RAW food is what dogs are biologically meant to eat. A minimally processed diet is the healthiest way to go for any species.

Dogs, like their ancestors - wolves, are primarily carnivores. For thousands of years, they ate unprocessed RAW foods that were mainly found in the wild. Over time, they evolved to digest a natural diet. The enzymes in dogs’ stomachs are meant to process RAW foods that are easily recognizable by their digestive systems. However, in the last 60 years the commercial pet food industry has changed the way dogs eat by introducing a dry, overly processed, inexpressive, unperishable dog food option that can be easily mass produced.
We may have altered dogs’ eating habits over time to better suit our needs, but their physiological and nutritional requirements have remained the same as their ancestors. Dogs still need simple, natural food that actually has an expiry date!

The processed foods we have grown accustomed to feeding our dogs are packed with undigestible grains, fillers, starch, sodium, synthetic nutrients (which are mostly flushed out without being absorbed) and other ingredients with a high glycemic index. A lot of the ingredients in kibble diets turn to sugar once digested, which increases inflammation in the body. In addition, these foods are processed at very high temperatures, which kills most nutritional values and good bacteria, causing harm to your dog’s gut. A disturbed gut can become a primary source of many health problems.

Since the diet shift towards processed foods, it is estimated that:

- 1 in 3 dogs get cancer
- 50% of dogs that are 10 years old+, will eventually develop cancer
- 56% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese (with similar stats around the world)
- Approximately 25% of dogs suffer from osteoarthritis (a type of arthritis)
- 77% of dogs treated in veterinary clinics/hospitals have a dental disease or a type of degenerative dental issue
- On average, a dog’s life expectancy has been reduced by 28%

In addition to all of this, dogs are now suffering from allergies, skin issues, yeast infections, digestive issues, diabetes, low energy, behavioral issues, obesity, pancreatic issues, kidney failures, aging too quickly…and the list goes on. All these health problems are avoidable and can be reversible, mainly through proper nutrition.

The most natural ingredient in an animal’s diet is RAW food that contains antioxidants, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, minerals, and phytochemicals. RAW foods are the building blocks to a healthy, vital life.

RAW food provides natural, whole-food nutrition that a dog’s immune system needs in order to function optimally. A raw food diet has none of the harmful components found in Kibble such as toxic chemical preservatives, excessive gluten, by-products and fillers.

Fillers (such as corn and rice) are “empty calories” which lack beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fiber and antioxidants. In other words, fillers are harmful and useless to a dog. Another type of filler often used in Kibble is soybeans - they contain phytoestrogens and phytates that prevent mineral absorption and block the enzymes the body needs to digest protein. Soy contains other anti-nutrients and should generally not be fed to your dog. “A chihuahua and a wolf have the exact same dietary needs”.

Despite changes in their physical appearance and behaviour, the physiology and digestive systems of dogs have not changed. A chihuahua and a wolf have the exact same dietary needs, despite their drastic differences in looks and temperament. If a dog has existing health issues, their condition can often be improved by switching to a raw diet. A raw food diet can help prevent some of the illnesses that are now commonly found in many dogs. Most importantly, a high-quality raw diet will help promote a long, healthy and happy life for your companion. By feeding your pet a quality raw food diet, you are ensuring they are getting essential amino acids and enzymes in their natural state and purest form. A raw food diet can provide many positive results.

Raw meats are not overly processed, which means the active nutrients are fully absorbed by a dog’s digestive system. Dogs are natural carnivores; the essential nutrients they thrive on come from animal proteins. As a main ingredient in their diet, RAW meat replicates the natural food chain to create a complete and balanced meal for your dog.

The meat dogs would have consumed as “hunters” 100 years ago is not the same as the meat we have access to today. “WE ARE WHAT WE EAT”. PLDF uses AAA, human-grade quality meats; but we also add vegetables, fruits, herbs, oils and natural supplements to build a “super food” diet. All of the other ingredients complement the raw meat blends and provide nutrients that come directly from the source, healthy fats and necessary vitamins that help dogs thrive, not just survive. With PLDF, every aspect of your dog’s health is addressed and supported through our specifically curated ingredients.

Dogs have a short digestive system and do not get as many nutrients out of eating raw vegetables as we humans do. For this reason, the vegetables your dog eats should be blanched, cooked, steamed or pureed to break down the cell walls of the plant material and make them easier to digest.

With sharp teeth and a meat drive, dogs have primarily carnivorous traits, but they also have other omnivore digestive traits with an ability to break down carbohydrates. As is the case for humans, certain carbohydrates are healthier for dogs than others. Minimally refined, sprouted, low-starch options should be prioritized.

Main benefits of raw, natural food:

- Reduced inflammation in the body
- Reduced skin and food allergies
- Shinier, healthier skin and coat
- Better muscle tone and joint health
- Firmer, less smelly poo
- Improved digestion
- Better oral health

Other health benefits include: better weight management, reduced shedding, a decrease in abnormal hyperactivity (which could be related to high sugar/sodium content in commercial pet food), less wax build up in ears, reduced flatulence and improved energy levels. Moreover, dogs who are on a RAW food diet can be expected to live longer and suffer less from disease.