Raw Feeding Advice
New to Raw Feeding?
A Beginner’s Guide
Thinking of switching your dog to a natural raw diet? This guide explains the basics, what 80/10/10 means, how to start safely, and which products are best for beginners.
Natural Diet
Fresh meat, bone and organs in a biologically appropriate diet designed for dogs.
Simple to Start
Complete meals are the easiest place to begin feeding raw with confidence.
Friendly Advice
Sophie and the team are always happy to help you choose the right meals for your dog.
What is raw feeding?
Feeding your dog a raw diet is about returning to a way of feeding that is simple, natural and biologically appropriate. A raw diet is built around fresh meat, bone and organ content, designed to mirror the type of food dogs would naturally consume.
Many dog owners choose raw feeding because it supports healthy digestion, improved coat condition, excellent dental health and a more natural approach to feeding. At Rheas Raw Pet Foods in Wellington, we specialise in carefully selected raw diets and natural treats to help owners make the transition with confidence.
Understanding the 80/10/10 balance
Many complete raw meals follow the 80/10/10 model, which refers to the natural balance of ingredients within the meal:
- 80% meat
- 10% bone
- 10% organs
This balance closely reflects the nutritional composition of whole prey and provides a complete meal for most adult dogs. For those new to raw feeding, complete 80/10/10 meals are often the easiest place to start because the balance has already been carefully prepared.
Types of raw dog food
Raw feeding includes several different product types. Understanding these makes it much easier to build a balanced and varied diet.
Complete Raw Meals
Balanced meals containing the correct ratio of meat, bone and organs. Ideal for beginners.
Explore complete meals →Single Protein
A simple way to feed dogs with sensitivities and identify which proteins suit them best.
Browse single protein meals →Raw Mince
Fresh mince blends that are ideal for building variety or feeding as part of a wider raw diet.
View raw mince →Whole Prey & Bones
Natural chewing, enrichment and bone content to support dental health and stimulation.
Discover whole prey & bones →How to start raw feeding
There are two common ways to switch a dog onto raw food:
Straight swap
Many younger, healthy dogs can move straight onto raw food successfully.
Short gradual transition
Older dogs, more sensitive dogs, or dogs with health issues may benefit from a gradual transition of up to 5 days.
Starting a dog on low fat raw food
Some dogs need a gentler approach, particularly if they require a low fat raw diet. This can include older dogs, dogs with digestive sensitivity, or dogs whose diet has been adjusted for health reasons.
In these cases, it is often best to begin with a straightforward low fat raw food option and keep the transition simple.
Sophie generally recommends starting with one low fat meal, monitoring digestion carefully, and only introducing more variety once your dog has settled comfortably onto the diet.
Why many owners choose raw feeding
Dog owners often notice a range of improvements after switching to raw food. These may include:
- smaller, firmer stools
- healthier skin and coat
- improved dental health
- increased energy and vitality
- better digestion
Every dog is different, but many owners report positive changes once their dog transitions to a natural raw diet.
Best raw meals for beginners
If you're just starting your raw feeding journey, we usually recommend beginning with:
- complete 80/10/10 meals
- chicken or turkey-based recipes
- single protein meals
These options offer a simple and balanced introduction to raw feeding.
Low Fat Options
A useful choice for dogs who need a lighter raw diet or a more carefully managed start.
Browse low fat raw food →Offal Free
For dogs who need a more specific or simplified approach to raw feeding.
View offal free options →Natural Treats & Chews
Add natural treats and chews for enrichment, chewing and variety.
Explore treats & chews →Need advice?
Choosing the right food for your dog should feel straightforward and reassuring. If you’re unsure where to begin, Sophie and the team are always happy to help.
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