Raw feeding has gone from a niche choice to something many Kiwi dog owners ask us about every week. Some have seen a mate's dog with a glossy coat and boundless energy, others have a fussy eater or a dog with allergies and want to try something different. This guide covers what raw feeding can genuinely offer, what to watch out for, and how to start without getting it wrong.
What do we mean by "raw food"?
Raw feeding simply means giving your dog uncooked meat, organ and bone, usually minced and frozen for safety and convenience. In New Zealand that typically means frozen medallions or chunks made from NZ-grown proteins like chicken, lamb, salmon, veal and wallaby. Because nothing is cooked, the ingredients go into the bowl much closer to how they started.
The benefits owners notice most
Research on raw feeding is still limited, and most of what we know comes from owners and vets who work with raw-fed dogs. That said, these are the changes people tell us about again and again:
- Dogs love eating it. Raw is very palatable, which makes it a great option for fussy eaters and older dogs who've gone off their food.
- Smaller, firmer stools. Raw diets are low in fillers, so less ends up on the lawn and it's easier to pick up.
- A shinier coat. Recipes with salmon or other fish bring natural Omega-3s, which support healthy skin and coat.
- Short, simple ingredient lists. Many raw products contain one or two proteins and nothing else, which makes them useful for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Access to novel proteins. Wallaby and veal are proteins most dogs have never eaten, which is exactly what you want when common proteins like chicken or beef cause itching or tummy trouble.
- Better hydration. Raw meat is naturally high in moisture, unlike dry food.
The things to get right
Raw feeding works best when it's done properly. A few things matter more than anything else:
- Balance. Muscle meat alone isn't a complete diet. Dogs need the right mix of meat, organ and bone over time, along with vitamins and minerals. Rotating between recipes, or combining raw with a complete dry food, helps cover the gaps. Our guide to mixing dry and raw food explains how.
- Puppies need extra care. Growing dogs, especially large breeds, need calcium and phosphorus in tight ranges. If you want to raw feed a puppy, talk to us or your vet first.
- Kitchen hygiene. Raw meat can carry bacteria like Salmonella. Thaw in the fridge, wash bowls and hands after every meal, and keep raw food away from young children and anyone with a weakened immune system.
- Buy from a proper pet food supplier. In New Zealand, raw sheep and goat meat can carry the tapeworm that causes sheep measles, and there are rules about feeding offal to dogs. Commercial raw products made for pets are processed to meet MPI requirements. If you feed your own homekill, freeze sheep or goat meat at -10°C or colder for at least 10 days first. We cover this in more detail in our guide to worms in NZ.
Raw food we stock for in-store purchase
Our Maranui range is made from 100% NZ-grown ingredients, contains ground bone for natural calcium, and has no preservatives, artificial colours or flavours. Maranui is available in-store only at our Oxford shop.
Maranui Chicken, Heart & Salmon Medallions, a great everyday starting point. It combines muscle meat, organ and fish in one feed, so your dog gets a broader spread of nutrients than a single protein gives.
Maranui Wallaby, Heart & Tripe Medallions. Wallaby is a lean, novel protein, ideal for allergy-prone dogs or those watching their weight. Tripe adds natural support for digestion. Available in 1kg and 3kg bags.
Maranui Veal & Heart Medallions. Another genuinely novel protein, for dogs who react to chicken, beef or lamb.
Maranui Lamb & Salmon Medallions. A gentle pairing for dogs that don't do well on chicken or beef, with Omega-3s from salmon for skin and coat.
Mighty Mix Frozen Concentrate. An uncooked, high-energy blend of meat, salmon, green-lipped mussel and kelp. It's a supplement rather than a complete food, so it's designed to be fed alongside Mighty Mix biscuits. A favourite with working and active dogs. Click and collect only.
Not sure which to pick? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll talk it through with you.
How much raw food to feed
As a general guide, adult dogs do well on about 2–3% of their body weight in raw food per day, split across one or two meals. That's roughly 400–600g a day for a 20kg dog. Very active and working dogs may need up to 3–4%, while dogs that need to lose weight should sit at the lower end.
Use this as a starting point, then adjust. Weigh your dog every couple of weeks and watch their waistline. If they're getting heavier, feed a little less. If ribs start to show, feed a little more.
How to switch to raw
Change food gradually over about 7 to 10 days:
- Days 1–3: one-quarter raw, three-quarters current food.
- Days 4–6: half and half.
- Days 7–9: three-quarters raw.
- Day 10: fully raw, or settle on the mix that suits you.
Thaw raw food fully in the fridge before serving and use it within 2–3 days of thawing. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, take the switch even slower.
Is raw right for your dog?
Raw feeding suits many dogs, but it isn't the only way to feed well. Plenty of owners get the best of both by adding raw to a good-quality dry food. If your dog has a health condition, is pregnant, or is a puppy, check with your vet before making the change.
Find the right food for your dog
Browse our frozen pet food range, or pop into our Oxford, North Canterbury store to see the full Maranui range in person. Get in touch and tell us about your dog. We're happy to help you choose.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog is unwell, see your vet.