Non-Raw & Mixed Diets

Alternatives to Raw Feeding: A Practical, Safe, and Informed Guide

A fresh, varied raw diet is widely recognised as the most species‑appropriate way to feed dogs. Still, life isn’t always predictable. Travel, illness, surgery, or budget constraints can mean raw feeding isn’t possible for a short or medium period. This guide outlines safe alternatives, how to use them, and how to support your dog nutritionally until raw feeding resumes.

Short‑Term Alternatives

Some situations—such as post‑surgery or illness—require temporary dietary adjustments.

📌 For gentle feeding guidance during recovery, see our Recovery from Illness Blog.

Medium‑Term Alternatives

Travel, camping, or logistical challenges may require a different feeding approach for a little longer.

If feeding non‑raw food for more than a few days, you’ll need to transition back to raw when circumstances allow. During this period, many owners choose to support digestion with:

• Dorwest Tree Barks or Proflax Tummy Tastic

• UK-based bone broth such as Alexander’s Natural or Karnlea

  
  

Feeding Options: From Most to Least Aligned With Natural Nutrition

1️⃣ Varied raw diet

2️⃣ Lightly cooked diet with added nutrients

3️⃣ Pre‑made cooked meals

4️⃣ Freeze‑dried food

5️⃣ Cold‑pressed food

6️⃣ High‑meat tinned food

7️⃣ High‑meat dry food

While dry food is convenient, it is the least aligned with natural canine nutrition. If kibble is unavoidable, supportive add‑ons can help improve the overall bowl.

Lightly Cooked at Home (Short–Medium Term)

For fussy dogs who are otherwise healthy, lightly cooked meals can be a practical alternative.

Important: Cooking alters fats—especially omega‑3s—so additional support is often needed.

Components of a Lightly Cooked Diet

• Protein: Chunks or minced meat

• Bone: raw meaty bones separately (never cooked bones!). If needed, use Aniforte ground beef bones

• Offal:

  • 5% liver

  • 5% other secreting organs (kidney, spleen, pancreas, testicles, sweetbread, or brain)

• Plant matter: See our Fruits & Vegetables Blog 

• Additional support:

  • Raw egg (2–3 times a week)

  • Oily fish (or algae oil if fish isn’t available)

  • Prodog Colostrum

  • Bone broth

Food should be cooked through but not overcooked.

Pre‑Made Lightly Cooked Meals

Brands such as Different Dog and Nutriment Gently Steamed Range offer cooked meals without grains, legumes, or fillers.

Recommended additions remain the same: raw egg, oily fish or algae oil, Prodog Colostrum and bone broth.

Freeze‑Dried Food

A convenient option for short–medium periods.

📌 Learn more in our Freeze‑Dried Food Blog.

Cold‑Pressed Food

Quality varies widely, and some products contain fillers or additives that are less useful nutritionally.

Brands to explore:

• Tribal Pets

• Wild Pet

Supportive additions:

1. Raw egg (2–3 times a week)

2. Oily fish (or algae oil if fish isn’t available)

3. Prodog Colostrum

4. Bone broth

Tinned Food

Useful for travel or occasional use.

Brands to explore (check ingredients for suitability):

• Aniforte Tinned

• Canagan Tinned

• Carnilove Tinned

• Dogs Love

• Eden Wet Food

• Country Hunter Wet Food

  
  

Mixed Diets: What to Know

Many owners mix raw with other food types to manage costs or convenience. This can work, but it requires awareness of how different foods behave nutritionally.

Why Raw Remains the Most Aligned With Canine Biology

Raw diets naturally provide:

• Nutrients in their original, unprocessed form

• Moisture that supports digestion and nutrient utilisation

• Naturally occurring bone content supplying calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and fat‑soluble vitamins

Processed foods rely on synthetic additives to replace these nutrients, which are not absorbed in the same way.

Key Considerations When Mixing Raw and Non‑Raw

1️⃣ Moisture Differences

Raw food contains structured moisture that supports digestion. Adding water to processed food does not replicate this.

2️⃣ Nutrient Balance

Non‑raw foods lack natural bone content and rely on synthetic additions. These are necessary for completeness but differ in bioavailability.

3️⃣ Choosing Non‑Raw Foods

Look for:

• Minimal processing

• Clear ingredient lists

• Transparency around additives

Any synthetic additive indicates the nutrient is not naturally derived.

4️⃣ Cost

High‑quality non‑raw foods can be expensive. Many owners find raw feeding more cost‑effective with the right strategies.

🔎 Explore options via our Budget‑Friendly Raw Feeding Guide.

Building a Balanced Mixed Diet

✔️ 50% Raw Base

Include meat, bone, and offal (or 80‑10‑10 mince).

✔️ 10–20% Vegetables

Lightly steamed dark leafy greens. See our Fruits & Vegetables Blog .

✔️ 10% Treats

Prefer animal‑based options.

✔️ Essential Raw Additions

Oily fish, raw eggs (2–3× weekly), and bone broth.

✔️ Extra Organ Support

Blend testicles, pancreas, or spleen into small frozen portions (5–15g).

⚠️ Avoid excessive liver.

⚠️ For Dalmatians or low‑purine needs, consult a qualified nutritionist.

✔️ Non‑Raw Portion

Follow the manufacturer’s feeding guidelines.

Enhancing Non‑Raw Bowls

• Eggs: Chicken, duck, quail, goose, or turkey

• Oily fish: Use our Fish Calculator

• Dark leafy greens: 1 tbsp per 10kg every 2–3 days

• Mixed berries: Small amounts

• Organic spirulina: 2–3× weekly (or Dogs Lounge Super Green Powder)

• Fresh mussels: Cooked and de‑shelled

• Bone broth: Alexander’s Natural or Karnlea

  
  

Choosing Non‑Raw Foods Wisely

Avoid foods containing:

• Oxide‑based additives

• Artificial colourings or flavourings

• Grains and legumes if they don’t suit your dog

Poor‑quality foods may increase long‑term health risks and costs.

Emergency Supplies to Keep on Hand

• Gut support: Dorwest Tree Barks or Proflax Tummy Tastic 

• Joint support: Green Lipped Mussels (Canumi), powdered GLM (Riaflex, Aniforte)

Final Thoughts

Feeding choices are personal and shaped by real‑life circumstances. Raw feeding isn’t always possible, and that’s okay. What matters is understanding the differences between feeding methods so you can make informed decisions.

Our community supports all feeding approaches with kindness and practical experience—from raw to mixed to temporary alternatives.