February 28, 2025 3 min read

As pet owners, we want our furry friends to live long, healthy lives. Unfortunately, many common health issues in dogs and cats stem from poor nutrition especially highly processed commercial pet foods. A species-appropriate raw diet can significantly improve overall health and prevent frequent trips to the vet. Here are seven of the most common vet visits that may be avoided with a balanced raw food diet.

 

1. Dental Disease

Dental problems—such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay—are some of the most common reasons pets visit the vet. Despite popular belief, kibble does not effectively clean teeth and can actually contribute to tartar buildup.

Feeding a raw diet, especially incorporating raw meaty bones, helps naturally scrape teeth clean, reducing plaque, freshening breath, and lowering the risk of periodontal disease.


2. Obesity

Obesity in pets can lead to serious health issues, including diabetes, joint pain, and heart disease. Many commercial pet foods contain excessive carbohydrates and fillers that contribute to weight gain. A raw diet, rich in high-quality proteins and healthy fats, helps maintain a lean body condition and balanced metabolism, keeping your pet at a healthy weight.

Need help with portion sizes? Use our Feeding Calculator to determine the right amount for your pet.

Looking for more weight management tips? Read our Weight Management Blog for guidance on achieving a healthy weight with raw feeding.

Want to understand fat and protein content in our blends? Check out our blogs on Fat Content and Protein Content to learn more.

By choosing a nutrient-dense raw diet, you’re giving your pet the best chance at a long, active, and healthy life!


3. Allergies & Skin Conditions

Itchy skin, hot spots, excessive shedding, and chronic ear infections are often linked to food allergies and sensitivities caused by artificial additives, grains, and low-quality proteins in commercial pet food. Switching to a raw diet eliminates many common allergens, helping to reduce irritation and promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, and fewer allergic reactions.

Learn more about how raw feeding can help allergies: Read our blog

Looking for extra support? Our Itchy & Allergy Supplement is packed with natural ingredients to soothe irritation and support skin health.


4. Ear Infections

Recurring ear infections are frequently caused by food sensitivities and excessive yeast growth due to high-carb diets. Since kibble often contains starchy fillers, it can feed yeast and bacteria, leading to chronic ear issues. A raw diet, free of unnecessary carbs and artificial ingredients, helps prevent yeast overgrowth and keeps ears clean and infection-free.


5. Digestive Issues (Diarrhea, Vomiting, Gas)

Loose stools, vomiting, bloating and excessive gas are often signs of digestive issues caused by the artificial additives, grains and low-quality proteins found in processed pet foods. Switching to a raw diet provides natural enzymes, probiotics and biologically appropriate nutrients that help improve digestion, reduce bloating and promote stool consistency.

Learn more about how raw feeding can improve digestion: Read our blog

Looking for extra support? Our Healthy Gut and Digestive Paste are packed with natural ingredients to support gut health and provide relief from digestive discomfort.


6. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) & Kidney Issues

Many pets, especially cats, develop UTIs and kidney disease due to chronic dehydration from dry kibble. Since cats have a low thirst drive, they rely on food for hydration. A moisture-rich raw diet helps maintain proper hydration, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections, bladder stones and kidney problems.


7. Arthritis & Joint Problems

Inflammation from processed foods can contribute to joint pain and arthritis in aging pets. A raw diet, often rich in natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin from raw bones and cartilage, helps support joint health and mobility, reducing the need for pain medications and vet visits.

Looking for extra support? Our Healthy Joints supplement is packed with natural ingredients to promote joint health, while our Herring Oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids. For an additional boost, try our Fermented Goat Milk, available in a variety of flavours, to support your pet's overall wellness.

 

Switching to a raw food diet can provide numerous health benefits for your pet, helping to prevent many common illnesses and reducing the need for frequent vet visits. However, it's essential to ensure your pet's raw diet is properly balanced to provide all necessary nutrients. Consulting a holistic vet or pet nutritionist can help you create a diet plan tailored to your pet's specific needs.


By feeding a biologically appropriate raw diet, you are not just giving your pet better nutrition you are investing in their long-term health and happiness.