Blue Ridge Beef for Dogs: Is It the Right Choice for Your Pup?

Okay, here's my experience with Blue Ridge Beef for my dogs, written in a casual, blog-style format:

So, I've got two furry goofballs, a Labrador named Max and a little terrier mix named Penny. I've always been pretty careful about what I feed them, trying to avoid the super processed stuff with tons of fillers. I'd heard some buzz about raw feeding and one name that kept popping up was Blue Ridge Beef.

Getting Started with Raw

Honestly, the whole raw feeding thing felt a little intimidating at first. Images of handling raw meat all the time? Not exactly my favorite thing. But I did some digging, joined a few online groups, and decided to give Blue Ridge Beef a shot, mostly because it seemed convenient and readily available in my area.

My First Blue Ridge Beef Order

I started to check their different mixes. They've got a bunch, like straight-up beef, chicken, turkey, and even some blends with organ meat (which I learned is super important for a balanced raw diet). I opted for the "Natural Mix" to start, figuring it would be a good all-around option.

The "Gross" Part (But Not Really)

Okay, I'm not gonna lie, the first time I opened that package of frozen raw food, I was a little squeamish. It's definitely different than scooping kibble! It came in these frozen "chubs" which looked like giant frozen sausages.

I quickly figured out a system. I'd thaw a chub in the fridge overnight, then portion it out into their bowls. It was, well, meaty. But it wasn't as bad as I'd imagined. The dogs, on the other hand? They were going absolutely NUTS with excitement. Their noses were working overtime.

Feeding Time Frenzy

• Step 1: Thaw I put the chub in a container in the fridge.
• Step 2: Portion I used a big knife to slice off what I needed.
• Step 3: Serve Plopped it in their bowls. Done.
• Step 4: The Feast They have finished it every single time.

The Results? Pretty Darn Good!

It's been about six months now, and I've gotta say, I'm seeing some positive changes. Max, my Lab, used to have some skin issues, kind of itchy and flaky. That's cleared up significantly. And Penny, my little terrier, always had a bit of a sensitive stomach. Her poops are… well, let's just say they're much more consistent now, and smaller, which is a bonus!

Their energy levels are great, their coats are shiny, and they both seem to genuinely love the food. That's a big win in my book.

Some Things I Learned Along the Way

I added some supplements. I learned that just straight meat isn't a complete diet, so I sprinkle in a pre-made supplement powder that has all the extra vitamins and minerals they need. Also, I do the bone broth by myself. It's easy and cheap.

I'm not saying Blue Ridge Beef is the only way to go, but it's been a good experience for us. It takes a little more effort than kibble, sure, but seeing my dogs happy and healthy makes it totally worth it.