If you are considering a switching to raw dog food you’re not alone. More and more dog owners favour of raw diets that more closely resemble what dogs would naturally eat in the wild. Backed by a mounting body of research, raw feeding offers a range of benefits, from firmer stools to improved gut health, better weight management, and a shinier coat.

Here are top 10 key benefits of a raw diet:

1. Healthy Weight Management

Vets estimate 46% of dogs are overweight or obese – according to a recent 2023 survey from PDSA. Many vets attribute this to ultra-processed diets high in refined carbohydrates, which spike blood sugar and encourage fat storage. A raw diet is naturally high in protein and healthy fats but low in unnecessary carbohydrates, helping dogs maintain lean muscle mass and a healthy metabolism. 

2. Better Digestive Health

Raw food is easier to digest than processed alternatives, allowing dogs to absorb nutrients more effectively. A study from the University of Helsinki found that puppies fed raw food were less likely to develop gut-related issues later in life. Meanwhile, puppies raised on kibble were up to 85% more likely to develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as adults.

3. Firmer Stools & Improved Gut Health

One of the first noticeable changes when switching to raw is firmer, more compact stools. A study in the Journal of Small Animal Practice confirms that dogs absorb more nutrients from raw ingredients, leading to smaller, easier-to-pick-up poos. The natural fibre from ingredients like spinach, apples, and offal supports a healthy gut microbiome, reducing inflammation and preventing common issues like blocked anal glands.

Research by the University of Helsinki found that puppies and adolescent dogs fed raw food were less likely to have gut health problems later in life.  Another study found that puppies fed kibble were 61-85% more likely to develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as adults – compared to puppies fed raw. Researchers think this might be because raw feeding teaches a dog’s young immune system to form a healthy microbiome.

4. A Stronger Immune System

A well-supported immune system is key to a long and healthy life. Raw diets provide amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins from real food sources, helping to strengthen your dog’s natural defences. The vegetables and fruits in raw meals are packed with immune-boosting nutrients, supporting overall well-being.

5. Fresher Breath, Healthier Teeth & Gums

Many dog owners report fresher breath and cleaner teeth after switching to raw, according to many published studies. Unlike kibble, which contains sugars that contribute to plaque and gum disease, raw food is lower in carbohydrates, reducing tartar buildup. Chewing raw bones naturally removes plaque, strengthens gums, and lowers the risk of dental issues like gum disease and tooth loss. Herbs like mint are often included to help freshen breath.

6. A Shiny Coat & Healthy Skin

Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 in raw meat and fish nourish your dog’s skin and coat, reducing excessive shedding and common skin conditions. Research suggests that a raw diet helps develop a strong immune system, making dogs less susceptible to environmental allergies.

7. Reduced Allergies

Raw food may lower the risk of environmental allergies such as canine atopic dermatitis, a condition triggered by allergens like dust mites and pollen. A study from the University of Helsinki found that puppies raised on kibble were 182% more likely to develop environmental allergies compared to those fed raw.

8. Balanced Energy Levels

Raw food provides high-quality proteins that support steady energy throughout the day. Chicken, beef, and lamb are packed with B vitamins, which help convert food into energy, while turkey and salmon contain tryptophan, aiding relaxation and better sleep. Unlike kibble, which is high in processed carbohydrates that cause sugar spikes and crashes, a raw diet supports sustained energy and a calmer temperament.

9. Healthy Joints

Raw diets naturally contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and calcium from raw meat, bones, and connective tissues - essential for maintaining joint health as dogs age. Many owners report improved mobility after switching to raw.

10. A Longer, Healthier Life

A large veterinary review found that raw-fed dogs have higher levels of antioxidants, which help combat cellular damage and support longevity. Since heat processing can destroy these essential nutrients, feeding raw ensures your dog gets the full benefit. In addition to this large review, research published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that dogs fed a meat and plant diet have higher levels of antioxidants than dogs given a meat-only diet.

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what a raw specialist vet, Dr Charlotte Gray MA VetMB (cantab) MRCVS, has to say:

"I still recommend Poppy’s Picnic above all other raw food because I truly trust not only the quality of ingredients but also the commitment to maintaining true nutrient balance"

Ready to Make the Switch?

Download our RAWPLICITY GUIDE to get all the info you need on switching to raw. 

SOURCES

pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/pdsa-animal-wellbeing-report/paw-report-2023/dogs

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6849757/

journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225675

frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.552350/full

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6849757/#jsap13000-bib-0075

journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225675

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6515799/#

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9291198/