A Comprehensive Raw Dog Food Review

Improved Digestive Health

The evidence: Studies have shown that raw diets can lead to firmer stools, reduced stool volume, and improved gastrointestinal health in dogs. Raw diets are typically higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates compared to commercial kibble, which may contribute to these benefits.

How: The high moisture content and digestibility of raw foods reduce the workload on the digestive system. Additionally, the natural enzymes present in raw meat aid in digestion.

Enhanced Dental Health

The evidence: Research indicates that chewing raw bones and meat can reduce plaque and tartar buildup, leading to healthier gums and teeth.

How: The mechanical action of chewing raw bones provides a natural method for cleaning teeth and gums, preventing periodontal disease, a common issue in dogs fed commercial diets.

Improved Skin and Coat Condition

The evidence: Many studies have reported improved skin and coat quality in dogs fed a raw diet, attributed to the high levels of essential fatty acids and the absence of fillers and artificial additives found in kibble.

How: Raw diets often include fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. The absence of allergens and artificial preservatives also reduces the incidence of skin problems.

Increased Energy Levels and Vitality

The evidence: Anecdotal evidence from dog owners and some preliminary studies suggest that dogs on raw diets exhibit higher energy levels and increased vitality compared to those on commercial diets.

How: The natural nutrients found in raw food, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals, provide a more balanced and bioavailable source of energy, supporting overall health and vitality.

Weight Management

The evidence: Raw diets can help maintain an optimal weight in dogs by providing a natural balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates without the excessive fillers found in many commercial dog foods.

How: The high protein content promotes lean muscle mass, while the natural fats help regulate metabolism, aiding in the prevention of obesity.

Consult with a Nurturing by Nature expert

Nurturing by Nature has a long standing belief that raw pet food is the most biologically appropriate diet for our pets. With over 20 years experience making & feeding millions of raw pet food meals every year. So investing in a conversation with one of our experts would be an investment well made. 

• Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced team members, to discuss canine nutrition and the transition to a raw diet.


• Invest in your pet and understand their health. A simple daily health assessment of your pet to ensure that you understand your dogs, behaviour, diets, drinking habits and energy levels.

Learn about the Raw Feeding Principles

• Learn the basics of raw feeding, including the appropriate balance of muscle meat, organ meat, bones, and vegetables.


• Understand the specific nutritional requirements of the dog's breed, age, and health status.


• Invest time to obtain a balanced, open minded view point. The pet food industry doesn’t have a strong reputation for integrity and uses many ingredients that suit profitability over honest nutritional goodness. 

Source Quality Ingredients

• Purchase high-quality, human-grade meats from reputable suppliers.


• Consider organic and hormone-free options to ensure the best nutritional value.

Proper Food Preparation and Hygiene

• Practice safe handling and preparation of raw food to prevent contamination.


• Use dedicated equipment for raw food preparation and clean thoroughly after each use.

Balanced Diet Formulation

• Follow guidelines to ensure a balanced diet that meets all of the dog's nutritional needs.


• Use supplements as necessary to fill any nutritional gaps, such as calcium or vitamins.

Monitor Health and Adjust as Needed

• Regularly monitor the dog's health, including weight, coat condition, and energy levels.


• Schedule periodic nutritionist check-ups to assess the dog's overall health and make dietary adjustments as needed.
  
   

We are here for you

Nurturing by Nature, we understand the journey every pet owner embarks on when switching to raw pet food. We've been there ourselves, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need a friendly chat, detailed information, or assistance with placing your first order, we're just a phone call away. Trust us to help you provide the healthiest and most natural diet for your beloved pets.

Our Stores - Locations 

Wimborne, Westmoors, Poole, Christchurch

Call - 01202 625728

Nurturing by Nature has been a pioneering force in the raw dog food industry for over 20 years. Our journey began with research and study in the late 1990's but after our own personal experiance with Fred our family boxer dog, a strong passionate commitment developed, one that founded our a mission that we live to today. Our mission is to; Make our very best raw Pet Food and deliver this to our community through exceptional customer service.  We do this by providing pet owners, Raw pet food meals which we believe are the most biologically appropriate diet for them. By staying true to our core values of heritage, integrity, attentiveness, unity, and ethics. Nurturing by Nature has proudly been at the heart of the raw feeding community for many pet owners through-out the UK.

Our values are everything that we do 

Heritage and Integrity: Founded on the principle of offering natural, high-quality nutrition, we have maintained our dedication to ethically sourcing and preparing raw dog food. Our recipes are rooted in tradition, reflecting our belief in the natural diet that pets thrive on. Choosing to not follow the trends but the heritage of our pet's natural ansestery. 

Attentiveness and Unity: Every meal we prepare is a testament to our attentive care and united effort. We listen to our customers, adapt to their needs, and work as a cohesive team to ensure that each product meets the highest standards of quality and safety. We understand that these meals are prepared often in the family home and kitchens. Whilst the label has to say pet food we choses to understand that iit's your pet's meals.

Ethical Practices: Ethical sourcing and production are at the heart of what we do. We prioritise sustainable practices, ensuring that our ingredients are not only beneficial for pets but also for the environment. No animal is slaughtered because of a order we place and we ensure that we vitis farms, processing facilities where possible to understand the processes involved with our ingredients. We will only ever purchase ingredients from approved sites that achive the highest of standards.

Over the years, we have seen countless owners thrive after seeing their pets benefit from our raw dog food lifestyle, experiencing improved health, vitality, and happiness becomes infectious changing your lives as well as your pet's. Our commitment to these values has earned us the trust of pet owners and the respect of the industry. Something that we are very proud of as a family business that was founded many years ago in the family kitchen.

Explore our extensive range of raw dog food products, designed to cater to the specific nutritional needs of your pets, and join us in continuing a legacy of excellence and care.

For more information and to see our products, visit Nurturing by Nature.

References

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• Brown, W. Y., & Vanselow, B. A. (2009). Evaluation of the impact of a commercial raw meat diet on canine health. Journal of Animal Science, 87(11), 3773-3782.


• Schlesinger, D. P., & Joffe, D. J. (2011). Raw food diets in companion animals: A critical review. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 52(1), 50-54.


• Freeman, L. M., & Chandler, M. L. (2015). Veterinary nutrition research: What do we know and where do we want to go? Veterinary Journal, 206(2), 121-128.


• McKenzie, B. A. (2010). Feeding dogs: Dry or raw? Veterinary Practice, 42(3), 14-16.


• Schultze, A. (2008). The BARF diet: Benefits and risks. Journal of Veterinary Science, 9(4), 369-375.


• Zoran, D. L. (2002). The carnivore connection to nutrition in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 221(11), 1559-1567.