As pet owners, we’re always seeking the best for our furry companions, and for many, this journey has led them to explore the world of raw feeding. This approach, which mimics a dog’s ancestral diet, has gained significant traction, with many owners reporting remarkable transformations in their pets’ health and well-being. This article delves into the experiences of several pet parents who have made the switch to raw diets, exploring how they discovered this feeding method, their motivations for changing, why they chose specific brands like Big Dog Pet Foods, and the noticeable improvements they’ve observed. We’ll also touch upon the ease of incorporating raw food into their routines and their favorite aspects of this dietary shift.
Discovering Raw Feeding
The path to raw feeding often begins with a quest for solutions to common pet health issues. Caesar, a Rottweiler, was experiencing allergies, prompting his owner to seek advice on an online forum. The overwhelming response? Switch to raw. Similarly, Macie’s owner researched various foods to encourage her puppy’s appetite, finding that typical dog foods weren’t cutting it. For Fi, persistent stomach issues and constant vet visits inspired a change when conventional recommendations failed to provide relief.
Even those with a background in raw feeding, like Bodhi’s owner, found themselves drawn back to it after seeing articles on social media that reinforced the natural diet concept. Cali’s transition from puppy food led her owners to discover Big Dog products at a pet store, which, combined with online research and an appreciation for Australian-owned brands, made the decision clear. Rascal’s owner, inspired by friends in the Instagram dog community who were already raw feeding, was keen to explore if it was a viable option for her dog too.
The Motivation Behind the Switch
The decision to transition to a raw diet is often driven by a desire to improve a pet’s overall health and address specific concerns. For Kaos and Mayhem, Kaos’s pickiness was a major factor. With nothing to lose, their owner tried Big Dog Pet Foods, and Kaos’s immediate enthusiasm for the food marked the beginning of their raw feeding journey. Phoenix’s owner initially wanted to spoil her dog, but further research revealed significant health benefits associated with raw diets.
Maverick and Watson’s owner has exclusively raw-fed her pets since they were young, believing it to be their biologically appropriate diet. She cites numerous benefits, including shiny coats, clean teeth, enthusiastic eating, maintaining a healthy weight, and producing smaller stools. Oakley’s owner struggled for months with digestive issues, trying various diets without success until discovering raw feeding and the Big Dog brand. Fi’s owner wanted her dog to live her best life, especially after discovering Fi came from a puppy farm where she was constantly used for breeding. She felt a deep obligation to provide the best for Fi’s health and happiness. Marshall’s owner noticed his weight gain and, having heard about the benefits of raw feeding, decided to make the switch.
Why Big Dog Pet Foods?
Several factors draw pet owners to specific raw food brands, with Big Dog Pet Foods being a popular choice. Arri and Kirra’s owners opted for Big Dog when the puppies were young, finding it more convenient than preparing their own raw meals, especially with the changing nutritional ratios required for growing pups. They appreciated the brand’s transparency in ingredient lists, assuring them of no hidden additives.
Kaos and Mayhem’s owner found Big Dog Pet Foods’ website informative, detailing everything needed to understand raw feeding. The convenience of a complete meal in a single patty, eliminating the need for additional meats and supplements, was a significant advantage. Yogi’s owner chose Big Dog for its high-quality ingredients, diverse flavor options, and overall convenience. Cali’s owner was influenced by word-of-mouth recommendations, extensive research, and the fact that Big Dog is an Australian-owned and made product. The brand’s commitment to producing food in a human-grade facility further solidified their choice, indicating the company’s dedication to quality. Maverick and Watson’s owners also favored Big Dog for being an Australian company with high-quality ingredients, simplifying the raw feeding process by eliminating the need to source individual components. Macie’s owner found Big Dog Pet Foods practical, removing the stress of balancing a raw diet and offering incredible convenience.
Noteworthy Changes After Switching to Raw
The positive impacts of raw feeding are frequently highlighted by pet owners. Howard and Ned’s owner observed that Howard lost weight and now eagerly eats his food, unlike before when it would sit untouched. Ned’s stools became firmer and significantly less odorous. Bodhi’s energy levels visibly improved, his coat became consistently shiny, leading people to comment on his appearance even when he hadn’t been recently groomed. His owner also noted that raw food sustained him longer than dry kibble.
Yogi’s skin and coat health improved dramatically, his energy levels increased, and he even lost weight. Oakley, after a short time on Big Dog, experienced a significant boost in energy and stamina, along with improvements in skin and coat, and a reduction in bad breath. Phoenix’s owner noted the most significant change in how his body digests and absorbs food, leading to more consistent energy, fewer and smaller stools, and a shinier coat. Rascal thrives on his raw diet, with increased energy, a softer and shinier coat, cleaner teeth, and overall improved well-being.
Favorite Aspects of Raw Feeding
Beyond the health transformations, pet owners appreciate various aspects of the raw diet. Caesar’s owner finds that she doesn’t need to wash him as often, as the coat’s natural “dirty” smell has disappeared, leaving it smooth, soft, and shiny. Howard and Ned’s owner values the convenience of the single-serving sachets, the fact that food isn’t left out all day, and the confidence that her dogs are receiving optimal nutrition and feeling their best. Marshall’s owner appreciates the lack of messy stools, the easy way the food is portioned for meals, and the convenient freezer storage that doesn’t take up much space.
Kaos and Mayhem’s owner loves the ease of use, storing patties in the freezer and thawing them as needed. However, her favorite aspect is the reduction in stool volume and odor, making backyard clean-up much more manageable. Macie’s owner summarizes her favorite aspects as less stress, fewer poops, less shedding, and, most importantly, a happy and healthy puppy. For Arri and Kirra, the health benefits are paramount, closely followed by the convenience of small, non-stinky poops.
