Weight Management Process for Dogs Maintaining a healthy weight in adult dogs (17 months or older) and puppies requires a structured approach. Whether transitioning to a raw diet or making dietary adjustments, tracking progress is key. Follow these steps to ensure the best results for your dog. For Adult Dogs (17 Months or Older) Step 1: Vet Check-Up If your dog hasn't recently had a vet check-up, arrange one as soon as possible to rule out any medical conditions that could b

Managing a dog's weight can be a nuanced process, influenced by various factors. Whether working toward weight gain or loss, this guide is designed to support you along the way. By tracking the following key aspects, we can identify opportunities for improvement and tailor a plan to suit your dog's needs. Essential Tracking Points 🐾 Recent Vet Check-Up: Before starting any weight journey, ensure your dog has had a vet visit to rule out medical conditions affecting their prog

Treats are any extra food  outside your dog's regular food allowance. While they can be a useful tool for training and enrichment , they should remain just that—a treat , not a dietary staple. 📌 Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet.  If your dog requires weight management or refuses their actual food, reducing treats is the first step  to correcting the issue. How Many Treats Should My Dog Get? A dog’s treat allowance should be capped at 10% of the

As the cost of living  continues to rise, many pet owners look for affordable options  when feeding their dogs. However, relying on just one or two brands  of raw food—commonly referred to as "brand blindness" —can unintentionally limit nutritional diversity. While some dogs may appear to do well on a single brand , the reality is that long-term health and longevity  can be impacted by lack of variety. Why Does Brand Variety Matter? Different brands formulate their 80/10/10 b

🐾 The Importance of Canine Dental Health We are a nation of dog lovers, yet dental care often gets overlooked. Gum disease in UK dogs is widespread—largely due to carb-heavy, sugary diets and ineffective dental products. Bad breath could be a sign of gum disease or even gut health issues. 🦷 Understanding Plaque & Tartar Plaque accumulates on teeth, and when left untreated, it hardens into tartar, making removal much harder. For expert dental care tips, check out Dental Hygi

Feeding your dog as widely a varied diet as possible is the key to a successful raw diet. There reasons for this are laid out in the Brand & Protein blindness blog . Ensuring your dog receives a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals  is crucial for their overall health and well-being. It’s important to note that the nutrient content in food can vary based on factors such as protein type, farming practices, and soil quality . For this reason, we do not recommend usi

Embarking on the raw feeding journey can be a transformative experience, whether you're just starting or have been feeding your dogs this way for years. With the ever-evolving science of canine nutrition, it's only natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by the changing landscape. To ensure your dog's diet is in top shape, we've created a straightforward blog to help you determine if any enhancements can be made. Do I need to add anything else? The basics for feeding a good raw die

Taking care of your dog’s nutrition while sticking to a budget can feel challenging, but with a few strategic moves, you can ensure they eat well without breaking the bank. Here are some cost cutting tips while feeding your pup a healthy raw diet. 💰 Hunt for Deals & Discounts Shop smart : Plan purchases around big sales like Black Friday. Bundle up : Look for box deals and bulk discounts from suppliers. Join the community : The Raw Feeding for Dogs Made Simple (UK) Facebook

DIY Raw Feeding: Is It Cheaper Than Pre-Made Meals? Many pet owners wonder whether DIY raw feeding  is more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made raw meals . The answer largely depends on where you source your ingredients and how much value you place on the time spent preparing meals. By carefully planning a balanced diet  of red meat, white meat, and game meat, DIY feeding can be affordable and highly rewarding  for your dog’s health. What Is DIY Raw Feeding? DIY raw feedi

If you’ve ever noticed red liquid pooling in minced meat or offal, you might assume it’s blood. However, this substance is actually a mixture of water and myoglobin —a vital protein responsible for transporting oxygen within muscle cells. What is Myoglobin? Myoglobin is an oxygen-binding protein  found in muscle tissue. It plays a crucial role in delivering oxygen to muscle cells, supporting energy production and overall function. Unlike haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in t

Alternatives to Raw Feeding A raw diet is the most species-appropriate nutrition for dogs. However, there are times when feeding raw may not be possible. This guide explores alternative feeding options  for short- and medium-term situations, helping you make an informed choice when raw isn't feasible. Short-Term Alternatives Certain circumstances, such as post-surgery or illness, may require temporary dietary adjustments. 📌 For recovery support, refer to our   Recovery from

Acknowledgment A special thanks to Caroline Griffith  for her invaluable support, guidance, and insight in helping shape this blog. Freeze-Dried Pet Food: The Truth Behind the Trend In the ever-evolving world of pet nutrition, freeze-dried food has gained immense popularity as a convenient and nutritious option for our furry friends. Some brands even suggest that freeze-dried is equivalent to raw—just without the freezer. As pet owners, we always strive to provide the best fo

Understanding food energetics  for dogs means recognizing the profound impact diet has on their overall well-being . This approach prioritizes fresh, natural meals  tailored to each dog's unique needs, considering factors such as: ✔ Energy patterns ✔ Elemental disposition ✔ Seasonal variations Rather than just managing symptoms, personalised nutrition  aims to address root causes  and prevent health issues before they arise. Expert guidance is essential  in selecting foods th

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence —but for our dogs, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and hidden dangers . From sparkling decorations to tempting festive foods, Christmas presents unique risks  for pets. The team at RFFDMSUK  has created this comprehensive guide to help pet parents navigate the season safely  and ensure their furry companions have a happy, stress-free holiday . Festive Decorations – A Hidden Hazard Tinsel, Baubles & Christmas

🐾 Supporting Mum Through Pregnancy A pregnancy is an exciting time, but proper care for the mother is essential  to ensure the health of both mum and her pups. ⚠️ Start with a Veterinary Check-Up  – Confirm that mum is healthy before pregnancy progresses. Any underlying health issues  such as pain, itchy skin, yeast infections, or temperament concerns should be addressed  to prevent passing issues to her puppies. ✔️ Nutrition Matters  – A raw diet  is highly recommended for

Understanding the Heat Cycle in More Detail A female dog's heat cycle  is part of her reproductive process and consists of different phases, each with its own hormonal and physical changes. 📌 The Four Stages of the Canine Heat Cycle 1️⃣ Proestrus (Preparation Phase)  – Lasts 7–10 days The vulva begins swelling , and light bleeding starts. The dog attracts males , but she is not yet ready  for mating. Hormones, particularly estrogen , are rising, preparing the body for ovulat

What is a Phantom Pregnancy? A phantom pregnancy , also known as false pregnancy  or pseudopregnancy , occurs 6–8 weeks after a season , causing a dog to behave and feel pregnant despite not being pregnant. 🐾 Why does it happen? After a season, female dogs naturally produce pregnancy hormones —regardless of whether they were bred or not—which can lead some dogs to experience false pregnancy symptoms. Signs & Symptoms Every dog is different, but common signs include: 🔹 Nesti

What is Pyometra? Pyometra is a serious condition marked by inflammation of the uterus and the accumulation of pus . 🟢 Most Common in:  Intact female dogs over five years old (though it can occur in younger dogs). 🟢 Primary Cause:  Hormonal fluctuations during heat cycles. Understanding the Risks 🐾 Dogs typically experience two heat cycles per year , during which: ✅ White blood cell levels naturally decrease in the uterus to allow sperm passage—reducing infection defence.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying medical condition, such as: ✅ Bladder or urethra stones ✅ Diabetes ✅ Kidney stones or other kidney issues ✅ Tumour While these conditions are less common, early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Antibiotics: Use with Caution Veterinarians often prescribe antibiotics as the primary treatment for UTIs. However, their use should be carefully considered: 🔹 Impact on Gut He

📌 Arthritis in Dogs: A Growing Concern 🐶 1 in 4 dogs in the UK will suffer from arthritis —possibly more! 🐾 While often associated with aging dogs , studies reveal: ✔️ 77% of cases stem from developmental diseases ✔️ 22% occur in dogs under 1 year old 🔍 What Are Developmental Diseases? Developmental diseases worsen over time  and often include: 🔹 Dysplasia  (elbows & hips) 🔹 Degenerative joint disease  (seen as osteoarthritis) 📌 Inflammation plays a key role —while sho