Aside from the general benefits that owners report when feeding their dog on raw which we have talked about here, such as fresher breath, a shinier, healthier coat and better digestion, while almost all dogs could thrive on a raw diet, there are some dogs that could particularly benefit from eating a raw diet, with especially positive reports from owners on the noticeable impact it has on their dog's health, which are:

Food allergy prone dogs

Whether digestive or skin related, many owners make the switch to raw because of the difference they notice it can make to their dog with allergies or sensitivities. One possible reason for this is that omega 3s can help reduce inflammation. Omega 3s are found in much higher amounts in raw food compared to commercial diets as they are destroyed during processing and, in some cases, the lack of omega 3s can cause even more inflammation, resulting in further digestive and skin issues.

Raw foods generally have a smaller, easier to read list of ingredients compared to commercial diets, so it’s easy to pick out any ingredients that your dog may react to, and you know exactly what they’re getting in their diet!

Another reason that raw can work for allergy-prone dogs is that it is easier for your dog to digest and naturally contains enzymes (which are again destroyed during the processing of commercial diets) which help to further break down food, giving their digestive system a smaller workload.

There is also the added bonus of producing smaller, firmer poos that are easier to pick up!

Overweight dogs

Feeding a raw diet can help to return dogs to an ideal weight as it cuts out unnecessary fillers such as sugars and grains. The naturally high protein content in raw food supports healthy muscle, which can in turn help to burn extra calories, while helping them to feel satisfied for longer!

Please note, however, that when first switching from a commercial diet to raw, some owners notice a temporary increase in hunger as their body adjusts from higher levels of carbohydrates as their main energy source to protein.

A quick note; before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet, we recommend speaking to your vet, especially if your dog has an existing medical condition which could mean a raw diet might not be the best choice for their individual needs.

If you are apprehensive about giving raw a try, we have also written a blog on common myths surrounding raw feeding that might help!

We’d love to hear about your experiences with raw feeding, feel free to leave a comment below!

Written by: Jessica