Fresh whole food diet for dogs: Is it worth it?

The best fresh whole foods for dogs will have a higher nutrient density because the nutrients aren't lost during cooking and processing. Therefore, dogs don't have to eat so much to get the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. But that's not the only reason why a whole food diet suits fussy eaters…

Picky eaters might find the texture, smell, and taste of whole food dog meals much more appealing, meaning you'll spend less time encouraging them to eat and worrying whether they've eaten enough.

A whole food diet for dogs doesn't contain additives. Additives found in commercial dog food may contribute to problems including fatigue, behaviour issues, poor digestion, diabetes or allergies.

Whole foods retain their nutrients, meaning that they have more health benefits. For example, your dog's heart needs fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins to stay healthy, and you'll find these in various unprocessed fish, meat, and vegetables.

Whole food diets are easier for dogs to digest than processed kibble because they contain natural fibre from vegetables, and this high fibre content encourages good digestion and promotes a healthy gut.

When it comes to dog food, fresh whole food may cost a bit more than the other processed options. However, investing in higher-quality, nutritious dog food can significantly benefit your dog’s health and overall wellbeing. 

Without all those additives and preservatives, whole food dog food won't last as long as commercial dog food. The shelf-life of fresh dog food will vary from a few days to up to 12 months, depending on how it’s cooked and stored. Those that need to be refrigerated will have the shortest shelf-life, while frozen products will last the longest if you have the space to store them.

It's not always convenient to nip out to get more dog food, especially if you're looking for a specific brand or type of dog food. Whole dog food options are limited in pet stores, so you might find that you end up ordering online.

Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines contain the essential fatty acid omega-3 and vitamin D. These nutrients help keep your dog's heart, joints, and brain healthy while improving their skin, coat, and immune system and reducing allergy symptoms and inflammation. You can find nutritional information for our Succulent Salmon & Pollock recipe here.

Broccoli is high in fibre, which means it’s great for gut health. It also contains antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and minerals including sodium, potassium, and magnesium, so it's great for supporting your dog's immune system, mobility, and skin health.

Carrots contain beta-carotene (which is used to make vitamin A), potassium, and fibre. They're also great for keeping your dog's teeth clean and healthy.

Sweet potato is full of beta-carotene, fibre, vitamins A, B, and C, and minerals like selenium, calcium, and iron. By feeding your dog sweet potato, you’ll be supporting their overall health, including their vision, immune system, skin, and nervous system. All of our meals were formulated to contain sweet potato - our Chicken Thigh Mediterranean Casserole has one of the highest percentages at 12%. See the full recipe here.