Guides

Top 10 raw feeding rules

Looking to start raw feeding your dog? Here are 10 of the most important tips, tricks and rules to follow. Ensure you're feeding your dog a complete and balanced raw diet with these rules and ratios.

Hidden sugars in commercial pet foods

Determining the amount of carbohydrate in your dog's diet isn't straightforward - but it's easy once you know how to spot hidden sugars in your pet's food with Narelle Cooke's advice.

The evolution of dogs and a species appropriate diet

Dogs have evolved and differentiated physically quite substantially over time. It is undeniable that a German Shepherd and a Chihuahua look vastly different, but does this mean they are as diverse on the inside? Replicate your dog's natural diet with raw food.

What to Feed a Dog with a Sensitive Stomach?

Does your dog have a sensitive stomach? Foods don’t seem to agree with your dog? Signs and symptoms of a sensitive stomach in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, gas, and nausea.

Bioavailability and nutrition

Is raw food easier for dogs to digest and use nutrients? Maximise nutritional benefits through raw feeding and understand how processing changes the bioavailability of dog food.

A guide to raw feeding your puppy

Discover raw food for your puppy to support healthy growth, digestion, and immunity. Perfect for beginners, our guide teaches safe feeding and portion guides to raise a happy, healthy puppy with Big Dog raw food.

Digestion rates, stomach acidity and co-feeding your pet

Want to understand digestion rates and stomach acidity in pets? Wondering if you can feed kibble and raw together? Dr Duncan Houston shares the health benefits of feeding your dog raw food with their kibble.

How to introduce your dog to raw food

Starting your pet on a raw food diet? We recommend that dogs are introduced to a new food slowly over two weeks to minimise digestive upsets. Adding a probiotic for dogs to their food can help make the transition much smoother. See all of our tips in this guide.

'Complete and Balanced' and raw food

A complete and balanced raw food diet for dogs usually looks different to processed diets; Narelle Cooke helps you to choose the right raw food option for your pet.

Can you feed raw eggs to dogs and cats

Eggs for dogs? Can you treat your pets to some raw egg? Yes, you can feed your pet raw egg - they are a good source of protein and have a range of vitamins and minerals. Discover the health benefits of raw eggs for cats and dogs and how to safely incorporate them into your pet's diet.

A beginner's guide to raw dog food

Not sure where to start with raw dog food? This beginner-friendly guide shows you how to introduce your dog to a raw diet and ongoing healthy feeding advice.

The Whole Dog Approach

Consider the whole dog approach to providing your pet with the most happiest, healthiest life. Learn from the expert, Lara Shannon, what synergistic role a raw diet for your pet can have on their life.

Which Big Dog raw food recipe is right for my dog?

How do you choose the right raw food recipe for your dog? Big Dog Pet Foods' broad range has something for every dog. See which healthy raw food diets for dogs are right for your dog.

DIY balanced raw food diets

Home-made pet food is gaining popularity as our beautiful pets continue to be regarded as members of the family. Making your pet's food gives you full visibility over the quality of the ingredients that make up their diet. Here is your guide to DIY to help you get the balance right when it comes to making your pet's food yourself.

Natural ways to keep your dog's teeth clean

Dr Nicole Rous tells us it's so important to keep your pet's teeth healthy, and chronic dental disease is not good for their overall health: it causes chronic pain, puts pressure on every organ and not to mention creates bad dog breath! Dr Nicole shares her advice on natural ways you can keep your dog's teeth clean.

Nose to tail eating for dogs and cats

Clare Kearney delves into the concept of nose-to-tail eating for dogs and cats. This sustainable model of pet food is the best way to mimic your pet’s natural diet. See why nose-to-tail feeding for pets is a popular holistic approach to pet food.

Elimination Diets for Dogs – The Big Dog Way

Trying an elimination diet for your dog? Elimination diets are a great way to discover if your dog has a food allergy or sensitive or preferences with their food. Learn the best way to do an elimination diet with your dog.

Should I give my dog probiotic foods or supplements?

Is it best to feed your dog probiotic foods or give a probiotic supplement? Big Dog put the pro in probiotics; the biggest difference between probiotic foods and supplements is that probiotic supplements will often use strains at therapeutic levels, based on documented research, whereas probiotic foods are generally great at promoting a diverse microbiome.

Raw feeding your kitten

Raw food for cats has gained popularity as pet parents are researching healthy options for their pets. It's easy to feed your kitten raw food and Big Dog Pet Foods has over 20 years experience in this area, so we're happy to share our knowledge on raw feeding for kittens here.

Which single meat protein diet is right for my dog?

Find the perfect single protein dog food and see the benefits of various options from single protein goat for dogs, single protein turkey for dogs and single protein kangaroo for dogs. A single protein diet may help dogs with itchy skin and allergies.

Raw feeding rundown with animal nutritionist

Raw Feeding Rundown with Animal Nutritionist, Narelle Cooke. Your introduction to raw pet food and the benefits it provides your pet, how to find the best raw food for your dog and how to introduce raw food to your dog.

The vet industry is progressing with their acceptance of fresh food feeding

More vets these days are either tolerant or supportive of feeding fresh food to pets. Why are vets supportive of raw feeding pets these days? Safety and balance is key, as outlined by Dr Nicole in this article.

Pancreatitis in dogs and why diet choices matter

Pancreatitis in dogs explained by a veterinarian, covering symptoms, causes, and how diet choices impact pancreatic health. Learn why fat consistency, digestibility, and reducing ultra-processed foods matter for prevention and long-term management.

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Dog

Veterinarian, Dr Nicole Rous, shares a guide to five simple New Year's resolutions that improve your dog's health, happiness and longevity through nutrition, enrichment, movement and routine.

Types of dog vomit and what it means (vomit guide)

Why is my dog vomiting? There are different reasons and different types of dog vomit, dogs can vomit yellow foam, food contents etc. Dr Nicole Rous helps you work out why your dog is vomiting and when you should head to your vet.

Why dogs fear storms and what you can do to calm them

Help your dog stay calm this storm season. It's commonf for pets to be anxious during storms; Veterinarian, Dr Nicole Rous explains why pets sense storms early and how diet, probiotics, and care can ease their anxiety.

Supporting vital organ health in dogs through nutrition

Dr Nicole Rous explains how nutrition supports your dog's liver and kidney health. Discover vet-approved foods and feeding tips to protect your pet's vital organs long-term to help minimise the risk kidney disease or liver disease.

How much should I feed my dog?

Wondering how much to feed your dog? Learn simple vet-approved guidelines from, Dr Nicole Rous, and why you know your dog best when it comes to portion sizes.

Can cats eat raw bones?

Not sure if raw bones are safe for cats? Veterinarian Dr. Nicole Rous shares expert advice to help you discover why raw bones can support your cat’s dental health, digestion, and mental wellbeing, plus which bones are best.

Veterinary Guide to Dog Joint Health: Evidence-Based Arthritis Tips

Discover evidence-based, vet-informed strategies to manage dog arthritis from diet and supplements to exercise, meds, and joint health tips with Dr Nicole Rous.

How to Help Your Dog Gain Weight the Healthy Way

Learn how to help your dog gain weight the healthy way with practical, nutrition focused strategies. Discover the role of gut health, fresh food, and stress management in supporting safe, sustainable weight gain with Dr Nicole Rous' advice.

The 3-3-3 rule of adopting a rescue dog

Wondering how to integrate a rescue dog to your home? Dr. Nicole Rous explains how to do the 3-3-3 Rule for rescue dogs, a vet’s guide to easing anxiety, building trust, and supporting gut-brain health in your rescue dog’s first 3 days, weeks and months in their new home.

How to tell if your cat is sick?

Learn how to tell if your cat is sick or in pain. Cats are experts at hiding illness, so recognising subtle signs early is key to keeping your feline friend healthy. Learn how to tell if your cat is sick with Dr Nicole Rous.

Sensitive stomachs in dogs

Are sensitive stomachs in dogs on the rise, or are we just more aware of them? From stress and diet to environmental toxins and gut health, Dr Nicole Rous discusses the key factors behind digestive issues in dogs and how to support their well-being with balanced nutrition and proactive care.

The neutering debate: when is the right time to desex your dog?

When should you desex your dog? Explore the latest research on the timing of desexing your dog and its impact on health, behaviour, and well-being. Veterinarian, Dr Nicole Rous, explains how hormones affect growth, mental health, cancer risks, and more.

Does my dog need to be wormed? An evidence-based approach

Learn about worm infestations in dogs, their types, symptoms, and risks. Dr Nicole Rous explains how to keep your pet healthy with a balanced approach to worming or deworming.

How to Manage Multiple Dogs in One Household and Reduce Conflicts

Learn how to foster harmony in a multi-dog household by understanding canine behavior, recognising body language, and preventing stress and anxiety for a peaceful living environment with multiple dogs, with Lara Shannon.

Why your dog isn’t eating and how to help

Why is your dog not eating their food? Discover why your dog may struggle with new food transitions, especially when moving from processed diets, and explore common reasons for picky eating. Learn practical tips with Lara Shannon.

Monoclonal antibody medicines - understanding the risks for pets

Discover the risks of monoclonal antibody (mAb) medicines, a treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs. Learn about potential side effects, alternative treatments, and when to consider using mAb Medication for your dog with Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte.

Understanding Liver Disease in Pets: How Diet Can Make a Difference

Common signs of liver disease in dogs, from loss of appetite and vomiting to jaundice, seizures, and abdominal fluid retention. Dr Nicole Rous says you can manage and prevent liver disease in dogs with early detection, proper treatment, and a diet rich in liver-supportive nutrients.

The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets: A Veterinarian’s Perspective

Are medicinal mushrooms good for dogs and cats? Dr Nicole Rous explores immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and gut health benefits that medicinal mushrooms can have for your pet. Plus how medicinal mushrooms can support pets during cancer treatment.

Understanding the Early Signs of Liver Disease in Pets

Early signs of liver disease in dogs, from loss of appetite and vomiting to jaundice, seizures, and abdominal fluid retention. Dr Nicole Rous says you can manage liver disease in dogs with early detection, liver support diet and regular vet check-ups.

Why Is my dog itchy? Understanding the causes and solutions

"Why is my dog so itchy?" It's a common concern, and understanding the reasons behind it can help you manage your dog's discomfort. How much itching is normal, common causes of itching, if it's an allergy, and management strategies, focusing on diet and holistic care. By Dr Nicole Rous.

Liver Disease in Dogs: Early Signs and Symptoms, Holistic Prevention and Treatment

Learn about dog liver disease from holistic veterinarian Dr. Edward Bassingthwaighte. Discover early symptoms, causes, and natural treatment options including diet, herbs, and liver support for dogs

Ketogenic Diets for Dogs

A keto diet consists of high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate ratios in the diet. Dr. Nicole explains how research is demonstrating keto’s potential benefits for various health conditions in both humans and now in pets, including epilepsy, metabolic disorders, and potentially cancer.

Busting the top 10 myths about raw feeding

Is raw dog food good for dogs? Is raw dog food safe? Vet, Dr Nicole Rous, debunks the top 10 raw dog food myths with scientific research. See how a raw diet for our pets isn't a trend; it's a return to their natural diet.

A veterinarian's approach to itchy skin in dogs

Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte has a 5-step approach to treating allergies and itchy dogs. This includes natural remedies, dietary and lifestyle changes, and his advice on medication for itchy dogs.

Holistic Approaches to Calming Dog Anxiety and Stress

Veterinarian, Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte explains the early signs of anxiety in dogs, and the importance of early intervention. Understand the four major expressions of anxiety ”fight, flight, freeze, and fidget” to help prevent mild symptoms naturally and holistically from escalating into severe problems.

Energy Healing - The Ultimate Adjunctive Therapy for Pets?

Energy healing is a holistic practice where it can promote physical and emotional healing. Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte explores his journey with energy healing therapies and how they've become an integral part of his veterinary practice. He explores the benefits of energy therapies and how it can reduce pain, anxiety, improves mood, sleep and more.

The naturopathic approach to reducing pain and inflammation in dogs

Are you noticing joint issues with your dog? Naturopath, Dominique McGuire, explains how a balanced raw food diet plays a crucial role in keeping your pet active, healthy, and arthritis-free.

Understanding and healing ear infections in dogs

Ear infections in dogs can be hard to get to the bottom of. Veterinarian, Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte, explains what causes ear infections in dogs, how to avoid or prevent ear infections in dogs, and also how to treat ear infections in dogs.

Tick and Flea Treatments = Rocks and Hard Places

All pet parents need to consider tick and flea treatment, but with so many options how do you know what to choose and when it’s necessary? Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte shares his knowledge on fleas and ticks, the risks, the symptoms and, most importantly, tick and flea prevention and protection.

Why is my dog's poo green?

Learning why your dogs poo is green is a great way to monitor your dog’s health. This guide will give you insight to the causes of green dog poo and how to manage this. This guide also provides education on what a healthy dog poo looks like.

How to make your home truly pet-friendly

Transform your home into a safe, pet-friendly one with these tips on pet-proofing, and choosing safe, non-toxic materials, cleaning products and plants for your dog. See which common items are toxic to dogs to avoid them.

DCM and Heart Disease in Dogs and the Role Diet Plays

Understand the link between DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) and heart disease in dogs and how diet plays a crucial role. Explore insights on nutrition including raw feeding options and what to discuss with you vet to support your dogs heath health. Dr Duncan Houston helps you enhance your pets overall wellbeing and life with the right diet.

Caring for a senior dog

As our dogs age, they become an inseparable part of our families and our loyal companions, and we want nothing but the best for them. But how do we ensure that they age gracefully and enjoy their golden years to the fullest? In this article Canine Nutritionist Narelle Cooke will dive in to all the aspects of the best senior dog food.

Detox signs, symptoms and support for our pets

Our pets' bodies are in a constant state of detoxification. Support your dog's natural detox response with gut health, weight management and, liver and kidney support. Learn what's normal pet detox and when they need extra support.

Physical and mental exercise for dogs

Mental and physical exercise are incredibly important in providing your dog with the stimulation and health benefits they need to thrive. Find effective strategies and ideas on how to add physical and mental exercise to your dogs life to keep them healthy, engaged and mentally stimulated.

When to say goodbye and how to grieve your pet

It’s important that you make sure that you are emotionally strong enough to let your old friend go. Your dogs love you more than anything, so they will hang around for you no matter how much it hurts. Sometimes you might need a trusted friend of vet help you if you feel too emotionally close and entangled to be able to make a good decision. Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte says there are a range of signs that the time is close, or already here. This article shares his veterinary advice on the topic.

How light and exercise can boost your pet’s health

Is natural light important for pets? Will blue light affect my dog’s sleep? Veterinarian, Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte explains the importance of the circadian rhythms for animals to coordinate their activities with the day/night cycle, and it also regulates and coordinates many internal processes.

Leaky gut and the importance of diet for dogs with allergies

Support leaky gut and allergies in dogs with allergy-friendly raw diets. Canine Nutritionist, Narelle Cooke, shares her advice to support your dog with leaky gut and allergies.

Does my dog need a probiotic?

Wondering if your dog needs to take probiotics? Learn the benefits of probiotics for dogs and why they should be part of your pet's daily routine. Find out how to choose the right probiotic that works with your pet's needs.

Supporting pets with cancer: prevention and treatments

Help your pet with cancer with Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte's advice. Tips for preventing cancer in pets as well as cancer treatment options for your pet.

Keep your pets safe during storm season

Storm season is scary for dogs with many dogs experiencing some type of distress. Learn how to keep your pet safe during storms and what to do if your dog escapes during a storm.

What's your dog’s poo telling you?

Learning the three C’s of your dog’s number 2’s is a great way to monitor your dog’s health. This guide on your dog's poo will provide insight in their health. You should be looking for a light to dark brown colour in your dog’s stools, they should also be firm and easy to pick up – the perfect poo.

Grooming your pets

Grooming your pets is an important part of pet care. This guide provides advice on grooming for your pets including skin, coat and nails.

Ultimate guide to superfoods and supplements for dogs

Does my dog need a supplement? Holistic veterinarian, Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte, shares his advice on superfoods and regular fridge or pantry items you can use to boost your pet’s diet, as well as the types of supplements that are actually beneficial for your pet.

Why is my dog’s poo white?

Learn why your dog's poo might be white with this educational guide. From diet changes to health concerns, explore common causes and when to seek veterinary advice regarding white dog poo. This guide also informs you on what healthy dog poo looks like.

Enrichment for Weight Management

Is your dog at a healthy weight? Weight management is an important part of a dog's overall health and longevity. A healthy diet and regular exercise are key factors for weight loss and management. Here are some tips on how to manage your dog's weight loss through enrichment toys and diet.

The impact of processing on the nutrient content of pet foods

Processing methods affect the nutritional value of pet foods and different techniques that preserve or diminish essential nutrients for your pet's health. Narelle Cooke, explains the difference between processed, cooked pet foods and a raw dog food diet.

Weight Management for Pets

Weight management for pets is an important part of pet healthcare. Research suggests over 40% of Australian dogs and 30% of cats are overweight (McGreevy et al., 2005) and it may be interesting to learn that the health implications from obesity are similar for our furry friends as they are for us. Integrative Veterinarian, Dr Nicole Rous, shares her advice on weight management for pets.

Managing your pet's itchy skin

Why is my pet itchy? How can I stop my pet from scratching? How you can tell what your pet is allergic to and how can you help relieve their itch? Dr Duncan provides veterinary advice for managing your pet's allergies.

Complete guide to dog joint pain and prevention

Is your dog experience joint pain? Learn the signs and symptoms of join pain in dogs and how to ease these. Discover effective strategies for prevention of joint pain in dogs and explore insights on holistic pet care to enhance your dog's mobility and overall wellbeing.

Are probiotics good for itchy dogs?

Can probiotics help itchy dogs? Big Dog Soothe and Support probiotic uses a combination of specific strains to improve skin and coat condition, and help your dog's itchy skin and allergies.

The Pet Obesity Epidemic

Over 40% of dogs in Australia are considered overweight or obese which can have long-term health impacts. Lara Shannon says, it seems that many pet owners are either unaware (or in denial) that their dog is overweight.

Weight to go! Low fat diets for dogs

Our simple guide to weight loss for dogs. Recommendations for raw, low fat dog foods and a handy guide to monitor your dog's weight. There can be lots of reason why dogs gain weight – this guide makes weight loss for dogs simple and healthy.

Which probiotic supplement is right for my dog?

Which probiotic supplement is right for my dog? Big Dog has a range of quality probiotics targeted to meet the needs of your dog. Big Dog Probiotics use specific strains with documented health benefits to cater for different needs. There’s a Big Dog probiotic for every dog.

How to avoid the dangers of over-vaccination (But still keep your pets safe from diseases)

Learn essential tips to avoid over-vaccinating your dog, with risks and benefits of vaccinating and how to discuss this with your vet to ensure the best growth and development for your dog. Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte helps pet parents make informed decisions regarding your dogs vaccination to keep them happy and healthy.

A Game Changer for Probiotics in Dog Health

Have you heard about microencapsulated probiotics for dogs? Learn how microencapsulation can unlock natural health benefits and protect beneficial bacteria from heat, moisture, and stomach acids to ensure your dog's probiotic reaches their gut.

Chlorophyll Water Recipe

Add hydration to your pups diet with a chlorophyll water recipe for dogs from Chefs & Dogs. Find nutritional benefits and an easy to follow recipe guide on how to make this hydration booster for dogs at home. It's a simple, easy recipe for dogs that you can make yourself.

Common Christmas foods dogs can’t have

A list of unsafe foods for pets at Christmas lunch (and all year round). There are many ‘human foods’ that are safe for pets, but there are a few foods that are unsafe for our pets, with some foods being extremely toxic.

Top 4 tips to naturally manage anxiety in pets

Veterinarian, Dr Nicole Rous shares her top four tips for natural ways to manage anxiety in pets. It’s common for pets to display anxious behaviour, many dogs will require medication to treat anxiety, but there are lots of natural options available that may help improve the quality of life for pets and reduce the need for medication.

Nourish Nutrition: your guide to Big Dog's specialised care range

Discover Big Dog's Specialised Care range. Learn how targeted nutrition and purpose-built recipes support dogs with unique health and wellness needs.

What's in a Big Dog Raw Diet

Our Big Dog Pet Foods raw food recipes are packed with the nutrients needed to keep your pet healthy and happy. Explore what makes up the Big Dog Diet.

Transform your dog's health

Feed your pet the natural way. Big Dog Pet Foods is convenient, affordable raw food, scientifically formulated for healthier digestion, shinier coats, and longer lives.

A lifelong raw feeding trial

Can my dog eat raw food their whole life? Big Dog Raw Foods has fed dogs a fresh, raw diet since 2000. See the lifelong testimonial and veterinary notes of a senior Labrador, Napoleon.

Big Dog's Complete Guide for Pet Parents!

Check out our FREE Ultimate Guide for Pet Parents. A comprehensive guide from industry experts to help you raise a healthy puppy or settle a rescue dog into your home

Complete and balanced by nature

The term “complete and balanced” causes a lot of confusion in pet food. But it was designed to give pet parents confidence that they are feeding food that is nutritionally sound. So how is the term "complete and balanced" defined? Learn about how to provide your pets with the best diet possible, naturally.

Fresh dog food reviews

Is raw food good for dogs? Is raw dog food popular? Check out these reviews of Big Dog Pet Foods.

25 Years of Happy, Healthy Pets by Chris Essex

'25 Years of Happy, Healthy Pets' by Chris, Owner, Founder and Managing Director of Big Dog Pet Foods.

How Big Dog is made: minimal processing, maximum nutrition

How is Big Dog raw food made? With high quality ingredients, minimally processed to retain maximum nutrition for pets to replicate their natural diet. Big Dog raw food’s manufacturing process is simple and safe in controlled temperatures with strict quality control.

Quality and Safety at Big Dog

Is Big Dog Raw Food safe for pets? Big Dog Pet Foods have been making raw food for pets for over 25 years with trusted suppliers and strict quality control to ensure the safety of our raw pet food. See Big Dog's quality and safety processes outlined here.

Feeding Guides Explained

Most pet parents get very confused when it comes to how much to feed their pet. This will help you understand feeding guides on pet food labels, and the right amount of food to feed your pet.

A guide to raw feeding your puppy

Discover raw food for your puppy to support healthy growth, digestion, and immunity. Perfect for beginners, our guide teaches safe feeding and portion guides to raise a happy, healthy puppy with Big Dog raw food.

Types of dog vomit and what it means (vomit guide)

Why is my dog vomiting? There are different reasons and different types of dog vomit, dogs can vomit yellow foam, food contents etc. Dr Nicole Rous helps you work out why your dog is vomiting and when you should head to your vet.

How much should I feed my dog?

Wondering how much to feed your dog? Learn simple vet-approved guidelines from, Dr Nicole Rous, and why you know your dog best when it comes to portion sizes.

How do I store and thaw raw dog food rolls?

Raw dog food is safe and healthy when stored and handled correctly. We share the best practices for storing and thawing Big Dog’s raw dog food rolls to keep your pet’s meal fresh and safe.

How much does it cost to feed my dog a raw food diet?

How much does a raw diet for dogs cost? Big Dog Pet Foods makes healthy food accessible for all dogs with affordable raw dog food recipes. You can feed your 10kg dog a high quality diet for as little as $3.50 per day.

Can dogs eat raw bones?

Dogs can eat raw bones, including raw chicken bones. This guide will help you choose the right bone for your dog's size and needs, and how to feed bones safely.

How to determine the carbohydrate content of commercial dog food

Why aren't carbohydrates listed on some pet foods? Working out how much carbohydrates are hidden in your pet food is easy with this simple calculation.

What's your dog’s poo telling you?

Learning the three C’s of your dog’s number 2’s is a great way to monitor your dog’s health. This guide on your dog's poo will provide insight in their health. You should be looking for a light to dark brown colour in your dog’s stools, they should also be firm and easy to pick up – the perfect poo.

How to tell if your pet's weight is in the healthy range

Is your pet overweight? Weight gain is one of the primary drivers of many chronic health conditions in pets seen today and weight loss can similarly be a sign of ill health. This guide will help you determine if your pet is a healthy weight and tips and tricks to help your dog lose weight.