed bags in a single layer in the freezer. For daily feeding, pull out the required number of bags, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and serve cold or at room temperature.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
2500
Protein
200 g per 10 lb batch
Carbohydrates
5 g per 10 lb batch (from blueberries)
Fat
150 g per 10 lb batch
Fiber
2 g per 10 lb batch

Dietary info: Raw diet, Grain‑free, High protein, Low carbohydrate

Allergens: Fish (tilapia), None other than typical canine allergens

Last updated: March 17, 2026

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Is RAW Food Cheaper Than Kibble? Yes, and Here's How to Do it

Recipe by 1st508th Airborne

A budget-friendly, high‑protein raw diet for dogs using chicken leg quarters, frozen tilapia, chicken organs and blueberries. This recipe shows how to portion and store a large bulk purchase from Walmart so you can feed your dogs raw food for a fraction of the cost of premium kibble.

EasyAmericanServes 30

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$77.89
Total cost
$2.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Keep all raw meat cold during handling.
  • Wash hands, knives and cutting board with hot, soapy water after each contact with raw meat.
  • Label each bag with date and weight to track freshness.

Safety Warnings

  • Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli; always wash hands and sanitize surfaces.
  • Do not feed dogs meat that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
  • Keep frozen portions sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of feeding raw food to dogs in the United States?

A

Raw feeding, often called the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, gained popularity in the U.S. during the early 2000s as owners sought a more natural, species‑appropriate diet for their pets, mirroring what wild canines eat.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of raw dog food in American canine nutrition?

A

In the U.S., raw diets vary from simple muscle‑meat‑only formulas to more complex mixes that include organ meats, bone, fish, and occasional fruits or vegetables, reflecting regional availability of ingredients.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is raw dog food traditionally associated with in American pet culture?

A

Raw feeding isn’t tied to specific holidays, but many owners switch to a raw diet for a dog’s birthday, after a health issue, or when they want to give their pet a “fresh start” during the new year.

cultural
Q

What makes this Raw Dog Food Mix special or unique in the context of American raw feeding?

A

This mix emphasizes bulk purchasing at a mainstream retailer (Walmart) to keep costs low while still providing a balanced blend of muscle meat, fish, organ meats, and antioxidant‑rich blueberries.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a raw dog diet versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional raw diets rely on fresh chicken, beef, turkey, fish, organ meats, and occasional fruits/vegetables. Substitutes include other protein sources like rabbit or duck, and fruits such as pumpkin or apples if a dog is allergic to berries.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with this Raw Dog Food Mix for a balanced canine diet?

A

Adding a small amount of cooked sweet potato or pumpkin puree can provide extra fiber, while a calcium source like ground eggshell or raw meaty bones balances the mineral profile.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Raw Dog Food Mix?

A

Common errors include leaving meat at room temperature too long, not washing hands and surfaces after handling raw meat, and using too much organ meat (which can cause digestive upset).

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use frozen tilapia instead of fresh fish?

A

Frozen tilapia is often cheaper, has a longer shelf life, and can be safely stored until needed, reducing waste while still providing high‑quality protein for dogs.

technical
Q

Can I make this Raw Dog Food Mix ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, portion the mix into 1‑lb bags and freeze them. Store in the freezer for up to three months and thaw in the refrigerator the night before feeding.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when preparing this Raw Dog Food Mix?

A

The meat should be firm but not frozen solid, with visible muscle fibers and small pieces of organ meat. Blueberries should be evenly distributed and not mushy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel 1st508th Airborne specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel 1st508th Airborne focuses on practical, budget‑friendly outdoor lifestyle content, including raw dog food shopping guides, gear reviews, and adventure vlogs with their dogs.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel 1st508th Airborne's approach to raw dog feeding differ from other pet channels?

A

1st508th Airborne emphasizes cost‑effective bulk buying at mainstream retailers and demonstrates real‑world logistics (e.g., transporting dogs in a Jeep), whereas many pet channels focus on specialty pet stores or premium pre‑made raw diets.

channel

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