Curious if Raw Dog Food Delivers Real Health Benefits?
Explore the science-backed outcomes behind raw feeding—from energy to coat quality to immunity
Let’s Talk About Raw from a Nutritional Perspective
For veterinary professionals and pet nutritionists in Ottawa, the raw dog food conversation has shifted—from skepticism to inquiry. What used to be a niche lifestyle trend is now a topic your clients, patients, and even colleagues are actively exploring.
At Raw Fed and Furry, we understand that you’re not here for hype—you’re here for answers. This guide outlines the researched, real-world benefits of raw feeding, explains how we mitigate risks, and shares how we formulate our meals to align with the expectations of the veterinary community.
Whether you're considering raw for specific patients or seeking to deepen your knowledge for client conversations, you’ll find what you need here.
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What Makes Raw Different—and Why It’s Worth Discussing
Raw feeding is based on the idea that dogs thrive on food that resembles their evolutionary diet—uncooked muscle meat, bone, organ meats, and limited produce. The goal is species-appropriate nutrition using clean, minimally processed ingredients.
What sets it apart from kibble:
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Fewer synthetic additives
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No high-heat processing that destroys enzymes
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Less filler and carbohydrate bulk
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Greater ingredient transparency
We’re not here to convert—we’re here to provide facts, options, and evidence that allow professionals like you to make informed choices for your clients and their dogs.
The Measurable Benefits of a Raw Dog Food Diet
Let’s get specific. Here are the benefits most frequently observed and supported in veterinary and owner-reported studies:
1. Improved Digestive Health
Raw-fed dogs often show firmer stools, reduced volume, and less gas. This is likely due to higher protein digestibility and fewer unnecessary binders or starches.
2. Enhanced Skin and Coat Quality
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and natural fats, raw diets support visibly shinier coats, reduced shedding, and less itching—key concerns in dermatological cases.
3. Immune Function Support
By avoiding ultra-processed ingredients and including organ meats rich in vitamins A, D, and E, raw diets may bolster the body’s natural defenses and inflammatory responses.
4. Dental Health Maintenance
While controversial, many raw feeders report less plaque buildup and tartar when feeding raw meaty bones, which also support mental stimulation.
5. Better Energy and Weight Control
Lean proteins and low carbohydrate content help maintain optimal weight and balanced energy, especially in active or senior dogs.
We Balance More Than Just the Diet
One of the major hesitations among veterinary professionals is the risk of nutrient imbalance. At Raw Fed and Furry, our raw formulas are developed to meet the nutritional standards expected in a complete canine diet.
Every raw meal includes:
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Muscle meat for protein and amino acids
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Organ meats for micronutrients like iron and B12
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Ground bone or calcium supplements for skeletal health
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Balanced fats from species-appropriate sources
We don’t leave balance to guesswork. We test formulations and provide clear feeding guidance to ensure each meal supports health outcomes in line with professional standards.
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How We Mitigate Food Safety Risks
Let’s address the elephant in the room: foodborne illness.
Yes, raw meat can carry bacteria—and yes, we take that seriously. Here's how we address safety:
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Flash-frozen immediately post-processing to lock in nutrients and reduce pathogen risk
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Sourced from human-grade, federally inspected Canadian suppliers
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Processed in sanitary, HACCP-aligned facilities
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Delivered frozen with safe handling instructions for home and clinic use
We also advise separating raw feeding tools and storing food below 4°C to prevent cross-contamination.
Our clients—including vet-referred patients—report strong outcomes with no adverse bacterial incidents when following these protocols.
From Skepticism to Clarity: Supporting Veterinary Conversations
We know that not all vets are raw-friendly—and that’s okay. We support a collaborative, evidence-based approach, not opposition.
How we help you feel confident:
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Ingredient transparency and sourcing documentation
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AAFCO-aligned formulations on all balanced raw meals
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Educational materials to guide clients through transition plans and food hygiene
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Consultation-ready product data sheets for clinic teams
Whether you’re fully on board or simply raw-curious, we’re here to support honest dialogue grounded in pet wellness, not marketing claims.
Who We Serve in the Veterinary Nutrition Space
We’re based in Orleans, and we proudly partner with professionals across Ottawa and surrounding areas including:
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Veterinary clinics and specialty centers
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Holistic practitioners and integrative medicine vets
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Pet nutrition consultants and rehab therapists
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Wellness clinics and dermatology-focused teams
If you're interested in offering client recommendations, referrals, or in-clinic feeding trials, let’s connect.
Let’s Feed Smarter—Together
Our mission isn’t to replace clinical diets—it’s to offer a raw option that’s traceable, transparent, and trustworthy. Whether you want to refer clients to us or explore feeding trials for complex cases, we’re ready to partner with your clinic.