🐾Raw, Real, and On All Fours: Why Fresh Feeding Is Having Its Moment
If you're part of the On All Fours family, you already know: we care for our pets like they’re family… because they are.
And just like we obsess about what we put into our bodies, the conversation around what we put in theirs is growing louder — and thankfully, smarter.
One topic rising above the noise?
Raw feeding.
Loved by many, questioned by some, and misunderstood by plenty — but absolutely worth the discussion.
Let’s break down the real deal on raw.
🐶 Why Raw Feeding Has Pet Parents Buzzing
For countless dogs, a properly balanced raw diet can offer benefits that are hard to ignore:
✨ 1. Healthier Skin & Shinier Coats
Multiple studies, including findings published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, show that high-quality raw diets support improved coat gloss, reduced shedding, and healthier skin due to increased omega-3 fatty acids and reduced filler ingredients.
✨ 2. Better Digestion
Dogs’ digestive systems are designed to process fresh, species-appropriate proteins efficiently. Raw diets often lead to:
Smaller, firmer stools
Less gas
Reduced inflammation
Research from the University of Helsinki’s DogRisk project noted improved gut microbiome diversity in dogs fed raw or minimally processed diets.
✨ 3. More Energy, More Vitality
Pet parents commonly report increased energy, better muscle development, and improved body condition scores when switching to a fresh or raw-based regimen.
✨ 4. Cleaner Teeth Naturally
Raw meaty bones and minimally processed proteins can help reduce tartar buildup — something even veterinary dental associations acknowledge when discussing chewing behaviors and natural abrasion.
At On All Fours, we’ve seen these transformations firsthand. When dogs eat better, they live better, and their joy becomes impossible to miss.
⚠️ But Let’s Keep It Real: Raw Feeding Comes With Responsibilities
We’re passionate, but we’re also practical. Raw feeding requires thoughtful handling, and here’s what every household should know:
🧽 1. Cleanliness Is Non-Negotiable
The FDA and CDC both note that raw meats can contain bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter — just like the raw chicken you prep for your own dinner.
This doesn’t make raw feeding unsafe.
It makes clean handling essential, including:
Washing hands before and after meal prep
Disinfecting counters and prep surfaces
Keeping raw ingredients chilled or frozen until use
Good news? These are the same steps you already take when preparing your family’s meals.
🧒 2. Extra Caution With Kids
Households with small children should be mindful: curious little hands love touching dog bowls.
Encourage a “dog dining zone” and clean bowls after every meal to reduce exposure risk.
🍽️ 3. Wash Your Dog’s Bowls — Every. Single. Day.
A study by the NSF ranked pet bowls as one of the top five germiest household items, often beating the kitchen sponge (yikes).
Daily washing — with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher — dramatically reduces bacterial presence.
🐕 4. Balance Matters
A raw diet must be nutritionally complete. Improper ratios of muscle meat, organs, bones, and micronutrients can lead to deficiencies.
This is where professional guidance and a well-designed recipe (like the blends we hand-craft at On All Fours) make all the difference.
🌈 Our Take? Raw Feeding Is a Beautiful Thing — When Done Right
At On All Fours, we believe in giving our pups food that fuels joy, movement, longevity, and vitality. Raw feeding isn’t a trend — it’s a return to biologically appropriate nutrition.
But it’s also a lifestyle.
And like anything worth doing, it deserves care, respect, and a steady commitment to cleanliness and balance.
If you’re curious about starting, improving, or customizing a raw diet for your fur baby, we’re always here to help — judgment-free and paws-deep in passion.
Because around here?
We eat clean, we play hard, and we love our pups fiercely.