The Ultimate Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs & Cats

At Sash & Pepps, we believe your pets are family. That is why we stock a curated selection of the UK’s leading raw food brands. In this guide, we will explore the benefits, the vital difference between "complete" and "complementary" meals, and the premium ranges we offer to help your furry friends thrive.

What is Raw Feeding?

Often referred to as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), raw feeding involves a diet of uncooked meat, edible bones, and organs. It is designed to mimic what a dog or cat would naturally eat in the wild, providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients without the fillers, grains, or artificial preservatives found in processed kibble.

The Benefits of a Raw Diet

Switching to raw can lead to noticeable improvements in your pet's overall wellbeing:

• Improved Digestion: Raw food is highly digestible, which often results in smaller, firmer, and less odorous stools.
• Healthier Skin & Coat: Natural oils and fats help to reduce itching and create a soft, glossy shine.
• Superior Dental Health: Chewing on raw food and bones can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup naturally.
• Weight Management: High protein and low carbohydrate levels make it easier to maintain a healthy weight and lean muscle.
• Increased Energy: Many owners report that their pets have more stamina and a more stable temperament.

Complete vs. Complementary: What is the Difference?

When browsing our raw range, you will notice two main categories. Understanding these is crucial for your pet’s long-term health:

Complete Raw Food

A complete meal is formulated to contain every single nutrient, vitamin, and mineral your pet needs to stay healthy. You can feed these as a sole source of nutrition without needing to add anything else. Most "Complete" ranges use a 80/10/10 ratio (80% meat, 10% bone, 10% offal) often with added vegetables or superfoods.

Complementary Raw Food

Complementary foods are not a full meal on their own. They might be pure meat or specific cuts that lack the necessary balance of bone or organs. These are fantastic for "DIY" feeders who like to mix their own recipes or as a nutritious topper to other meals.

Our Premium Brands

We have handpicked brands that prioritise quality and transparency:

• We have handpicked the best brands in the UK to ensure your pets receive high-quality, human-grade nutrition. Click the links below to explore our full ranges and find the perfect match for your dog or cat.

• Nutriment Raw Food: Famous for their "Enhanced Raw Formula", Nutriment combines British meats with superfoods like spirulina and bilberry. It is a fantastic choice for supporting immune health. [Shop our Nutriment Range]
• Naked Dog: If you prefer a "no-nonsense" approach, Naked Dog offers simple, honest ingredients. Their "Original" and "Pure" selections make raw feeding effortless for any owner. [Browse Naked Dog Products]
• Mersey Raw: A brilliant local option focusing on high-quality minces. Mersey Raw provides a variety of proteins that are both nutritious and highly palatable for fussy eaters. [View Mersey Raw Selection]
• Durham Animal Feeds (DAF): As one of the most established names in the industry, Durham Animal Feeds offers an incredible variety of proteins and offal, perfect for those who like to customise their pet's diet. [Explore Durham Animal Feeds]
• Natures Menu: With decades of experience, Natures Menu provides easy-to-serve raw nuggets and blocks. This is often the go-to brand for those just starting their raw feeding journey. [Shop Natures Menu Raw]
• Kiezebrink: For pets with specific allergies or for owners looking for exotic proteins, Kiezebrink offers specialist options and "whole prey" items that are hard to find elsewhere. [Check Kiezebrink Stock]

Get Raw Food Delivered to Your Door

We know that lugging heavy boxes of frozen food isn't always easy. To make life simpler, Sash & Pepps now offer delivery for Nutriment and Naked Dog products!

• Minimum Order: 5kg
• Delivery Fee: £7.99
• Free Delivery: For all orders weighing over 20kg

Whether you are a seasoned "BARF" pro or just starting your journey, our team is here to help you choose the perfect menu.

Frequently Asked Questions about Raw Feeding

Is raw feeding safe for my dog or cat?

Yes, when done correctly. Dogs and cats have shorter, more acidic digestive tracts than humans, which are designed to handle the bacteria found in raw meat. We stock high-quality, reputable brands like Nutriment and Natures Menu that follow strict safety protocols and use human-grade ingredients to ensure every meal is safe and nutritious.

What is the difference between complete and complementary raw food?

A complete raw meal contains the precise balance of meat, bone, offal, and often vegetables or minerals required for a healthy diet. You can feed this every day without adding anything else. Complementary foods are meant to be mixed with other ingredients or fed as a treat, as they do not provide a full range of nutrients on their own.

Can I switch my pet to a raw diet immediately?

While many pets transition easily, we usually recommend a gradual switch over 7 to 10 days. Start by introducing small amounts of raw food alongside their current diet to allow their digestive system to adapt. Our team at Sash & Pepps can provide a tailored plan to help your pet transition smoothly.

Does Sash & Pepps offer raw food delivery?

We certainly do! We now offer delivery for Nutriment and Naked Dog products. There is a minimum order of 6kg with a delivery fee of £7.99. To help you save, we provide FREE delivery for all orders weighing over 20kg.

Is raw feeding more expensive than kibble?

While the initial cost may seem higher, raw feeding is incredibly nutrient-dense, meaning you often need to feed less by volume. Many owners also find they save money in the long run on vet bills due to improved dental health, reduced allergies, and better weight management.