Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Raw Feeding Your Dog: Everything You Need to Know

Learn the basics of raw feeding for dogs, including the benefits, essential ingredients, and tips for getting started. Discover how to transition your dog to a raw diet and ensure they receive balanced nutrition.

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.

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.

Unveiling the Truth: Is Raw Food Safe for Your Pet?

Is raw food safe for your pets? Veterinarian, Dr Nicole Rous, addresses the top concerns of raw pet food and shares her knowledge and references to help you make an informed decision about what is best for your pet.

What is BARF dog food?

This beginner-friendly guide introduces what a BARF diet for dogs means and the importance of feeding your dog a BARF diet. Learn about Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, its benefits and how to safely transition your pet to this natural feeding approach for optimal health benefits.

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.

The Impact of Diet on the Canine Microbiome

Explore the impact of diet on your dog's microbiome, including the benefits and considerations of a raw food diet. Learn how dietary choices influence your pet's health and digestion from canine nutritionist, Narelle Cooke.

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.

Bacteria and raw pet food

Is bacteria in raw pet food? Is bacteria in pet food bad? Yes, there is bacteria in our food and that’s part of what makes it great! Bacteria isn't all bad - it helps strengthen our pets' immunity. Explore which bacteria are safe and unsafe for pets and how to raw feed your pet safely.

The importance of an anti-inflammatory diet for dogs

Canine nutritionist, Narelle Cooke, says diet is one of the biggest contributing factors to chronic inflammation in dogs, and shares some powerful anti-inflammatory foods we can include in our dog’s diets.

Transitioning to our Big Dog Raw Diet for Cats

Cats can eat raw food. Learn how to introduce and transition a cat onto a raw food diet and all the health benefits that will come with it. Find advice, tips and tricks on the transition period to raw food for you cat. Find the best raw food option for your cat with this blog.

Mixed Protein Diets for Pets

Which meat should you feed your dog? Single protein diets are designed for dogs with sensitivities. We recommend feeding your dog a variety of proteins for the nutritional benefits of different meats and different cuts for your pet.

Supercharge Your Pet's Vitality and Wellbeing with Fasting

Did you know fasting your pets can Supercharge their Vitality And Wellbeing? Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte shows you how to fast your dog for long-term health benefits.

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

Does my dog’s diet affect their behaviour?

Narelle Cooke says a dog's diet can affect their behaviour because the essential nutrients required for hormone and neurotransmitter production come from their food.This means that a poor diet may contribute to behaviour problems in both dogs and humans.

Co-Feeding Raw and Kibble 

Explore the benefits and considerations of co-feeding raw food and kibble to your dog. Learn how to balance these diets for optimal health and digestion. Discover how to incorporate both feeding methods into your pets routine.

Benefits of vegetables for dogs

There are many safe vegetables for dogs with incredible health benefits. In appropriate amounts, vegetables can be included in your dog's diet for their valuable nutrients. When feeding vegetables to dogs, be sure to blend or mince them to ensure your dog absorbs and utilises their nutrients.

How to transition your dog to raw food easily

We always recommend a slow introduction to our raw pet food over 2 weeks. This is to minimise any potential for stomach upsets which can happen if a change in diet is sudden. A slow introduction can also help with fussy dogs. Transition your pet to raw food with this simple guide.

Why is offal important for pets?

Clare Kearney says that including a variety of different organ meats and offal into our pet food adds nutritional robustness, without synthetic nutrient supplementation. It also means the diet is much closer to what a dog or cat would naturally consume, making it tasty and varied.

What is a Raw Food Diet for Cats?

Should I feed my cat a raw food diet? Cats are obligate carnivores who thrived on eating smaller animals. A raw food diet is a species-appropriate diet for cats offering them the best food for their growth and development. Cats' gut health and digestive systems are built to break down and absorb a raw food diet to offer them the best nutrients and overall wellbeing.

Supporting Pets with Cancer: Prevention & Treatments

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, you may feel overwhelmed. You don't have to go through this journey alone. Here are tips from Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte, the Holistic vet, for prevention and treatments so you can support your beloved pet with cancer.

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.

Signs of an Unhealthy Digestive System in Dogs

Identify key symptoms of unhealthy digestion and upset stomach in dogs. See what your dogs poo means and how dog food impacts their gut health. Narelle Cooke shows us how to recognise and support your dogs digestion.

Raw feeding pet food terms explained

Learn all the raw feeding terms you may see on raw food packages or in raw dog food communities and forums. A great introduction if you're new to raw feeding or a new pet parent researching the best diet for your pet.

Health benefits of raw feeding

Raw food diets for pets are popular with pet parents now ditching the trend of processed, convenience foods for a more natural and less processed diet with multiple health benefits. Others feed their pets a raw food diet because it makes sense that if they feed themselves and their family a healthy, balanced diet, then it's logical to feed their pets in the same way. R

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.

Big Dog’s Raw Food Bulk Buy Options

Our raw dog food recipes produced in Bulk 2kg rolls are a great economical option for multi-dog households or larger breeds who need A LOT of Big Dog raw food. They are available in three of our most popular flavours – Chicken, Combo and Sensitive Skin. These 2kg Raw Food Rolls are made from the same healthy recipes as our boxes of Big Dog raw ‘patties’. Check out our bulk buy raw dog food options.

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.

Decoding dog food labels

What does your pet's food label really mean? Clare Kearney will help you decode the marketing so you can read pet food labels and understand better exactly what you are feeding your pet.

How do I Handle and Store Raw Dog Food?

Handling and storing raw dog food is much the same as handling our own food. Big Dog raw food should be kept in the freezer until you’re ready to defrost and serve it to your pet. Raw dog food is safe and healthy when stored and handled properly with these simple instructions.

'Complete and Balanced' and Raw Food - a Square Peg in a Round Hole?

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

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.

The Effects of Processed Carbohydrates on Your Dog

Are carbohydrates good for dogs? Learn all about processed carbohydrates in your dog's food. Narelle Cooke shares with us healthier alternatives and healthy carbohydrates in raw dog food.

How to support your dog’s gut during and after a course of antibiotics

Learn how to nurture and support your dog’s gut health during and after antibiotic treatment. Canine nutritionist and naturopath, Narelle Cooke, shares the best practices for caring for your pup through each stage of their antibiotics course.

Independence Training

Lara Shannon explains the importance and impact independence training can have for you and your pet to enhance your dog's autonomy and strengthen your bond together.

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.

Household dangers for your pet

Common household items we use can be dangerous for our pets. Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte shares the items that are unsafe or toxic to pets to help keep them safe.

How to help your pet live a long and happy life

Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte helps your dog live their best, fullest and longest life. From raw food nutrition to exercise, mental stimulation, healthcare and love, everything you need to give your dog the best is here.

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.

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.

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.

How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Why You Know Best

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.

Why Is My Cat Vomiting and What Does It Mean?

Why do cats throw up? What are the common causes of cat vomit, from hairballs to serious health issues. This guide to your cat's vomit will provide plenty of insight into their health and digestive system. See why your cat is vomiting.

Hydration Tips: How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water

Struggling to keep your cat hydrated? Discover tips to get your cat to drink more water and learn how a raw diet can help boost their hydration and overall health!

Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs: Are They Really on the Rise?

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.

What is your cat’s poo telling you?

Wondering what your cat's poo says about their health? Discover what different types of cat poop mean, from consistency to colour and contents, and what it could indicate about your cat’s health and well-being. We recommend your cat a fresh food diet that has high quality protein and bio-available ingredients for optimal digestion.

How can I keep my pet cool in the summer?

Keep your dog cool and comfortable this summer with expert tips on managing dogs in hot weather. Learn how to cool down a dog quickly and ensure your furry friend stays safe and happy while keeping your dog cool in summer.

Fireworks Safety for Dogs

Learn how to keep your dog calm and safe during fireworks season. Discover effective tips to reduce anxiety, prevent stress, and ensure your pup stays comfortable during noisy celebrations.

Pet Safety Over the Holidays

Keep your pets safe and happy this holiday season with our essential tips for pet safety over the holidays. Learn how to protect your furry friends from Christmas decorations, food dangers, and more for a stress-free holiday together.

Feeding raw food for your pet with sensitive skin

The solution to healthy skin for your pet may be in their diet. This Sensitive Skin recipe is formulated to support dogs with skin issues - itchy and allergies. Ditch the highly processed diets and nourish them from the inside out with raw food.

Do probiotics help dogs with anxiety?

Discover how probiotics may benefit dogs struggling with anxiety. Explore the science behind gut health, behaviour, and advice on picking the right probiotic for your dog. Find tips for incorporating probiotics into your dog's diet to promote calmness and well-being.

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 dogs poo grey?

If you have noticed your dog's poo is grey, it is important to find the cause behind this to help monitor your dog's health and aid their digestion. Grey dog poo can have a few causes, this guide provides education on digestive issues causing grey poo and what a healthy dog poo looks like.

Why is my dog eating grass?

Wondering why your dog eats grass? Find out the reasons behind this behavior, from natural instincts to potential dietary needs. Learn when it’s perfectly normal and when it might signal a need for a diet change.

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.

What food do you recommend for dogs with skin issues?

What food should you feed a dog with skin issues or allergies? If your dog is itching, feed them a diet that supports their immune system and nourishes their skin with omegas and low-allergen ingredients.

Tips for Preventing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation Anxiety and other Separation Related Behaviours affect many dogs and cats. Signs of anxiety in dogs include trembling, licking of lips, pacing, increased drooling or salivation, shaking or a decrease in appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. Separation Anxiety is a serious issue and pets don’t “just get over it”. The more they experience it, the worse it gets. Lara Shannon, dog trainer and behaviourist, shares her tips for pets with separation anxiety.

Plants and pets - safe and unsafe plants for cats and dogs

Explore our guide on safe plants for pets, learn which indoor and outdoor plants are pet friendly to create a safe and healthy environment for your cats and dogs. Learn signs and symptoms of your pets health reacting to certain plants. Understand what plants and flowers are toxic to cats and dogs.

Risks of Halloween Treats for Pets

Although Halloween chocolate and lollies may be a treat for you, it most definitely is a trick for your pets. It has been reported that during the week of Halloween, calls increase by 12%, and it is the number one date when emergency animal services are their busiest of the year. Here are some tips on how to prepare and what to avoid on Halloween to keep your pets safe.

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 does my dog smell? How can I fix it?

It’s very normal for your dog to get a bit dirty or smelly, but there can be some more serious reasons for a smelly dog. We will talk about where the smell could be coming from and how you can fix it!

Why is my dog constipated?

Finding out what is causing your dog's constipation, how to help them and when to see a vet is incredibly important in supporting their digestive system and health. This guide covers natural dog constipation remedies and long-term solutions.

The importance of dental health for your pets

Signs of dental disease in your pet can be detected and prevented early. Your pet’s dental health is extremely important for their overall health; plaque, tartar, gingivitis & dental disease can have detrimental effects on their body. See the signs of dental disease in your pet.

Digestive Enzymes for our pets

Digestive enzymes are proteins the body produces and releases in various stages of digestion, in order to break down food and absorb the nutrients it contains. Clare Kearney explains how to feed digestive enzymes to your pets and when supplementation may be required.

Rescue Dogs: How to integrate them into your family with kindness

Rescue dogs are unique in many ways. It takes special, big-hearted people who are willing to take on rescue dogs, to give them a forever home. In this article, holistic vet, Edward Bassinghwaigthe will give you all the tips to help you welcome a rescue dog into your family with kindness.

Ideal weight for dogs (and cats)

There are a lot of overweight pets out there, and sometimes pawrents just aren't aware. Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte explains how to find our if your pet is overweight, and also what is the best diet to get them to their ideal weight.

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 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.

Are you ready to raw?

Ready to switch your dog to a raw diet? Find the perfect recipe for your dog with our Product Finder, calculate portions with our Feeding Guide Calculator, and see where to buy Big Dog Pet Foods near you.

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.

Raw Bites

Learn all about Big Dog Raw Bites dog food. See how this natural, nutrient-rich option can improve your dog's health, energy, and coat.

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, when and how to monitor your pet and when you should head to your vet.

How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Why You Know Best

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.