At Bruce’s, we’re always on the lookout for ways to stay informed on the best ways to take care and improve the lives of our furry friends.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with the experts at Bella+Duke for a special Q & A session about all things raw feeding. We gathered the top questions from our dogs, team, and Instagram followers on all things raw —from nutrition tips to lifestyle advice.
Over to you, Jude McCoy BCCSDip.HthNut , Canine Nutrition Advisor!
Q: “Is it really that much better than dry food, if so how?” – @r1abanerjee
A: We believe that a complete and balanced raw diet is the optimum nutrition choice for your pet. Made from all natural ingredients and minimally processed, raw pet food gives your pet all the nutrients they need in their most natural form which makes them more “bioavailable” i.e. the body can absorb and use them much more effectively than those found in dry, processed food.
We all know that eating ultra-processed food regularly isn’t good for our own health and it’s the same for our pets. Raw food is packed full of nutrition and contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives and isn’t cooked at high temperatures that deplete nutritional value.
And the results speak for themselves: raw food digests so well that your pup’s poops are often smaller, firmer, and way less smelly. Plus, the high moisture content in raw is great for keeping your dog hydrated. And let’s not forget the natural enzymes—these are digestion helpers that can get lost in processing, but in raw food, they stay right where they’re needed!
Q: Will raw food help my dog’s behaviour?
A: Many raw feeders report that their dogs are calmer, more relaxed and more focused with a raw diet, likely due to avoiding the energy spikes from carbohydrates found in dry foods. Check out the Bella + Duke Facebook group (Bella+Duke Raw Dog & Cat food) where you can hear from real pet parents about the impact feeding raw has had on their pet.
If your dog has serious behaviour issues, though, we would recommend you contact a qualified behaviourist to help.
Q: “Is it the best for a dog?” – @Rebekanovella
A: We believe that raw pet food is the best option for most dogs! Over thousands of years, dogs evolved eating fresh, whole foods, and that’s what their bodies are built to thrive on. We all know that eating ultra-processed food regularly isn’t good for our own health and it’s the same for our pets.
Raw food is packed full of nutrition and contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives and isn’t cooked at high temperatures that deplete nutritional value. Giving your dog a complete, nutritionally balanced raw diet provides optimum nutrition to support their health and happiness.
Q: Should I speak to my vet before making the switch?
A: For most pets, switching to raw is straightforward, so you don’t have to chat with your vet before switching. It’s a good idea to let them know next time you see them, as you would with any changes to your pet’s lifestyle. If your dog has any underlying health conditions, we recommend speaking to your vet before changing their food- both to ensure that the chosen diet is suitable and that the switch is done safely.
Some vets may not be able to advise you on raw feeding but organisations like the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society are on hand to support you and your vet if you need more information.
Q: “Is raw feeding good/right for all breeds?” – @Tamsingraveson
A: Whether you have a majestic husky or a tiny little Chihuahua, all dogs share a similar biological make up and digestive system. Breed doesn’t change what’s happening in that belly, so yes, raw food is suitable for all shapes and sizes.
Q: What about pathogens and bacteria?
A: Again , choosing a reputable pre-made raw food company is important here. RawSAFE and UK Petfood accredited raw food companies like Bella+Duke, follow strict safety standards. Ingredients are frozen at source and meals are tested for harmful bacteria before dispatch.
Of course, when it comes to serving raw meat, you should follow the same raw food safety principles as you would when handling any raw meat (e.g. before cooking it for yourself) – wash hands and utensils, wipe surfaces, and keep kids away from the dog’s bowl to be extra safe. In saying that, given that even processed pet food can contain harmful bacteria, these precautions should be taken no matter which pet food you feed.
Q: “Does raw have high acid content?” – @panko.bread_bum
A: No, the food itself isn’t high in acid content. Dogs naturally have strong stomach acid to help them break down whatever they eat—raw or otherwise. So, rest assured, their stomachs are already equipped for the job of digesting a raw diet.
Q: Will it have a positive impact on my pooch’s poos?
A: Improvements in their pet’s poo is often the first thing pet owners notice when they transition to raw food. Because raw food is easy for pets to digest and they can absorb more of the nutrients from the ingredients in their raw form, there’s less “waste” to come out the other end… as a result poos tend to be much firmer, smaller and less smelly!
Q: Is there a transition period between non-raw and raw feeding?
A: Most pets handle a straight swap to raw perfectly—kibble or wet food one night, then switching to raw for breakfast! If you have a fussy pet or would prefer to take things slow, you can go gradual by mixing a little raw with their old food and increasing the raw portion over a few days.
Q: “Is raw feeding more of a faff?” – @tebblett
A: If you choose to make raw food yourself from scratch, it can be a bit more work than feeding other diets as you need to ensure that the diet is nutritionally balanced. It’s for this reason we would always recommend choosing a reliable commercial pre-made raw pet food like Bella+Duke. Choosing a raw pet food like this ensures that the meals are safe and nutritionally complete and also makes raw feeding as simple as dry or wet foods – simply defrost, open the tub and scoop out the required amount of food into your pet’s bowl.
Q: Can I do a combination of raw and dry?
A: Absolutely! You can feed both raw and dry in the same meal, or one for breakfast and the other for dinner. It’s a popular choice for people who want the benefits of raw but like to use some dry food, too.
Q: “Where do you start with raw feeding?!” @nat_roche
A: Getting started with raw feeding couldn’t be simpler thanks to companies like Bella+Duke. By choosing a reputable pre-made raw food you can be reassured that your pet is getting all the nutrients they need. Companies like Bella+Duke will ask some questions about your pet and their lifestyle and give a recommended feeding amount. Once you’ve chosen your food, defrost a tub in the fridge, spoon into your pet’s bowl and let them enjoy. Most pets can switch straight to raw—feed them a last meal of their current food at night, and serve raw for breakfast! Or, for fussier pups and kittens, a gradual transition can work well by mixing a small amount of raw in with the current food, and then slowly increasing the amount of raw and decreasing the amount of their other food over the course of a few days.
Q: Will raw food help with my dog’s allergies?
A: It might! For dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, raw food can be a game-changer, especially if they’re reacting to grains or additives in dry food. Raw food is full of natural ingredients which are clearly labelled so it can make it easier for those looking to eliminate known allergens. Some companies , like Bella+Duke have a single protein range which can support a short-term elimination diet if required. Just remember, raw won’t help with environmental or seasonal allergies.
Q: How do I store it?
A: In general , raw food needs to be stored in the freezer and then it can be defrosted for use. When ready to use, move a tub to the fridge to defrost. Once thawed, food from Bella+Duke will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Discover more about Bella + Duke’s nutritionally balanced raw meals and how they can help you to care for your pet from the inside out here.
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