Happy Rawgust! Everything You Need to Know About Raw Dog Food

Happy Rawgust to all those who celebrate! As far as my research has shown me, it is a globally recognized, month-long extravaganza that originated in 345 BCE… my research might not be correct… what even is this book I’m looking at?!

Moving on.

Rawgust is, as the name suggests, when we take the month of August to learn more about the raw food movement, the ins and outs of it, the benefits, and, for those interested, the places where you can purchase quality raw food for your dogs. (Hint: it’s us at Pets Etc.)

WAIT! Keep reading, or at least leave the tab open so Google gives us some credit. Still with me? Oh… nope, that’s your dog. Well, no matter! Someone is going to learn more about raw food this August. It might as well be you.

What Exactly Is Raw Dog Food?

At its core, a raw diet is designed to mimic what dogs evolved to eat before commercially cooked kibble existed: an ancestral, biologically appropriate diet.

A properly formulated, commercially complete raw diet isn't just a hunk of raw steak. It is a scientifically balanced meal that mimics whole-prey nutrition, typically containing:

• 80% Muscle Meat: For high-quality protein and essential amino acids.
• 10% Organ Meat: Nature's multivitamin (livers, kidneys, hearts) packed with vitamins and minerals.
• 10% Ground Bone: For calcium, phosphorus, and structural health.
• Pet-Safe Produce & Supplements: Wholesome greens, seeds, and healthy oils to round out the nutritional profile.

The Big Benefits of Going Raw

Pet parents don't just switch to raw food for the aesthetic—they do it because the physical transformations can be pretty remarkable. When you strip away heavy fillers and high-heat processing, here is what you often see:

• Shinier Coats & Healthier Skin: Packed with naturally occurring omega fatty acids, raw food can do absolute wonders for itchy, dry, or allergy-prone dogs.
• The "Poop Miracle": Let's be honest about dog stool. Because raw food is highly digestible with minimal fillers, your dog absorbs significantly more nutrients. The result? Smaller, firmer, and much less smelly clean-up in the backyard.
• Better Dental Health: Natural enzymes in raw food help fight plaque and tartar buildup without carbohydrates sticking to your dog's teeth.
• Leaner Muscle Mass & Steady Energy: High protein and healthy fats support healthy weight management and eliminate the "sugar crashes" associated with carb-heavy diets.

Frozen vs. Freeze-Dried: What’s the Difference?

If you are staring at our shelves wondering which type of raw food to grab, here is a quick breakdown of the two most popular formats:

Busting the Two Biggest Raw Food Myths

Myth 1: "Raw pet food is a dangerous bacterial biohazard."

The Reality: Reputable commercial raw pet food brands use rigorous food safety measures—often including High-Pressure Processing (HPP) or test-and-hold protocols—to neutralize harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli while preserving raw nutrients. Treat it just like you treat preparing raw chicken for your own dinner: wash your hands, wash the dog bowl, and practice basic kitchen hygiene.

Myth 2: "I can just feed my dog raw chicken breasts from the grocery store."

The Reality: Please don't do this! A DIY diet of plain grocery store meat is a fast track to severe nutritional deficiencies. Dogs need a very specific ratio of calcium to phosphorus, trace minerals, and vitamins that plain muscle meat simply does not provide. Always choose commercially prepared, complete and balanced formulas.

How to Make the Switch Safely

If you want to transition your dog to a full raw diet—or even just add some raw goodness to their current kibble—slow and steady wins the race.

1. The "Topper" Method (Best for Beginners): You don't have to go all-in on day one. Try swapping out 20% to 25% of your dog’s regular kibble with freeze-dried raw nuggets or thawed frozen raw. It is a budget-friendly way to introduce super-nutrition without overhauling your entire routine.
2. The Full Transition: If you are moving to a 100% raw diet, transition over 7 to 10 days by gradually increasing the ratio of raw food while decreasing their old food. Because raw food digests at a different rate than heavily processed kibble, taking it slow keeps their digestive system happy.
3. Things to Watch Out For: Keep an eye on their stool during the first week. Slight changes are normal as their gut microbiome adjusts, but if your dog has an unusually sensitive stomach, adding a spoonful of pure pumpkin or a probiotic can smooth the transition.

Celebrate Rawgust at Pets Etc.!

Whether your dog is a seasoned raw food connoisseur or you are just curious about grabbing a bag of freeze-dried toppers to see if Billy's velcro energy can get any healthier, we are your local headquarters for all things raw.

We carefully curate the brands we carry on our shelves and in our freezers—from industry leaders in raw nutrition to top-tier freeze-dried formulas. You can check out our full lineup of trusted raw dog brands anytime on our website.

Stop into our Plainfield store this August, ask our team your toughest nutrition questions, and let’s celebrate Rawgust with a bowl your dog will actually do backflips for!