The Raw Gold Blog
Expert advice, success stories, and the latest research on raw feeding for South African dogs.
Featured Article
The Importance of Gut Health
When it comes to your dog’s wellbeing, gut health is one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of overall health. A balanced digestive system doesn’t just help process food—it plays a vital role in immune function, energy levels, skin and coat condition, and even mood. Just like in humans, the gut is often referred to as the “second brain” in dogs, and when it’s out of balance, the effects can be far-reaching.
Recent Articles
Why Some Dogs Struggle with Weight Gain (or Loss) & How to Fix It
Just like people, dogs can face challenges with maintaining a healthy weight. Some dogs seem to gain weight too easily, while others stay thin no matter how much they eat. These imbalances can be signs of underlying health or dietary issues—and the good news is that nutrition plays a vital role in correcting both.
The Importance of Gut Health
When it comes to your dog’s wellbeing, gut health is one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of overall health. A balanced digestive system doesn’t just help process food—it plays a vital role in immune function, energy levels, skin and coat condition, and even mood. Just like in humans, the gut is often referred to as the “second brain” in dogs, and when it’s out of balance, the effects can be far-reaching.
Should Your Dog Be Eating More Protein?
When it comes to your dog’s nutrition, protein is a key player. It builds muscle, supports organ function, boosts the immune system, and even contributes to healthy skin and a shiny coat. But how much protein does your dog really need? Could they benefit from more—and is it possible to go overboard?
How to Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight: Nutrition & Exercise Tips
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your dog’s overall health, longevity, and happiness. Whether your dog is a laid-back lap companion or a high-energy adventurer, finding the right balance between food and activity is key.
Why Some Dogs Develop Food Allergies – And How to Manage Them
Food allergies or sensitivities in dogs can be distressing for both pets and their owners. From itchy skin and ear infections to digestive troubles, these reactions often point to something more complex than a picky eater. Understanding why some dogs develop food allergies and how to manage them effectively is the first step towards long-term relief—and it starts with diet.
Why Is My Dog Itching? The Link Between Diet, Allergies & Skin Health
It’s not unusual for dogs to have the occasional scratch—but when itching becomes excessive, it may point to something more serious. Constant licking, chewing, or biting at the skin could be signs of underlying allergies or poor skin health, often directly related to what your dog is eating.
The Best Dog Food for Seasonal Allergies: What to Look For
As the seasons change, so do the allergy symptoms for many dogs. Just like humans, dogs can experience sneezing, itchy skin, watery eyes, and even digestive upset due to environmental allergens such as pollen, mould, or grass. While you can’t always control the allergens in the air, you can support your dog’s immune system through their diet.
How Raw Feeding Can Reduce Itching & Skin Allergies in Dogs
If your dog constantly scratches, licks, or bites at their skin, you’re not alone. Skin allergies and persistent itching are some of the most common issues faced by pet owners today. What many don’t realise is that these symptoms are often linked to what’s in the food bowl.
Supporting Sight Hound Rescue South Africa (SRSA)
Sight hounds—like Greyhounds, Whippets, and Salukis—are known for their speed, elegance, and gentle nature. Unfortunately, many of these incredible dogs end up abandoned or in need of rescue, especially after retiring from racing or hunting environments. That’s where Sight Hound Rescue South Africa (SRSA) steps in, providing a lifeline for these dogs, ensuring they find safe, loving homes.
Preventing Arthritis in Dogs: The Role of Nutrition
Arthritis is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs, especially as they age. Stiffness, reduced mobility, and joint pain can significantly impact their quality of life. While arthritis is often considered an inevitable part of aging, proper nutrition can help prevent it or slow its progression. Let’s explore how diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy joints and keeping your dog active for years to come.
How Omega-3 and Glucosamine Support Your Dog’s Joint Health
Joint health is essential for keeping your dog active, mobile, and pain-free throughout their life. Whether you have a playful puppy, an energetic working dog, or a senior companion, their joints endure daily wear and tear. Two key nutrients—Omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine—play a crucial role in protecting and maintaining joint health. Let’s dive into why they matter and how they can benefit your dog.
5 Early Signs of Joint Problems in Dogs & How to Prevent Them
Joint problems can creep up on dogs, often going unnoticed until stiffness or pain starts affecting their daily activities. Catching early warning signs can make a big difference in preventing long-term damage. By addressing joint health proactively—especially through proper nutrition—you can keep your dog active and comfortable for years to come.
Why Active Dogs Need Different Nutrition: The Role of High-Protein Diets
Active dogs, whether they’re working dogs, agility champions, or simply high-energy companions, have unique nutritional needs. Their bodies require more fuel, faster muscle recovery, and stronger bones compared to less active pets. One of the most crucial components of their diet? Protein. A high-protein diet plays a vital role in maintaining their strength, endurance, and overall health. Let’s explore why active dogs need different nutrition and how premium raw foods like Raw Gold can help meet their needs.
The Ultimate Guide to Strengthening Your Dog’s Immune System with a Raw Diet
As pet owners, one of our top priorities is ensuring our dogs are healthy and happy. A well-balanced diet is crucial for their overall well-being, and one of the most effective ways to support your dog’s immune system is through raw feeding. By providing your dog with natural, nutrient-dense foods, you can help boost their immune system and keep them strong and resilient. Here’s how a raw diet can help strengthen your dog’s immune system and the key benefits of feeding them high-quality, natural ingredients like those in Raw Gold products.
The Role of Omega-3s in Supporting Active Dogs’ Joint Health
Active dogs—whether they’re running, hiking, working, or competing—put significant strain on their joints. Over time, wear and tear can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and even long-term joint problems. One of the best ways to keep your dog’s joints strong and flexible is by incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids into their diet. These essential fats have powerful anti-inflammatory and joint-supporting benefits, helping your dog stay agile and pain-free.
How Raw Feeding Fuels Your Active Dog’s Energy and Endurance
If your dog is always on the go—whether running, hiking, competing, or working—nutrition plays a vital role in keeping them strong, energetic, and resilient. Processed kibble often falls short in providing the high-quality fuel active dogs need, which is why many owners turn to raw feeding. A raw diet offers optimal protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients that help dogs maintain stamina, recover faster, and build lean muscle. Let’s dive into how raw feeding supports your active dog’s energy and endurance.
Tips for Fresh Breath in Dogs
Fresh breath in dogs isn’t just a pleasant surprise—it’s a sign of good health. Bad breath, often caused by poor oral hygiene, diet, or underlying health issues, can be managed and improved with the right approach. Here are some effective tips to help keep your dog’s breath fresh naturally.
Signs of Dental Problems in Dogs
Good dental health is essential for your dog’s overall well-being, yet many pet owners overlook the warning signs of oral issues. Dental problems can cause discomfort and may lead to serious health concerns if left untreated. Here’s how to recognise the key signs of dental trouble in dogs and what you can do about them.
Preventing Gum Disease with Raw Feeding
Gum disease is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs, and it often starts with poor diet and inadequate dental care. Switching to a raw diet can play a significant role in maintaining your dog’s oral health and preventing gum disease naturally. Here’s how raw feeding benefits your dog’s teeth and gums while supporting overall well-being.
Natural Dental Care with Bone Treats
Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy is essential for their overall well-being. While dental chews and brushing are common solutions, raw bone treats offer a natural and highly effective way to support your dog’s oral hygiene. Let’s explore how bone treats can help maintain your dog’s dental health and why they’re an excellent choice for your furry friend.
Why Raw Feeding Should Be Your Dog’s 2025 Resolution
As the new year approaches, many of us are setting resolutions to prioritise health, well-being, and a better quality of life. But what about your dog? The start of 2025 is the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate your pet’s diet and make changes that can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life. If you’re looking for a resolution that truly makes a difference, switching to a raw diet should be at the top of your list.
5 Raw Feeding Myths Debunked
Raw feeding has gained traction among pet owners as a natural and health-conscious alternative to processed kibble. Yet, despite its growing popularity, myths about raw diets persist. These misconceptions often deter pet owners from exploring the benefits of raw feeding for their dogs. Let’s tackle five common myths and set the record straight.
The Long-Term Health Benefits of Raw Feeding
As dog owners, we all want the best for our furry companions: a happy, healthy life with minimal health issues and maximum energy. One way to achieve this is by feeding them a raw diet, a nutrition approach that aligns closely with what dogs are naturally built to eat. While the immediate benefits of raw feeding are well-known—shinier coats, better digestion, and increased energy—the long-term advantages are often overlooked. Let’s dive into why a raw diet is an investment in your dog’s lifelong health.
How to Transition to Raw Feeding Safely
The New Year is the perfect time to embrace healthier habits for both you and your dog. For pet owners considering a raw diet, this could be the start of a transformative journey towards better health and vitality for your furry companion. However, transitioning to raw feeding requires care and planning to ensure your dog’s digestive system adapts smoothly. Here’s your step-by-step guide to safely making the switch.
Top 5 Holiday Foods Dogs Should Avoid
The holiday season is all about festive feasts and indulgence, but many of the treats we enjoy can be harmful—or even dangerous—for our furry companions. Before you sneak your dog a bite of holiday goodies under the table, take a look at these five foods to avoid and the safe, healthy alternatives that will keep tails wagging all season long.
The Dangers of Overfeeding Your Dog
The holiday season is a time for indulgence—big meals, festive treats, and plenty of snacks. While it’s tempting to extend the holiday spirit to your furry friend by slipping them scraps or an extra serving of food, overfeeding your dog can lead to serious health problems. Keeping your dog healthy during the festive season requires mindful feeding and an understanding of why overindulgence is risky.
Raw Feeding For Your Holiday Travel Plans
The holiday season is a time for road trips, family visits, and adventures, but for raw feeders, it can raise questions about maintaining your dog’s diet on the go. With a bit of planning, you can seamlessly incorporate raw feeding into your travel routine, keeping your dog healthy, happy, and thriving even during the busiest season. Here’s how.
Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners
The holidays are a magical time of year filled with festive meals, twinkling decorations, and often, some travel. While it’s a joyful season for humans, it can present unexpected dangers for our furry companions. From risky foods to hazardous decor, pet owners need to take a few extra precautions to keep their dogs safe. Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating holiday safety for pets, covering foods, decorations, and travel.
Spotting Digestive Sensitivity in Dogs: What to Do
Understanding your dog’s digestive health is key to ensuring they lead a happy, active life. Dogs can’t tell you when they’re uncomfortable, so it’s up to us to be vigilant for any tell-tale signs of digestive sensitivity. Identifying these early and making the right dietary changes can make a world of difference. Here’s what you need to look out for and how a raw diet, like Raw Gold, can help.
What Makes Raw Gold Perfect for Sensitive Dogs
When it comes to choosing the right food for sensitive dogs, finding a brand that prioritises quality and health is crucial. Raw Gold stands out in the pet food market for its commitment to providing premium raw dog food that caters to the unique needs of sensitive canines. Let’s explore the key features that make Raw Gold an excellent choice for dogs with delicate digestive systems.
Managing Food Intolerances in Dogs: A Complete Guide
Just like humans, dogs can experience food intolerances that lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Recognising and managing these intolerances is crucial for your furry friend’s overall health and wellbeing. Understanding what food intolerances are, their symptoms, and how to manage them can help you keep your dog happy and healthy.
Transitioning Sensitive Dogs to Raw Food
Transitioning your dog to a raw food diet can offer a range of health benefits, particularly for pets with digestive sensitivities. A raw diet, when introduced carefully, can be easier on their digestive systems and provide essential nutrients that support overall gut health. Here’s how to make the switch smoothly and safely, ensuring your sensitive pup reaps all the benefits of raw feeding.
Foods Dogs Should Never Eat: A Guide for Every Pet Owner
As much as we love sharing our food with our furry companions, certain human foods can be toxic or even deadly for dogs. While their eager eyes may be hard to resist, it’s crucial to be aware of what can harm them. A balanced diet is vital for their health, and that means knowing what to avoid as much as what to include.
Feeding Raw for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide
Feeding your dog a raw diet may seem straightforward—just give them a piece of raw meat, right? Not quite. When done properly, raw feeding is a carefully balanced process, designed to give your dog optimal nutrition from a variety of sources. It’s far more than just throwing down a slab of meat; it involves a complex mix of high-quality proteins, essential vitamins, minerals, and a host of other nutrients your dog needs to thrive.
Why You Should Consider Feeding Your Dog Raw
In recent years, more dog owners have shifted towards raw feeding, and for good reason. Feeding your dog a raw diet offers numerous health benefits that can significantly enhance their well-being, energy levels, and longevity.
What Goes into Raw Gold Raw Dog Food in South Africa?
We believe that what goes into your dog’s bowl directly impacts their health, vitality, and overall well-being. As with humans, you are what you eat! That’s why we carefully craft each raw meal with the finest ingredients, free from harmful additives, to ensure your dog is getting the best possible nutrition.