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
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
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
Portion Tilapia Fillets
Thaw the tilapia fillets, then cut them into 0.5‑lb portions and bag them separately.
Time: PT5M
Portion Organ Meats
Combine chicken feet, gizzards and livers into 1‑lb mixed organ bags (roughly equal parts) and seal.
Time: PT5M
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Leg Quarters: Turkey Leg Quarters, Duck Leg Quarters
- Instead of Frozen Tilapia Fillets: Salmon, Whitefish
- Instead of Chicken Feet: Turkey Feet
- Instead of Chicken Gizzards: Beef Heart
- Instead of Chicken Livers: Beef Liver
- Instead of Frozen Blueberries: Raspberries, Strawberries
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Digital Kitchen Scale
- Large Food‑Safe Container
- Freezer Bags
- Gloves (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a dedicated cutting board for raw meat to avoid cross‑contamination with other foods.
- If you have a vacuum sealer, seal portions to extend freezer life and reduce freezer burn.
- Add a splash of water or low‑sodium bone broth when serving to improve palatability.
Troubleshooting
Meat smells sour or off after thawing.
Discard the batch; sour smell indicates bacterial growth. Always keep meat at proper cold temperatures and use within recommended storage times.
Dog refuses to eat the raw mix.
Gradually introduce raw food by mixing a small amount with the dog’s current diet and increase over several days. Ensure the meat is fresh and at a comfortable temperature.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3 days for opened bags; keep at 4°C or colder.
Freezer: Up to 3 months; store at –18°C or colder.
Room temperature: Do not store raw dog food at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze individual 1‑lb portions; they thaw quickly in the fridge.
- Label each bag with the preparation date and use oldest bags first.
- If you need to defrost quickly, place sealed bags in a sealed container of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of feeding raw food to dogs in the United States?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of raw dog food in American canine nutrition?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is raw dog food traditionally associated with in American pet culture?
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.
What makes this Raw Dog Food Mix special or unique in the context of American raw feeding?
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.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a raw dog diet versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other American dishes pair well with this Raw Dog Food Mix for a balanced canine diet?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Raw Dog Food Mix?
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).
Why does this recipe use frozen tilapia instead of fresh fish?
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.
Can I make this Raw Dog Food Mix ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when preparing this Raw Dog Food Mix?
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.
What does the YouTube channel 1st508th Airborne specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel 1st508th Airborne's approach to raw dog feeding differ from other pet channels?
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.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
