We'd been wanting to switch our two Labs onto a raw food diet for a while but weren't really sure how to go about it. We'd heard about the benefits of a raw diet but many of the websites championing it were confusing and over-detailed with talk about different minerals, nutrients, etc.
In 2020, a Langford Village dog-owner told us about Bicester Raw, the new pet food shop in town, our wait to switch diets was over.
We visited as soon as we could and the staff were super helpful. We told them about our dogs: their age, weight, health, activity levels, etc, and they talked us through the types of food that would be best for them and how much to feed to reduce, maintain or gain weight.
The shop has many different raw foods in stock, you can buy bags of meat that are complete nutrition for your pet. Turns out that feeding raw is actually really easy.
As well as the meat packs (of which there are many varieties), they also stock many healthy/natural treats and snacks. Our two absolutely love a couple of sprats with their dinner and they go crazy for the occasional marrow bone to chew on.
Price-wise, we've found it to be about the same as feeding James Wellbeloved kibble, which is what we used before.
Raw food works for our dogs
We've seen a real difference in our dogs since they've started eating raw. Their poo is much smaller and more regular, our older Lab has more energy and has lost weight. Their coats are shinier and their teeth cleaner.
Switching away from bags of kibble has made us realise we can feed our dogs a variety of things, and they love it. We occasionally break an egg into their dinner, chop up some fruit & veggies, or chuck in some sprats or other fish.
The only downside really is that you need some freezer space to keep it in.
Check out the Bicester Raw website for more info.