The Benefits of a Fresh Food Diet for Dogs: Raw & Home-Cooked
A fresh food diet—whether raw or home-cooked—provides the natural nutrients your dog needs for optimal health, vitality, and longevity.
What we feed our dogs directly impacts their health, longevity, and overall vitality. While kibble has long been the go-to, more pet owners are turning to fresh food diets—either raw or home-cooked—to provide optimal nutrition. Both options have incredible benefits, supporting digestive health, immune function, skin and coat quality, and energy levels.
Why Fresh Food?
Fresh food diets offer dogs unprocessed, whole ingredients that their bodies can digest and utilize more efficiently. Many commercial kibbles contain preservatives, fillers, and artificial additives that can contribute to inflammation, allergies, and digestive issues. "Dogs thrive on species-appropriate diets. Fresh food, whether raw or home-cooked, provides the bioavailable nutrients they need to support a strong immune system and overall well-being," explains Denise Bozenski, founder of Revive & Thrive Canine Wellness.
Learn more about Denise HERE!
The Benefits of a Raw Diet
A raw diet consists of uncooked meats, organs, bones, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables. This diet is designed to mimic what a dog’s ancestors would have eaten in the wild.
Benefits of a raw diet include:
- Improved digestion – Less bloating, gas, and firmer stools
- Healthier skin & coat – Reduced itching, flakiness, and shedding
- Stronger immune system – Fewer allergies and chronic illnesses
- Better dental health – Natural chewing action helps reduce tartar buildup
"Raw feeding can be incredibly beneficial for many dogs, but it’s important to balance the diet correctly to ensure they’re getting the right nutrients," says Denise.
The Benefits of a Home-Cooked Diet
For those who prefer to cook for their dogs, a balanced home-cooked diet can be a great alternative to raw feeding. It allows for more control over ingredients, preparation methods, and cooking techniques while still avoiding the preservatives and fillers in kibble.
Benefits of a home-cooked diet include:
- Highly digestible meals – Cooked proteins can be easier on sensitive stomachs
- Customizable for health conditions – Ideal for dogs with specific dietary needs
- Safe for immune-compromised dogs – Eliminates concerns about bacterial exposure
- Promotes longevity – Fresh, whole ingredients provide optimal nutrition
Denise explains, "For dogs with health conditions or for owners who prefer not to feed raw, a properly balanced home-cooked diet can be just as powerful in promoting health and longevity."
Learn more about holistic pet health care at our blog, Exploring Holistic Pet Health Care.
Which Diet is Right for Your Dog?
Every dog is different, and choosing between raw and home-cooked depends on lifestyle, health concerns, and owner preference. Consulting with a professional ensures that the diet is balanced and meets your dog’s unique nutritional needs.
Ready to transition your dog to a fresh food diet? Book a nutrition consultation HERE with Revive & Thrive Canine Wellness to create a customized meal plan for your pup’s health and longevity!
To learn more on how a holistic pet health coach can help you, read our blog, Understanding the Role of a Holistic Pet Health Coach.
FAQs
Can I mix raw and home-cooked meals for my dog?
Yes! Many owners choose to feed a combination of raw and cooked meals to provide variety and meet their dog’s individual needs.
How do I ensure my dog gets all the nutrients they need?
Work with a certified pet nutritionist to create a balanced meal plan that includes essential vitamins, minerals, and appropriate protein-to-fat ratios.
Is a fresh food diet more expensive than kibble?
While fresh food can be more costly upfront, it often reduces vet bills in the long run by preventing health issues related to poor nutrition.
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