We have all become so aware of what we eat, the toxins and chemicals in our lives. With many of us now choosing to live a life as clean as we can, chemical free products, and processed free diets. Experts tell us this is the key to a healthier and longer life.

In June last year I decided I needed to take action to improve my own health so I gave up sugar and all ultra-processed foods. I have never felt better. Fortunately for my dogs, I saw the light for them many years ago. After a conversation with a fellow dog walker, we decided to try a raw dog food diet for our Bull Terriers. They had struggled with skin issues and reoccurring ear infections for years, all sorts of vet treatments had proved temporary in success.

There wasn’t the access then to the variety of complete raw food options there is today. But we made the jump, a leap of faith as such, and never looked back. Their skin improved and their ear infections stopped. Our dogs looked healthier, and they had improved energy. Not sure if that’s good or bad in Bull Terriers hahaha! They now had very minimal health issues and led active and healthy lives.

I am not sure why in 2025 we still have so much ultra-processed dog food on the shelves. When there are so many benefits to raw feeding.

• Better digestion
• Better dental/oral health
• Firmer stools with less odour
• Shinier coats
• Improvement from allergies
• Better energy levels
• Improved weight control
• Improved immune system
• Reduced hyperactivity
• Improvement on behavioural issues

When a canine professional is working with a dog. It is imperative they look at the dog as a whole and not just the training or behaviour issue the client is having. At the Guild we actively promote a holistic approach to dog training. We know that gut health has a direct impact on the mental well-being of our dogs. Raw food contains natural enzymes that help digestion, this reduces the likelihood of digestive issues that can affect a dog’s mood and energy.

So when working with a dog, we encourage owners to make the change and feed their dogs raw. Unnecessary additives, preservatives, poor quality proteins, and high levels of carbohydrates can create all sorts of issues for our dogs mental, and physical health. In many cases the diet change alone can improve behaviour issues significantly. Dogs become more balanced, calm with improved cognitive abilities.

Clare Drew, 18th April 2025