The Natural Diet of Dogs and Cats

Before commercial pet food became mainstream which, by the way, is a fairly recent invention dating back to just the 20th century feeding animals was a far more intuitive process. People didn’t need a degree in animal nutrition. They simply fed their pets real food. Dogs and cats were often working animals. Dogs herded sheep, protected homes, or helped with the hunt. Cats kept barns and granaries free of rodents. Their value was practical, and their diets reflected the same utilitarian simplicity.

Butchers’ scraps, kitchen leftovers, raw bones, and offal these weren’t considered “premium” diets, but they were incredibly nutritious. They resembled the food that animals had evolved to eat. There were no ultra-processed kibbles or vacuum-sealed cans. There was just food fresh, real, and rich in nutrients and the results? Pets were robust. They lived long, active lives with strong bones, shiny coats, and bright eyes. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and cancer which are disturbingly common in today’s pets were rare.

The shift to processed pet food came with the rise of convenience and industrialisation. What started as a way to repurpose slaughterhouse by-products and surplus grain soon became a billion-pound industry. Marketing convinced us that these “complete” foods were scientifically formulated and superior to anything we could provide at home but here’s the truth: kibble is a convenience product, not a biologically appropriate diet. It’s cooked at high temperatures, which destroys many of the vital nutrients, enzymes, and amino acids that your pet needs to thrive. What’s added back in are synthetic versions a pale imitation of the real thing. This shift away from natural, raw food has coincided with a surge in chronic diseases among our pets. Today, we see more itchy skin, ear infections, digestive issues, and degenerative illnesses than ever before. While genetics and environment play a role, diet is at the very core of our pets’ health or lack of it.

A Return to Raw, Backed by Biology and Common Sense

Raw feeding isn’t a fad it’s a return to the evolutionary roots of our animals. When we feed raw meat, bones, and organs, we’re aligning with their biology, not fighting against it. We’re supporting the digestive system they were born with, instead of asking it to handle heavily processed, carbohydrate-rich foods it was never designed to manage.

At Nurturing by Nature, we believe that the best approach to pet nutrition is a biologically appropriate one and for carnivores, that means raw.

We advocate for Dogs & Cats; 

• Feeding as much variety as possible: Meats, bones, and organs to mimic what your pet would eat in the wild, even treats with hair on too.


• Fresh, unprocessed ingredients: avoiding fillers, grains, and preservatives that have no place in a natural carnivore’s diet.


• Invest time in your pet: every pet is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. We work with owners to develop a feeding plan that suits the individual animal.

It’s Not Just About Food It’s About Health, Vitality, and Connection

Feeding raw is about more than just what goes into the bowl. It’s about reconnecting with the natural rhythms of life. It’s about watching your dog gnaw a bone with satisfaction or your cat relish a piece of heart or liver. It’s about stronger immune systems, improved energy levels, healthier coats, and better behaviour. Most of all, it’s about respect for the animal, for nature, and for the bond we share. Our pets are not mini-humans. They are extraordinary creatures with needs shaped by millennia of evolution. When we honour those needs, we don’t just extend their lives we enrich them.

Raw feeding can feel intimidating at first. You might have questions about balance, safety, cost, or convenience. That’s perfectly normal and that’s why we’re here.

At Nurturing by Nature, we’ve spent decades guiding owners through the transition to raw. From meal planning to product selection, we offer everything you need to feed with confidence and love. Whether you're just starting out or fine-tuning an existing plan, we’ll walk the journey with you. After all, nature already knows what your pet needs. We’re just here to help you remember.

Explore our resources, visit our shop, or come and chat with our team at www.nurturingbynature.co.uk. Let’s bring your pet’s diet back in harmony with their biology and their joy.

Call us on 01202 625728 or visit on of our stores; 

Raw Pet Food Christchurch 

Raw Pet Food Poole 

Raw Pet Food Wimborne 

Raw Pet Food Westmoors