Species Appropriate Diet: When Raw Goes Belly Up

A Practical Guide to Common Raw Feeding Questions

Raw feeding is a fresh, minimally processed way to nourish dogs, and most owners find it straightforward once they settle into a routine. Like any feeding approach, occasional hiccups can happen. Being prepared helps you stay calm and make informed decisions.

This guide covers common situations you may encounter when handling or receiving raw dog food, along with practical steps to take.

📦 My Raw Food Order Hasn’t Arrived

If your delivery is delayed, it’s usually not a cause for panic. Raw food that has been properly packaged can often remain frozen or partially frozen for a significant period during transit.

• Check your tracking updates via email, text, or the courier’s app.

• If no updates appear or something looks unusual, contact your supplier for guidance.

• To avoid running low, consider ordering ahead of time and keeping a small buffer of meals in your freezer.

  
  

❄️ My Raw Foods Arrived Fully Defrosted

• Take clear photos of the parcel, packaging, and contents, including delivery labels and timestamps.

• Send these to your supplier so they can assess the situation and advise on next steps.

  
  

🧊 My Raw Foods Are Partially Defrosted but Still Cold

If the food is still cold to the touch, suppliers generally advise that it can be safely refrozen. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer for reassurance.

🤢 The Raw Food Smells Strong or Unusual

• Tripe naturally has a very strong odour.

• Some proteins—especially heart-heavy mixes or recipes with vegetables—may also smell different from batch to batch.

• If you’re unsure whether the smell is expected, reach out to your supplier for clarification.

  
  

🌈 The Colour Looks Different Between Packs

Colour variation is normal and can be influenced by:

• Different cuts of meat used in each batch

• Natural oxidation when meat is exposed to air

These changes don’t affect the nutritional profile of the food.

🦴 I Found Metallic Bits in Rabbit or Game

This is often small pieces of shot, as many game meats are field‑harvested.

• Dogs will usually spit these out, but you can check manually with a fork or spoon before serving.

• Many suppliers include shot warnings on labels, so it’s worth checking the packaging.

  
  

🔹 I Found Blue Plastic in My Raw Food

• Leave everything exactly as you found it.

• Photograph the plastic, packaging, batch numbers, and best‑before dates.

• Send the images to your supplier or manufacturer so they can investigate.

  
  

⚪ My Raw Food Has White Bits

White flecks are typically fat, which is common in certain proteins. Some dogs may benefit from lower‑fat options, such as those managing weight or those who have been advised by a veterinary professional to avoid high‑fat foods.

🐾 Final Thoughts

Raw feeding can be a rewarding way to support your dog’s nutrition, and most issues are simple to resolve. Document anything unusual, keep communication open with your supplier, and trust your growing confidence as you learn what’s normal for the foods you buy.

For more Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) check out our blog here