Raw feeding in Sydney has become one of the most talked-about topics among local dog owners.
From park chats to vet visits, many pet parents are curious about whether raw diets really make a difference. Some swear their dogs thrive on a mix of fresh meat, organs, and bone — while others worry about hygiene, balance, and long-term safety.
The truth lies in understanding your dog’s individual needs, your household routine, and how to do raw feeding safely and responsibly.
This guide breaks down the real pros and cons, how to feed raw properly, when to avoid it, and what smarter alternatives are available for Sydney households.
What people mean when they say “raw”
Raw feeding usually refers to diets based on uncooked meat, edible bone, organs, and sometimes plant matter, including raw dog food as a key component. Two common styles are:
● BARF style: Muscle meat, meaty bones, organs, plus fruit, vegetables, and veg.
● Prey-model: Muscle meat, meaty bones, and organs only, no plant ingredients.
Within those, you’ll find lots of variation. Some people grind the entire mix. Others feed whole meaty bones and chunks. Some buy complete commercial raw meals. Many mix raw with kibble or gently cooked foods.
Why owners consider raw in the first place
People who switch often cite these goals:
● Better stool quality and smaller volume
● Shinier coat and healthier skin
● Fresher breath and cleaner teeth
● Increased enthusiasm at mealtimes
● Managing suspected food sensitivities
● Preference for minimally processed, natural foods
● Greater control over ingredients
Plenty of dogs do very well on high quality kibble and cooked food too. The key difference with raw is the need for strict hygiene and balanced formulation. That is where results rise or fall.
What the evidence currently supports
Research on raw diets is growing, although still uneven. Some points with support:
● Palatability tends to be high. Many dogs enjoy raw texture and aroma.
● Stool volume often reduces on higher protein, lower filler diets, which can occur with raw or with premium cooked diets.
● Chewing large raw meaty items can reduce soft plaque in some dogs. It can also damage teeth if the bone is dense.
● Micronutrient imbalances are common in home-made raw diets that are not carefully designed against recognised nutrient profiles.
● Pathogenic and antibiotic resistant bacteria are found more often in raw products and in the stools of raw-fed dogs. This increases household exposure risk.
That mix of pros and cons explains why vets and nutritionists give careful, sometimes cautious advice. It can work well when done safely and precisely, but it is not forgiving of shortcuts.
The risk list, spelled out plainly
● Bacterial contamination: Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria and E. coli can be present in raw meat. Dogs can carry and shed these bacteria, even when they look perfectly healthy. People in the household face exposure through handling and environmental contamination.
● Bone injuries: Broken teeth, choking, oesophageal blockage, constipation or perforation can occur. Weight bearing bones of large animals are the main culprits for fractures.
● Nutrient gaps or excesses: Calcium and phosphorus ratio is critical, especially for puppies. Trace minerals like iodine, zinc, copper and manganese are easy to miss. Fat soluble vitamins can be overdone with certain organs and oils.
● Pancreatitis: Diets too high in fat can trigger issues in susceptible dogs.
● Parasites: Freezing helps lower parasite risk. Wild game has higher risk than human-grade farmed meats. Australia is free of some parasites found overseas, but not all.
● Sulphite preservatives: Some pet mince in Australia contains sulphites that destroy thiamine and can cause severe deficiency. Choose human-grade meats that disclose ingredients, or raw products that confirm no sulphites.
None of these are reasons to panic. They are reasons to plan.
Food safety at home
Treat your kitchen like a small commercial prep space on raw day.
● Buy human-grade meat from reputable suppliers. If using commercial raw, look for products that state they meet AAFCO or FEDIAF profiles.
● Freeze meat for 3 to 7 days at home freezer temperatures to reduce parasite risk. Thaw in the fridge, not on the bench.
● Keep a dedicated chopping board, knife, and storage containers. Sanitise with hot water and detergent, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
● Portion meals in sealed containers. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours or freeze.
● Wash hands before and after handling. Clean bowls and feeding areas after every meal.
● Feed in a space that is easy to wipe down. Avoid letting raw-fed dogs lick faces of infants or immunocompromised people.
● Pick up stools promptly, especially in shared areas.
Simple routines like these cut risk substantially.
Bones: help or hazard?
Bones are the most polarising part of raw feeding. They can contribute to bone health by providing mineral balance and satisfying chewing. They can also cause expensive dental and gastrointestinal problems.
● Do not feed cooked bones. They splinter easily.
● Avoid dense weight bearing bones from large animals. These are the number one reason for fractured carnassial teeth.
● If you want the dental workout without fracture risk, consider raw meaty parts with plenty of soft tissue or ground raw meaty bones. Many owners find chicken frames or wings too small or risky for gulpers, so adjust to the dog.
● Supervise. Offer pieces larger than the dog can swallow whole. Take away the hard, polished ends once the good stuff is eaten.
● If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, oral surgery, crown wear, or is a determined crusher, skip whole bones altogether. Use dental chews with Veterinary Oral Health Council claims or a toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
Puppies, pregnant and lactating, and seniors
Growth and reproduction have the tightest nutrient targets in canine nutrition, especially when incorporating raw dog food. Small mistakes can have big consequences.
Puppies: Calcium to phosphorus should sit roughly between 1.1 and 1.5:1, with a steady intake day to day. Oversupply or undersupply can lead to skeletal problems, especially in large breeds. Use a recipe formulated by a qualified professional, or a commercial raw labelled complete and balanced for growth.
Pregnant and lactating females: Energy needs rise quickly. Micronutrients like calcium, iodine, copper, and DHA matter for mum and pups. Precision is non-negotiable.
Seniors: Raw can work if the dog is healthy, but dental wear, reduced immune function, kidney disease, or a history of pancreatitis often shifts the choice toward lightly cooked or gently-cooked options.
If in doubt, ask your vet for a referral to a veterinary nutritionist who can build a raw feeding or lightly cooked recipe tailored to your dog.
Working and sporting dogs
Natural raw diets can fit high output dogs, but watch:
● Energy density and fat levels across training blocks
● Recovery needs for omega 3 fatty acids
● Hydration and sodium when exercising in heat
● Consistency for gut comfort during competition
Many handlers use mixed feeding to balance practicality, with a high quality kibble base and raw toppers on lighter days.
Allergies and gut issues
Food allergies in dogs relate to proteins, not grains or carbs per se. Moving to raw may help only if the new diet avoids the trigger protein. If your dog has chronic gut trouble, raw may aggravate things during flares due to higher bacterial load. A lightly cooked elimination diet under veterinary guidance usually works better for diagnosis, then you can decide on raw later.
Building a balanced raw menu
Here is a common framework used by owners who prepare raw at home. Treat it as a starting point for discussion with a professional, not a final plan.
● 70 to 80 percent muscle meat, including heart
● 10 percent edible bone, adjusted to maintain firm but not chalky stools
● 10 percent organs, split as 5 percent liver and 5 percent other secreting organs like kidney, spleen or pancreas
● 0 to 10 percent blended plant matter, if following a BARF-style plan
Key add-ons often required:
● Omega 3: Oily fish a few times per week or a measured fish oil. Add vitamin E when using fish oil regularly.
● Iodine: Carefully dosed kelp or a formulated iodine supplement. Overdoing kelp is common.
● Manganese: Green tripe, mussels, or a supplement can cover this gap.
● Zinc and copper: Balance depends on meat choice. Beef helps zinc. Liver carries copper but do not overfeed it.
● Vitamin D: Fatty fish can help. Some meats are low.
Puppies and large breeds need tighter control than an adult pet. Recipe software and labelling claims are helpful, but a full recipe review by a veterinary nutritionist is the gold standard.
A simple example day
This is not a prescription. It illustrates proportion and variety for a healthy 20 kg adult with moderate activity.
● Morning: Mince blend of beef and kangaroo with ground chicken frames for bone content, mixed with a small amount of blended vegetables like spinach, carrot, and blueberries
● Evening: Lamb heart and turkey thigh pieces with lamb liver and kidney
● Add: Fish oil to reach EPA and DHA targets, vitamin E, and a micro-mineral mix designed for raw feeders
Watch body condition, stool quality, energy levels, coat, dental health, and bone health. Adjust fat and bone percentages as needed.
Commercial raw in Australia
The market here is active, with both frozen and freeze-dried formats. When choosing:
● Look for products that state they meet AAFCO or FEDIAF nutrient profiles for your dog’s life stage, or that have feeding trial data.
● Ask about pathogen control steps. Some use high pressure processing to reduce bacteria while keeping food raw.
● Check that no sulphite preservatives are used.
● Examine calcium sources. Are bones ground and included? Is the ratio suitable for growth if you are feeding a puppy?
If the label is vague, contact the company. Clear answers are a positive sign.
Raw, kibble, or gently cooked: a practical comparison
|
Factor |
Raw diets |
Quality kibble |
Gently cooked diets |
|
Ingredient control |
High if home prepared |
Moderate |
High if home prepared |
|
Food safety risk at home |
Higher, needs strict hygiene |
Low |
Lower than raw |
|
Nutrient balance reliability |
Variable unless professionally formulated |
High in complete products |
High if recipe is designed by a professional |
|
Dental benefits |
Possible with safe chewing, also risk of fractures |
Needs brushing or VOHC chews |
Needs brushing or VOHC chews |
|
Cost |
From moderate to high |
From low to high |
Usually high |
|
Convenience |
Lower, requires prep and freezer space |
High |
Moderate |
|
Suitability for puppies |
Only if complete and balanced for growth |
Many excellent options |
Yes with a vetted recipe |
|
Household risk to people |
Higher |
Low |
Low |
Red flags and myths
● “Dogs cannot get sick from Salmonella.” They can, and they can pass it to people without obvious signs themselves.
● “A bit of meat and a bone is balanced.” It is not. Without organ meats and the right minerals, gaps appear quickly.
● “All preservatives are bad.” Some are benign or useful. The concern here is sulphites in pet mince, which wreck thiamine.
● “If stools look fine, the diet is balanced.” Stool quality is not a reliable marker for micronutrients.
● “Kibble is all carbs and sugar.” Better kibbles use animal proteins and controlled starch. Dogs can digest starch quite well.
When raw may not be the right fit
● Households with infants, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with reduced immune function
● Dogs with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or previous oesophageal or gastric surgery
● Dogs that gulp food or have a track record of breaking teeth
● Owners who prefer low-prep feeding or cannot allocate freezer space
When raw can work well
● Healthy adult dogs with strong teeth and sensible chewing behaviour
● Owners who enjoy food prep, are serious about hygiene, and use a balanced recipe
● Situations where a specific ingredient list is needed and commercial options have failed
Smarter compromises that keep many benefits
If you like the idea of fresh food and a balanced diet but want less risk:
● Lightly cooked diets: Same ingredients as raw, but cooked to reduce bacterial load. Balance with a professional recipe.
● High pressure processed raw: Keeps the food raw while reducing pathogens.
● Mixed feeding: Pair premium kibble with safe fresh toppers like cooked lean meat, tinned sardines in spring water, steamed vegetables, or a complete raw dog food portion from a trusted brand.
● Chewing alternatives: VOHC-approved dental chews, toothbrush and paste, or rubber chew toys filled with fresh food.
Australian quirks to know
● Pet shop mince can legally contain sulphite preservatives. Choose human-grade meats or brands that state no sulphites.
● Kangaroo is lean with a strong mineral profile but can be tough on dogs needing higher fat. Pair it with fattier meats to meet energy needs.
● Pork safety is better in Australia than in many regions. Freezing still helps with general parasite control.
● Salmon poisoning disease is not a local issue, although freshwater fish fed raw can introduce other parasites. Use ocean fish and avoid feeding raw wild freshwater fish.
● Hydatids from wild game offal can be a risk. Freezing and sourcing from inspected suppliers lowers it.
Talking to your vet without arguments
Arrive with notes on your raw feeding plan, supplier details, and any recipe you intend to follow. A good conversation covers:
● Life stage suitability and any medical flags
● Your hygiene steps at home
● Precise calcium and phosphorus sources
● Plans for omega 3, vitamin E, iodine, and trace minerals
● Monitoring: body condition, stool quality, bloodwork if indicated
If your regular vet is not comfortable designing raw diets, ask for a referral to a veterinary nutritionist. Many can build raw or gently cooked plans by teleconsult across Australia.
A quick getting-started checklist
● Decide if raw suits your household and your dog’s medical history.
● Choose either a complete commercial raw or a professionally formulated home recipe.
● Stock essential hygiene gear and set up storage space.
● Source human-grade meat, organs, a safe bone plan or ground bone, and ensure the diet supports bone health.
● Add omega 3 and vitamin E as required by the recipe.
● Start gradually over 5 to 7 days, watching stools and appetite.
● Keep records: weight, body condition score, energy, coat, and any dental issues.
● Review the plan with your vet at the next check-up.
Final note on balance and flexibility
Perfection is not required, but natural consistency matters. A raw approach can suit many dogs when recipes are balanced, hygiene is tight, and bones are handled with care. For others, lightly cooked or mixed feeding gives nearly all the upsides with a calmer risk profile. The right answer is the one that protects your dog’s health, fits your lifestyle, and keeps tails wagging at mealtime.
Raw feeding in Sydney is growing fast, with more dog owners looking for natural, minimally processed options that fit the Aussie lifestyle.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning your current routine, the key is safety, balance, and choosing foods made to recognised standards.
Raw feeding isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution — it’s about finding what truly works for your dog and your lifestyle. At 77 Paws, we understand that nutrition choices come with questions, and we’re here to help. If you prefer ready-made solutions, 77 Paws stocks a curated range of complete raw and lightly-cooked options that state compliance with AAFCO/FEDIAF and align with AS 5812 guidelines
