Why I Feed My Dog Raw Food and Choose Darwin’s Natural
I ventured into the raw feeding world when my first Dachshund, Chester, was 8.
I’d given Chester and Gretel a little raw food here and there and not noticed the differences that a lot of raw feeding devotees claimed they saw.
However, once I switched his diet to 100% raw, I did see a change.
My senior dog suddenly developed the zoomies.
He not only started acting like a puppy again, but he started acting more spunky than he ever did as a puppy on kibble.
Chester started running around the house and fetching toys…repeatedly….which he hadn’t done since he was a pup…or much ever.
While I’m not a stickler for a raw diet – I’ve been known to give Chester and Gretel kibble on occasion and some of their treats tend to lean towards the junk food spectrum – it’s very important to me and I know it’s made a difference in Chester and Gretel’s health.
I’ve learned a little over the years about raw dog food but I am in no way an expert.
The advantage of that is that I can give you a “big picture” look at the diet and boil the explanation down to a few basics.
The down-side is that what I say may not be technically accurate (it’s more basic, layman’s terms).
However, it will certainly give you a good starting place if you are thinking about switching your dog to raw food. So here we go…..
Why Does Feeding Your Dog Raw Food Matter?



Although it’s more complicated than to say your furry friend is a direct descendant from the wolf, they definitely share some similarities. One of them is that dogs are primarily carnivores.
Since wolves primarily eat raw meat, meaty bones, organs, and, and vegetable scraps, it can be extrapolated that this may be the best diet for dogs.
Raw food diets are very controversial. There are many “pro” and “con” arguments to put it lightly.
Anytime the topic of raw food comes up in online – even in a forum FOR talking about such matters – controversy is sure to erupt.
The argument for feeding your dog raw food
In a nutshell, people FORÂ feeding a dog a raw food diet believe that processed food is bad and that a dog should eat a food based on what canines ate before they became domesticated.
Some also claim that the average veterinarian only recommends processed kibble dog food because many veterinary schools are sponsored by these brands (they’ve “drank the Kool-Aid”).
They say that making your own dog food is safer and point to the commercial pet food recalls made over the years.
They also claim that it is easier to design a diet specifically for your own dog’s nutritional needs.
The argument against feeding your dog raw food
People AGAINST feeding a dog a raw food diet primarily argue that:
- Dogs have evolved enough that feeding a dog raw food is not biologically necessary.
- Commercial dog food formulas offer a superior nutritional balance (in other words, raw food diets can be missing important nutrients).
- Feeding raw food is dangerous because the risk of the meat spoiling or being tainted by bad bacteria like salmonella and lysteria.
People also counter any claims of the benefits of feeding a raw food diet as being purely anecdotal since no large, or even numerous small, studies have been done regarding raw food diets.
What do I think about raw food diets for dogs?
I am of the mind that less processing of our food is better.
I mean, a diet high in processed food is shown to be bad for humans. Why not for dogs too?
If a dog is eating kibble, their diet consists of 100% processed food.
Now, is it as bad as a person eating every meal from McDonalds? Definitely not.
Dog kibble is designed to be balanced so it doesn’t contain an excess of salt, sugar, and grease like fast food does.
However, processed dog food contains added preservatives that enhance product shelf life and the finished food looks nothing like the ingredients it’s made of.
What Are the Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Raw Food?
Many people who have switched their dog to a raw food diet report significant health changes, including:
- More energy
- Relief from common skin problems, especially those caused by food allergies
- A shiny coat
- Cleaner teeth
- Improved digestion
- Fresher breath
- Smaller and almost odorless poops
- Easier weight management
- Extended life and improved quality of life
What Does Feeding Your Dog Raw Food Mean?



Feeding your dog a raw food diet has become a popular trend in the last few years.
Companies that make the dog kibble people have been feeding their dogs for decades have noticed.
They’ve started making foods with “raw” on the outside of the bag, which has muddied the waters for a lot of pet owners.
The other day, my cousin messaged me saying she wanted to feed her new puppy raw dog food. I assumed she meant raw dog food like I feed Chester in Gretel.
Instead, she sent me one of the foods she was thinking of trying. It was a dog food kibble coated in powdered freeze-dried meat.
I had to explain to her that, while her example food did contain a form of raw meat, it was not a raw dog food. Let me explain.
Raw dog food is a mix of raw meat, bone, organs, and ground up veggies (and sometimes supplements like raw egg, fish oil, etc.).
The ingredients are fresh and in their natural state.
Sometimes a large batch is made all at once and then portions are frozen until you’re ready to use them but that is the only processing that is done to the food.
There are several different “models” or types of raw dog food diets but the basics stay the same – feed fresh food and don’t cook it.
There are two main ways to do this – make it yourself or buy it. That’s it.
If you are going to feed your dog raw food, those are your two options. (see the next section for more explanation on this)
However, there are some “shades of grey” between that and feeding your dog traditional kibble.
The next best thing to fresh, raw food is freeze-dried raw food.
It contains the simple ingredients of meat, bone, organs, and veggies.
It’s still considered raw even though it’s dried because it’s usually dried using a method that preserves the nutrients and enzymes in the meat.
With this method, you just reconstitute the dried food with some water and then feed it to your dog.
This is great raw food for travelling because it doesn’t require the food stay refrigerated.
It’s also lighter than any dog food out there so it’s a great option if you are taking your dog on a backpacking trip.
Further down the grey spectrum in my book are dog food powders that you reconstitute with water.
These foods usually contain a larger proportion of veggies and many contain grains like oats.
More processing goes into this food – it’s usually ground and dehydrated. But it’s still quality, whole-food ingredients and quite healthy.
Then you have kibble coated with freeze-dried raw dog food (usually meat only – no veggies) that says “raw” on the package.
Many will argue that it’s purely a marketing gimmick and that there is no additional value of this freeze-dried coating. I can’t say I disagree as it’s still processed kibble, plain and simple.
The amount of powdered meat on the outside of the kibble (or extra chunks in the food in some case) has very little added nutritional value.
However, I think some “real meat” is better than none and it probably makes that kibble taste way better to your pup.
The quality of kibble that is being coated matters too and those that are “raw coated” tend to be much higher quality than many.
As long as you understand that these foods are not actually “raw dog food”, they are a great way start venturing into the raw food world.
Should You Feed Homemade Raw or Pre-Prepared?
As I said above, if you want to feed your dog a true raw food diet, there are only two ways to do it.
You can buy all of the ingredients and make it yourself or you can buy it pre-made in frozen patties or nuggets.
Pros and cons of making your dog’s raw food
The pros of making it yourself are:
- A “feel good factor” because you are making something healthy for your dog, getting to choose and control every single ingredient yourself
- It can be cheaper if you buy meat, and other ingredients in bulk.
Cons of making raw dog food on your own include:
- Danger of not getting the nutrient mix right (it can be dangerous to your dog’s health if you don’t)
- Needing a lot of freezer space to store the meals you make and/or the ingredients.
You should also be very careful when preparing the food that the ingredients don’t “go bad” by being left out too long or coming in contact with surfaces containing bacteria.
Pros and cons of buying pre-made raw dog food
One big pro of buying premade raw dog food is that it takes the guesswork out of it for you.
According to Dr. Karen Becker, “All of the raw food diets sold in big box stores, upscale pet boutiques, and vet clinics require the same nutrient analysis testing that any other pet food undergoes in order to be AAFCO compliant”.
It’s also very convenient because all you have to do is open a package and scoop the right amount into your pet’s bowl.
Cons include:
- It can be more costly, depending on how much you need to feed a day and brand
- Still needing freezer space to store the food until you need it (but it takes less space than making the food yourself).
Since both methods are usually more costly than feeding dog kibble, the decision factor comes down to convenience for me.
I choose to buy frozen, prepared raw food for my dogs.
How to Make Feeding Raw Dog Food More Convenient



I said that buying pre-made raw dog food is the more convenient way to go, right? It is.
However, feeding a raw diet is still not as convenient as scooping some kibble out of a bin and tossing it in a bowl – you have to plan ahead a little.
However, there are ways to make it as convenient as possible.
Unless you have a lot of freezer space, you’ll be keeping fewer meals on hand than if you had a huge bag of kibble tossed in the pantry.
This means that you may have to visit the pet store more often to resupply.
I actually like shopping at the pet store. I like to wander around and look at all of the treats, toys, beds, etc. available.
However, this takes up valuable time in my schedule I could be doing something else with.
During the busy times of year for me – namely holidays and spring and summer travel season – taking the time to go shopping can be inconvenient.
The way to make buying raw dog food painless is to have it delivered to your doorstep.
If you have it set up on a regular schedule, it will arrive whether you forget to order it or not (Ahem. I may have done that once or twice).
Once the food is at your house, you can make the feeding process more seamless by:
- Thawing out enough food for 2 -3 days at a time and keeping it in the fridge.
- Putting a new batch in the fridge to thaw out the day before you’ll need it.
- If the food comes in nifty individual packets, open several and combine them into sealable container (opening those packets can be a pain at 5 am).
- Get a small freezer for your basement or garage so you can keep more food in your house at a time.
Darwin’s Natural Dog Food:Â High Quality Raw Dog Food, Delivered



One of my very favorite raw dog foods comes from Darwin’s Natural Pet Products.
Not only is it made of high-quality human-grade meats and veggies, but I can subscribe so it arrives on my doorstep at regular intervals.
The company is based here in Western Washington so I can feel good about supporting a small, local company.
I feed my Dachshund’s Chester and Gretel the Natural Selectionsâ„¢ premium line of raw dog food.
It’s made with free-range meats and organic vegetables.
All the turkey, chicken, duck, beef, or lamb used in the food was raised cage free (free-roaming), or pasture raised, or were grass fed, and are free of steroids, antibiotics, or artificial growth hormones.
Darwin’s also makes a more economical formula called ZooLogicsâ„¢ raw dog food.
It’s made with conventionally-grown beef, lamb, turkey, chicken and vegetables from the same farms that supply your supermarket.
Darwin’s formula for both lines of raw dog meals is:
- 75% meat
- 25% vegetables
- Gluten-free & grain-free
- Free of steroids, hormones, and antibiotics
- A nutritionally balanced complete meal
- High in protein, moderate in fats, and low in carbohydrates
For dogs with special needs, they also have an Intelligent Design™ line (available by prescription only) which includes a kidney, liver, cancer, and joint & musculoskeletal support formulas.
Darwin’s offers a free menu consultation (for both new and existing customers) if you are not sure what or how much to feed your dog.
Darwin’s ships their raw dog food to customers throughout the United States, and offers free home delivery to customers living in the greater Seattle Washington and Portland Oregon metropolitan areas.
Note: shipping prices for other areas of the country are calculated only on the weight of the food in your order with a small $6.50 charge per order for materials and handling.
I tried Darwin’s a few years back. I signed up with their introductory offer for new customers but went back to getting Chester and Gretel’s frozen raw dog food in person from the pet store after almost a year.
However, after trying several different brands of raw dog food, I came back to Darwin’s.
If you’ve been following us you know I like to rotate dog’s food regularly.
I still might sometimes but I don’t feel the need to it often with Darwin’s because it’s one of the highest quality prepared raw foods out there.
Disclosure: I love Darwin’s Raw Dog Food and buy it myself. However, they did send me a bonus order in exchange for writing this article. Everything I said is truly how I feel about them though. Darwin’s did not influence my opinion.






About the Author
Hi, I’m Jessica. I’ve been studying the Dachshund breed since 2007, owned 3 of my own, and shared in the lives of thousands of others through their owner’s stories. When I’m not sharing what I know on this blog, you can find me hiking, camping, and traveling with my adventurous wiener dogs.
You mentioned raw food “gives them more energy”, like that’s a GOOD thing for dachshunds??! heehee ;o)
Ha, ha. Right? Seriously. My hubby and I joked after Chester became super spunky that maybe we liked him a little more lethargic 🙂 It definitely took an adjustment.
I hardily second the recommendation for raw food, and we have been subscribers of Darwin’s since Buddy Orion become a part of our family at 3 months old. All the things you mention above are exactly the reasons we love it, he loves it (he actually races to the kitchen each morning waiting by his bowl) and smaller compact poops, he has a very shiny and silky coat, healthy teeth, etc. and tons of energy … well, he is only a year old though. Anyway, we had used a raw meaty diet with a family dog several years ago with bad allergies, and it was the diet that solved his problem … our next family dog (a Border Collie) ate a diet of grain free kibble, with some fresh bones – she lived to be 15 years old, but I do often wonder how a raw diet would have different for her. Because Buddy is small, his daily portion of food is not that large so, for us, Darwin’s has been a really good deal for us … free delivery, and whenever you want to change your date – there is no muss or fuss, they just adjust the date, it is really hassle-free. Also, I have found their customer service to be very good as well – and I was happy to find they are a local company, so it’s a win-win in my book.
We are also raw advocates, my oldest pup has been raw fed for around 7 months now and when our youngest pup came home 4 months ago she was transitioned too. We first started raw because of the amazing benefits it has but also because my oldest pup is an itchy dog. Something in kibble does not agree with her (and the fact she pretty much refused to eat it, I don’t blame her with being so itchy). Switching to raw was like the light at the end of the tunnel within days she stopped itching and become a happier and healthier dog. I’m so happy to read raw food blogs and I’m hoping that it will become more popular with the whole pet community!
I’m so glad raw food helped with the allergies. I know many people who have made the switch for the same reason.
I know the Raw Food Diet may not be for everyone and that’s okay. However, the Raw Food Diet has worked well for my doggie family. It can be a pain in the butt for me at times because I have six dogs. Three of my dogs are between 5-7lbs. The other three weigh 70lbs, 110, and 125lbs. I purchase and use several different raw food brands. I too don’t like to use the same dog food every single day for a long period of time. I like to switch their diet around every six months to year. Some of my personal favorite brands are Darwin, Raw Wild, and Stella and chewy’s (mainly for traveling). Since I have three huge dogs whom are very expensive to feed a lot of times I make my own raw dog food and freeze it. I’m lucky enough to have a very generous husband who spoils me and our furry children with their own freezer. If expense is a concern save your money for a vitamix blender! I know they’re very expensive but in the long run they will save you thousands of dollars on dog food. I also know not everyone wants to make their own a dog food. It’s just it cost me over hundred dollars a day when I have to buy a raw food diet for my big dogs!
Your dogs sound very lucky Terry 🙂 I have a Vitamiz. Do you just use it to blend the veggies or the meat too? I never thought of blending dog food in it.
I switched to Darwin’s from a different raw dog food brand and it made my dogs sick! Then I heard they had a recall on the food and I immediately took them off of it. It was back to the computer to do more research and switch their food again.
I’m sorry you had that experience George. I know they did issue a few voluntary recalls just a bit ago. I don’t worry much about voluntary recalls because they basically mean there are no serious threats but the company cares enough about pets that they don’t want to take any risks. However, some pets CAN be affected by even low levels of pathogens like salmonella.
You’re lucky that you folks probably live in the same state? I ordered once before and I would like to order again being 5 years ago when I received an order maybe $300 worth but of course shipping was about the same price as the food. Or kind of close. Let’s say $600 a month, maybe, as I don’t remember precisely what I paid but I know that shipping was around the price of my golden retriever’s food, packed in foam and dry ice, well boxed.. and not complaining just that $175 for pet insurances, rack of lambs, not as often as I need to drive 25 miles through heavy traffic to get to Whole Foods as that’s the only place that has the racks from New Zealand and mostly needs to be the New Zealand’s as their racks of lambs, the bones are smaller, (poor lambs) as those are lambs. Safeway has grass fed but much larger, thicker bones being older sheep I feel. But of course I would want Darwin’s, but it’s been a while. Would you know of pet guardians willing to pay $700 monthly? I feel it’s about what costs now would be. Thanks, I told myself to stay off this smartphone and here I go again!
Hi Gary. Yes, I do live in the same state as their company is based. I used to live in their “free delivery area” but now I do not but I’m still fairly close. I assume the delivery fee is more the further you live from Seattle and agree that those shipping costs seem a bit prohibitive. I think my total budget for food, treat, goodies, etc for my two dogs is no more than $400-$500 a month. I’m glad you were able to find some bones and meats closer to you for less.