When we talk about raw feeding, we often think about meat, bone and offal. But the health of the soil where vegetables, herbs and even animal feed crops grow is just as important.
At Poppy’s Picnic, we care deeply about the quality of every ingredient in our RAW POWER, MIGHTY MINCE and POWER BALLS. And that starts with the soil.
Here’s why healthy soil matters — especially in summer — and how it helps keep your dog healthy too.
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Why does soil health matter for dogs
Healthy soil grows healthier plants. That means more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in the vegetables and herbs that go into your dog’s food.
Soil that is rich in organic matter and teeming with beneficial microbes produces crops with:
- Higher nutrient density
- Better antioxidant content
- More balanced mineral profiles
- Greater resilience to pests and disease (reducing the need for chemical sprays)
When animals graze or are fed crops grown in healthy soil, they too benefit — which passes on to the meat used in raw food.
How summer affects soil
Summer brings challenges for soil health:
- Hotter temperatures can dry out topsoil
- Heavy downpours can cause erosion
- Reduced organic matter and microbial life if soil is overworked
This time of year, it’s crucial that farmers and growers manage soil with care — through cover cropping, reduced tillage and composting.
Why we care about soil in our recipes
At Poppy’s Picnic, we work with trusted British suppliers who share our values:
- Our vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots, herbs) are sourced with attention to soil-friendly growing practices
- Animals for our meats are grass-fed or reared on farms that look after soil health
We believe that nutrient-rich soil produces more nourishing food — and that means better outcomes for your dog’s health.
Expert opinions
Dr. Patrick Holden, founder of the Sustainable Food Trust, writes:
"Soil is the foundation of health — for plants, animals, people and the planet. Without it, nutrient density in food declines."
A 2022 study in Frontiers in Nutrition found:
"Regenerative soil practices result in crops with significantly higher levels of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals."
What this means for your dog
When you feed your dog RAW POWER, MIGHTY MINCE or POWER BALLS, you’re not just giving them a balanced raw meal — you’re giving them the benefit of nutrient-rich ingredients, grown with respect for soil and the natural world.
Better soil. Better food. Healthier dogs.
That’s what we believe in — and it’s why we pay attention to the little things that make a big difference.
Explore our full range here:
Happy, healthy feeding — from the ground up!
