Why switch to raw dog food?

Hi, I am Nugget, chief taste tester and head of wagging tails at Raw Gold. Today I am sniffing out why so many South African pet parents are moving to raw dog food, and how to do it in a safe, calm way. If you are looking for raw dog food in Cape Town or anywhere else in SA, this is for you. I will walk you through what it is, what the benefits are, how to feed a puppy, and what to think about before making the switch. When you are ready, you can Find a Stockist near you and get started.

What is a complete raw dog food?

A complete raw dog food is a meal made from real meat, bone, and a careful mix of fruit and vegetables, put together in the right ratios for daily feeding. There are no grains, no artificial fillers, no flavourants, no colourants, and no preservatives. It keeps feeding close to nature, but still practical for normal family life.

Benefits of raw dog food

Raw dog food appeals to many South African pet parents because it is:

1. Made from real meat and bone with fruit and vegetables
2. Free from grains, artificial fillers, flavourants, colourants, and preservatives
3. Formulated as a complete meal so daily feeding is simple
4. Backed by clear, practical guidance on portions, storage, and safe handling

You want to know what is going into the bowl. You want food that supports day to day health and energy. You also want to keep it easy. A complete raw meal helps you do all of that without guessing.

Can you feed a puppy raw?

Yes, you can feed a puppy raw, as long as you do it in a structured and gradual way. The important part is control. Correct portions. Balanced meals. Sensible pacing.

Start slow and introduce raw in small amounts. Give your puppy time to adjust. Watch stool quality and energy during the first few days. Some pups, especially sensitive tummies, may need a slower transition.

Use weight and activity level to guide daily portions. You can work from a portion guideline or calculator to set a starting point. Then keep an eye on your pup’s body condition and adjust slightly if needed. Puppy rule of thumb: steady change beats sudden change.

The problem, the solution, and how Raw Gold helps

Pet parents want to do the right thing, but feeding advice can feel noisy. You hear strong opinions, scary warnings, and too much jargon. This section is here to slow it all down. We will look at what real households struggle with, how a balanced raw diet helps, and how Raw Gold supports you with guidance, portion tools, and local stockists you can trust.

The problem many pet parents face

You want to feed fresh, species appropriate food. You do not want to guess every meal. You also do not want to deal with confusing charts and clinical jargon. You just want to know, is this safe, balanced, and realistic for my home.

The solution

Pick a pre prepared, complete raw diet from a South African brand that focuses on quality ingredients and clear feeding guidance. Start with one recipe, stay consistent in the first phase, and follow a simple transition plan.

How Raw Gold helps in daily life

• Guidance for first timers, including how to move over slowly and what signs to watch for
• A feeding calculator style approach to help you set a starting portion based on age and activity
• Stockists across South Africa, so you can source raw dog food in the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, the Garden Route, KZN, and Gauteng.

Which products should I look at first?

Most pet parents start with a single protein and stick to it for the first phase. Keep meals consistent at the beginning so you can see how your dog responds. Raw Gold offers complete minced meals that are already balanced, so you do not need to add extras.

Browse the Products range, choose a protein your dog enjoys, and keep portions steady for at least the first week.

Considerations to make before switching

Before you move to raw dog food, take a moment to think about the basics:

Hygiene and storage

Raw needs the same care as any raw meat in your kitchen. Keep meals frozen, thaw in the fridge, and serve fresh. Clean bowls and surfaces after feeding.

Routine

You will need a little freezer space, a container for thawing, and a plan for daily portions. Once you build that rhythm, it becomes normal.

Transition speed

Do not rush the switch. Some dogs fly through the change. Others need a slower, step by step approach. Watch how your dog responds, especially in the first week.

Picky eaters

If your dog is suspicious of new food, serve smaller, more frequent meals during the first few days. Calm introduction works better than force.

Practical tips for a smooth switch

Start small. Introduce raw in controlled amounts and slowly increase. Watch stool, watch energy, and adjust portions if needed. Thaw meals in the fridge, not on the counter. Serve fresh, not chilled or frozen. Keep handling clean and sensible throughout every feed.

If you are unsure how much to feed, work from a clear daily portion guideline based on age and activity. Then fine-tune for your dog.

Consistency is your friend in week one.

Find a stockist

Ready to explore raw dog food with confidence and not guesswork? Keep it simple with Raw Gold’s complete minced meals. They are balanced for daily feeding and supported by clear guidance on storage, handling, and how to transition, even for puppies. Use portion guidelines to set an initial daily amount for your dog’s age and activity. Then choose a flavour your dog enjoys and stay consistent in the early phase. When you are ready, Find a Stockist near you and buy from a trusted local partner in your area.

FAQs

How do I transition my dog to raw dog food safely?

Start slowly. Mix in small amounts at first, increase over several days, and watch stool and energy. Sensitive dogs may need more time.

Is Raw Gold’s raw dog food complete and balanced?

Yes. The minced meals are formulated with the right balance of meat, bone, fruit, vegetables and a vitamin and mineral premix for daily feeding.

Can I feed raw to a puppy?

Yes, you can feed a puppy raw. Introduce it gradually, stick to balanced meals, and feed the correct daily portion for age and activity.

I worry about bacteria. How do I handle raw meals?

Keep meals frozen, thaw in the fridge, and serve fresh. Clean bowls and surfaces after feeding. Treat it like any raw meat in the kitchen.

How much raw dog food should I feed each day?

Use a daily portion guideline based on age, weight, and activity. Adjust as you go by watching body condition and energy.