Raw Feeding Basics & Getting Started
Looking Back: What 12 Months of Raw Feeding Can Do

Hi, I am Nugget, chief taste tester and head of wagging tails at Raw Gold. I have spent a full year sampling, snoozing, and taking notes so you do not have to. Here is what twelve months of raw feeding really looks like, from the first bowl jitters to easy everyday wins. Let us dig in.
The real problem pet parents face after month one
Starting is exciting, then questions creep in. Portions feel tricky, storage feels new, and travel throws you off. Common questions about feeding raw include bacteria, picky phases, and which proteins to choose from. You are not alone. Our complete meals keep the routine steady, while our complementary items and treats add variety your dog can enjoy.
A year on raw, what you may notice
- Months 1 to 3: Smoother transition, steadier stools, fresher breath, and a coat that begins to shine. You settle on portions that suit your dog.
- Months 4 to 6: Energy feels even, body condition looks balanced, and mealtimes become easy. You rotate proteins that your dog enjoys.
- Months 7 to 12: Things feel set and simple. With the right chew routine teeth stay cleaner, and you feel confident choosing complete meals with smart add-ons.
The straightforward solution
Keep the base diet complete and balanced, then personalise gently. Choose a complete minced meal for everyday use, lean on our practical FAQs when worries pop up, and adjust calmly as your dog grows or seasons change.
How Raw Gold helps, day in and day out
Our Complete Minced Meals are built for consistency, so you do not second guess nutrition.
The Free-Range Chicken Complete Minced Meal is formulated by an animal nutritionist. It has 80 percent meat and bones and 20 percent fruit and veg. It is grain and gluten free, Act 36 compliant, and includes a carefully designed vitamin and mineral premix.
If you prefer a hearty blend, Bushveld Harvest Complete Minced Meal combines wild caught venison with free range beef in a balanced mix, with meat and bone as the base, plus veg and fruit for a rounded profile, and a vitamin and mineral premix to keep it complete.
For natural omegas and tasty toppers, add Wild Caught Sardines as a complementary option.
For training, Pure Venison Dry Wors Treats contain only venison, with no cereal, preservatives, salt, or colourants. Handy for sensitive tummies and fussy eaters.
Raw dog food benefits you can track
Raw dog food benefits show up in small, steady ways. Think about calmer digestion, healthy looking coats, happy mealtimes, and a routine you can live with. Raw dog food benefits also include the confidence of a complete base diet, so you can add simple extras without complicating things. Keep notes, snap monthly photos, and watch raw dog food benefits build over time.
Learn more as you go
Worried about safety or storage? Read our FAQs and Why Raw guides for calm, practical tips. New to the journey? Use the Feeding Calculator for portions that match your dog’s age and weight. Do you want to see the full range? Browse our Products to compare complete meals, complementary items, and treats. If your dog is sensitive, start with gentle proteins, then add extras like sardines on days that suit your routine.
Find a stockist
Ready to plan the next twelve months with less stress and more tail wags? Start with a complete meal that suits your dog, such as Free-Range Chicken for everyday use or Bushveld Harvest for hearty variety. Use the Feeding Calculator to set portions, then keep a simple photo log to track changes. If you want guidance in person, find a stockist near you and chat to a trusted partner who understands local needs. Our FAQs and Why Raw pages are there whenever you need calm, step by step help. Find a stockist.
FAQs
How long until I notice changes on raw?
Every dog is different, but many families see coat and breath improvements within the first few weeks on a complete, balanced raw plan. Track small, steady changes rather than chasing quick fixes.
Is raw feeding safe in terms of bacteria?
Dogs are built differently to us. Their stomachs are more acidic and they have shorter digestive tracts, which helps them process raw meat safely when it is handled properly. Handle our meals as you would your own meat at home, keep hands, bowls, and surfaces clean, and follow storage and defrosting guidance on our site. Simple habits keep things safe and help clear up the myths that raw automatically means risky.
How do I work out portions for my dog?
Use the Feeding Calculator for a clear starting point.
Which complete meal should I start with?
Many pet parents begin with Free Range Chicken Complete Minced Meal. If your dog enjoys variety, try Bushveld Harvest and see which proteins your dog prefers.
Do I need extras like bones or sardines?
A complete meal is your base. Some families add raw meaty bones for chewing days or sardines for natural omegas. Use complementary items alongside a complete plan, not instead of it.
