Wet Food Trials... When Raw Isn't Possible
- RFFDMSUK
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Feeding a species-appropriate raw diet is widely recognized as beneficial for dogs. However, there are times when raw feeding simply isn’t feasible. Whether due to external circumstances or temporary health concerns, having a backup plan is essential for ensuring your pet maintains a nutritious diet during these moments.
Some situations where raw feeding may not be possible include:
✔️ Following surgery (when digestion and immune function require extra care)
✔️ Camping trips (if cooling methods aren’t available)
✔️ Emergencies (such as staying at a friend’s house unexpectedly)
✔️ Loss of freezer access (technical failures can throw meal plans off track)
✔️ Certain boarding facilities (where raw meals may not be accommodated)
Many pet parents feel they must choose between raw feeding and wet food feeding, but you don’t have to pick sides! Overlapping both camps when needed is perfectly fine—there’s no judgment in doing what’s best for your dog.
This guide explores quality wet food options, perfect for emergency situations or temporary feeding adjustments.
🥫 Picking an Alternative to Raw
Selecting a wet food backup requires a keen eye for ingredients—not all wet foods are created equal!
📌 Key Considerations When Choosing Wet Food:
✅ Check the full ingredients list – Don’t just trust front-label claims! Always check the back of the tin or look up the full breakdown online.
✅ Beware of “Meal” ingredients – These include residual meat, offal, connective tissue, and bones, all processed under extreme heat and pressure, resulting in a low-quality protein source
.✅ Watch out for “Derivatives” – If a label includes Animal Derivatives or Vegetable Derivatives, manufacturers can change ingredients batch to batch, making consistency impossible.
✅ Avoid unnecessary additives – Stay clear of corn, maize starch, and artificial flavourings
.✅ Opt for real food ingredients – Look for named proteins, whole vegetables, and recognizable nutrients.
📊 Trial Findings: Wet Food Options Reviewed
One of the group owners at RFFDMSUK carried out some wet food trials—here are their thoughts:
🐺 Carnilove Into The Wild Range
✔️ Formulated to resemble a natural diet, with a focus on wild meats, herbs, and berries.
✔️ Visibly chunky—real food pieces can be seen.
✔️ Feeding guides are inconsistent, requiring pet parents to estimate portions.
✔️ Additives are straightforward, limited to vitamins and minerals.
❌ No bone broth included.
❌ Contains small amounts of pea flour, but overall a solid choice.
🐾 Eden Gourmet Range
✔️ Designed to mirror an ancestral diet.
✔️ Quality ingredients—minimal extra additives needed.
✔️ Includes green-lipped mussels & turmeric for added health benefits.
✔️ Online feeding guide makes portioning easier.
❌ No bone broth, but still a highly rated option.
🌿 Celtic Connection
✔️ Created using a holistic nutritional approach.
✔️ Focuses on botanicals that promote wellness.
✔️ Fantastic bone broth inclusion—a major nutritional bonus!
✔️ Additives are limited to essential vitamins and minerals, preventing deficiencies.
⭐ Overall, a strong choice for well-rounded nutrition.
🍖 Aniforte
✔️ Contains a fantastic 88% meat content.
✔️ 100% additive-free—no artificial ingredients.
✔️ Includes bone broth!
✔️ All nutrients come directly from whole foods, ensuring balance.
⭐ Another excellent option, highly recommended!
🐶 Final Thoughts: Flexibility is Key
While raw feeding remains the gold standard, life happens, and there will be times when adjustments are necessary.
✔️ Knowing your options ensures you can maintain quality nutrition during temporary diet changes.
✔️ Selecting clean, minimally processed wet foods can bridge the gap during emergencies or transitions.
✔️ There is no shame in choosing a practical approach—your dog’s health always comes first!
🐾 Whether raw or wet, understanding ingredients and making informed choices will keep your pup thriving.