I should know better. As someone who is passionate about what we put in our bodies, and also someone that learnt that raw food is best for our dogs years ago (so my dog has pretty much known nothing else), I should never have tried to cut corners and given kibble to our dog, Molly – a gorgeous chocolate Labrador. About six months ago, we switched her to what we thought was a “good” kibble. It had some nice ingredients, including coconut oil, and it was convenient. Honestly, we were cutting corners because life gets busy.

But then, about two months ago, things started to go downhill. Molly began to smell, bad… I mean REALLY BAD! So off to the vet we went, and close to $300 later, she had her anal glands expressed and was put on antibiotics. We decided to increase her fibre intake and spray her bottom with a mix of diluted essential oils, to also help support her. This worked for a week or so, but then the smell returned. Another trip to the vet… another few hundred dollars spent, another script for antibiotics (which I had a feeling wouldn’t help!) and still no lasting improvement. I had a gut feeling that the antibiotics were just a quick fix and not addressing the root cause, but I followed the professional advice anyway and hoped for the best.

Sure enough, she still stank and was basically leaking poo. It was gross and getting worse. After some Googling, I discovered that allergies could be contributing to the problem and she has always suffered with allergies with dry red itchy skin and yeast ear infections.  So, we decided to go back to a raw food diet – the same diet we used to feed her before, and cut out poultry. It took just three days, and she was back to her normal self! THREE DAYS!!! I seriously should have known better.

I shared this on our Instagram and it blew up with questions, so here’s all the info on what we feed her – and a gorgeous pic of her…

What do we feed her?

Meat – She can’t have poultry due to allergies, but an interesting fact is a lot of dogs have allergies to poultry.  We use beef, kangaroo, lamb and alternate them to keep up good fats.  Or we’ll mix some together.  Kangaroo is quite lean and dry for example while lamb is generally quite fatty, so sticking to the same protein isn’t great.

Vegetables – We tend to bake up a heap of pumpkin and give her one chunk with her meat because it’s high in fibre and then we mix a bag of frozen veg in with her meat.  No corn though because she doesn’t digest it, it just comes out whole.  So it’s normally peas, beans, carrot etc.  I’ll use up broccoli, and cauliflower if I’ve got it.  Remember she’s a lab, she eats anything!

Offal –  We ask the butcher what he has on hand so alternate between liver (different animals), heart, tongue, brain etc then chop it up small and mix in with her meat and veg.  Don’t go hard on this because it can cause upset stomachs so this makes up just a small amount of her meal.

The Downside of Kibble

Many commercial kibbles, even those marketed as high-quality, contain fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can wreak havoc on a dog’s health. These additives can lead to various health issues, including allergies, digestive problems, and even behavioural changes.  It’d be the human equivalent to eating packet meals for every single meal.

Dogs’ bodies deteriorate with poor nutrition (just like humans) with illnesses including cancer, tumours, arthritis etc.

The Benefits of a Raw Food Diet

  1. Improved Digestion: Raw diets are closer to what dogs would eat in the wild, making them easier to digest. This can lead to firmer stools and less frequent gastrointestinal issues.
  2. Better Skin and Coat: Many dogs on kibble suffer from dry, itchy skin. A raw diet, rich in essential fatty acids, can improve the condition of their skin and coat.
  3. Increased Energy Levels: Dogs on raw diets often exhibit higher energy levels and improved overall vitality.
  4. Reduced Allergies: Many commercial dog foods contain common allergens such as wheat, corn, and soy. A raw diet allows you to control exactly what your dog eats, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions.
  5. Weight Management: Raw diets can help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related health issues.

Scientific Support for Raw Feeding

Studies have shown that dogs fed a raw diet have a more balanced gut microbiome compared to those fed kibble. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for a robust immune system and overall health. Additionally, a study published in BMC Veterinary Research found that dogs on a raw diet had more balanced levels of gut bacteria compared to those on commercial diets.

Source > here.

Our Dog’s Raw Food Recipe

This can change around a little depending on what I have on hand, but here’s a general recipe.

2kg meat
300g offal
1kg mixed vegetables
1/2 pumpkin, cooked

Mix together and Google serving sizes for your breed.
My research suggests 2-3% of their body weight in raw food a day.  This can vary depending on their level of activity.

Podcast Episodes

We have recorded a few podcast episodes regarding our canine friends and how best to support their own additive-free lifestyle.  You may want to give them a listen.

Podcast 6 – Dog Food and Natural Skin Care with Adele McConnell
Podcast 118 – Ruth Hatten on Animal Nutrition
Podcast 216 – Canine Aromatherapy with Lisa Reece 

Conclusion

Feeding our pets well is as important as feeding ourselves well. The quality of their diet directly impacts their health, energy levels, and overall well-being. If you’re dealing with unexplained health issues in your dog, consider looking at their diet. A return to natural, whole foods could make all the difference.

This experience was a reminder that convenience should never trump health, whether for us or our furry friends. We’re sticking with raw food from now on, and the difference it has made is undeniable.

Much love,
Jo x