Raw feeding isn’t just a trend; it’s a return to giving your pet the nutrition they deserve. That’s why we’re unpacking what a raw food diet is all about, including how it works, why it matters, and the ways it can boost your pet’s well-being from the inside out.

Whether you're aiming for a full dietary shift or simply adding fresh ingredients to the bowl, we're here to help you nourish your four-legged family members the way nature intended.

What is raw feeding?

Raw feeding is a nutrition approach that mimics your pet’s natural diet in the wild, replacing processed foods with fresh, uncooked ingredients (including muscle meat, organs, and bones; fruits and vegetables; and sometimes herbs, dairy, whole grains, and vitamin supplements). In pet food, “raw” is a broad term that can apply to pre-made frozen raw, DIY raw, and raw food alternatives, including freeze-dried, air-dried, and dehydrated diets.

Although sales of conventional pet food still dominate the market, growth has been slow at 2-4% compared with 20% for other pet foods (e.g. fresh and dehydrated). In 2015, “natural” pet food was reported to have captured 58% of the $13 billion spent in the U.S. “pet specialty” market, and many pet parents are willing to spend two to eight times as much for raw, minimally processed food compared to kibble. In fact, fresh food diets represent a growing portion of the pet food industry, with a market share expected to reach $11.2 billion by 2027.

What types of raw food diets are there?

BARF (“Biologically Appropriate Raw Food”) Diet: The BARF diet is primarily made up of fresh, raw meat and bones, as well as any combination of produce, dairy, whole grains, and vitamin supplements. To be considered nutritionally complete, a BARF diet must include a specific ratio of ingredients derived from both animals and plants. Most of the commercial frozen raw or dehydrated raw diets at your local pet store are formulated based on this model and meet nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or National Research Council (NRC).

Raw-Meat Based Diets (RMBDs): RMBDs are primarily made up of uncooked raw meat, organs, and bones with no additional ingredients (including fruits and vegetables). As a result, RMBDs are not always nutritionally complete and may require adding supplements to ensure your pet receives all necessary vitamins and minerals. RMBDs can be homemade or purchased commercially and usually follow the 80/10/10 ratio: 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ (split between liver and another secreting organ, like kidney or spleen).

Whole Prey Model (PMR) Diet: The PMR diet provides dogs with a natural diet that mimics what their ancestors consumed. A complete PMR diet is based on whole, wild prey animals — including fur or feathers, organs, glands, blood, and the intestinal tract — and does not include plant ingredients. “Franken Prey” is another term used for raw feeders who follow PMR ratio guidelines but don’t feed whole, intact prey animals. Instead, they include multiple protein sources and different ingredients in each meal.

What does “biologically appropriate pet food” mean?

“Biologically appropriate pet food” refers to food designed to meet the natural, evolutionary dietary needs of your pet. For dogs, this includes a diet high in animal proteins and fats with minimal carbohydrates, while cats require high-protein, meat-based nutrition.

Smack is based on the BARF diet and is formulated to replicate what your pet would consume in the wild. The primary aim of this diet is to provide nutrients in their most natural and bioavailable form.

What are the benefits of a raw food diet?

According to research, dogs prefer foods with nutrient profiles closer to those of a wild wolf diet, raising the possibility those fed kibble might face physiological or metabolic challenges. Cats are strict, obligate carnivores with characteristic dentition and a short digestive tract. This means they rely on animal tissue for nutrients and require a high protein diet with lots of taurine.

Many pet parents who feed a raw diet report substantial improvements in their dog or cat’s general health and demeanor following the transition, including:

• Strengthened immune system: A few examples of natural, immune-boosting ingredients are muscle meat, fruits and vegetables, and certain superfoods.
• Healthier skin and a softer, shinier coat: Raw diets contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health. Raw, meaty bones — often fed to dogs and cats on a raw diet — are commonly known as “nature’s toothbrush.”
• Cleaner teeth and fresher breath: Poor dental hygiene can often be attributed to poor diet, especially when it comes to foods that are heavily processed or high in carbohydrates. Raw food contains natural live enzymes and good bacteria that help prevent tartar and plaque buildup. Raw, meaty bones can also scrape plaque off teeth and support healthy gums.
• Stronger bones: Dry pet food is often packed with artificial additives and low-quality protein that contributes to inflammation. Raw diets provide the essential nutrients often lost in processed foods and are a natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen.
• Improved digestion and a healthier gut microbiome: Raw foods are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes regular bowel movements. The enzymes present in raw foods can also assist in breaking down food more efficiently, reducing the risk of digestive issues.
• Easy weight management: A diet rich in raw foods is often lower in calories and higher in fiber, which can contribute to weight loss or maintenance.
• Increased vitality: Many pet parents who feed a raw diet report improved vitality. This boost in energy can be attributed to the high nutrient density and absence of heavy, processed foods.
• Alleviated allergy symptoms: Many veterinarians and animal researchers, like Dr. Anna Hielm-Björkman (DVM, University of Helsinki), note that raw diets can help alleviate pets' allergies. 

Is feeding my pet a raw food diet dangerous?

Smack puts pets first, which is why we’ve never had a product recall. Our recipes are dehydrated using a low-temperature process that protects beneficial enzymes while killing harmful pathogens, providing all the benefits of a raw food diet in a safe, shelf-stable form.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding raw diets is nutrient deficiency. While this is more possible with DIY or homemade diets, most commercial pet food brands sold in Canada — including Smack — meet AAFCO or NRC requirements for complete and balanced nutrition.

How do I transition my pet to a raw food diet?

The key to a successful diet transition is to go slow. If you’re taking your pet off kibble and putting them on Smack, we recommend paying attention to how they respond and increasing the new food gradually over a period of two weeks. 

*If you feed your dog one cup of dry food per day, for example, start with 1/4 cup of Smack added to 3/4 cup of the outgoing diet. If your pet experiences loose stool, wait until it firms up to continue the transition. 

Can I feed my pet kibble and raw at the same time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s been proven even adding as little as 20% of fresh food to your pet’s diet can improve their overall health (this is often referred to as a “hybrid diet”). However, if the portion of fresh food exceeds 20% of the overall diet long term, then the fresh food will need to be nutritionally balanced, or you’ll need to include a vitamin supplement to guarantee a complete nutrient profile.

Why should I feed my pet Smack?

At Smack, we pride ourselves on formulating the best quality food for your pet. For 18 years, we’ve simplified raw feeding by offering pet parents the benefits of fresh food with the scoop-and-serve convenience of kibble — no fridge, freezer, or calculations required! Here’s what sets us apart from other raw alternatives on the market:

• High quality ingredients: Our dog and cat recipes are handcrafted with 100% natural, whole food ingredients sourced from reputable farms — including organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables — and proteins raised without the use of hormones, antibiotics, drugs, or preservatives.
• No fillers or synthetics: Smack is made with a short list of the world’s best superfood ingredients and doesn’t contain any fillers, such as legumes, lentils, peas, soy, corn, wheat, gluten, or grain.
• Easy to serve, convenient to store: While fresh food tends to take up valuable fridge and freezer space, Smack is easy to serve, offers convenient storage, and has a shelf-life of 18 months.
• A safe, healthy choice: Our low-temperature dehydration process protects beneficial enzymes while killing harmful pathogens, providing all the benefits of a raw food diet in a safe, shelf-stable form. Each bag of Smack is also backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. 
• Cost-effective alternative: Smack costs up to five times less than other raw food alternatives.
• Appeals to picky eaters: Our whole-prey proteins are packed with meat and cater to pets’ natural preferences in taste, aroma, texture, and colour.
• Offers versatility: Smack can be used as a complete meal, nutritious food topper, or high-value treat.

As a bonus, our recipes have just been upgraded to include even more health benefits in every bite! We’ve carefully selected a few new superfoods — including organic kelp, shiitake mushrooms, and marine microalgae oil — to elevate your pet’s nutrition using only the best all-natural ingredients.

If you’re considering a raw food diet for your pet, we recommend our Meal Variety Pack for Dogs and Meal Variety Pack for Cats as an easy (and delicious!) starting point. These bundles contain 250g/210g bags of each Smack recipe, making them perfect for picky eaters, rotational feeding, or simply finding your pet’s favourite! 

1. Bartges, J., Gaylord, L., and Raditic, D (2025). “Commercial Fresh Pet Food Diets.” https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/TVP-2025-0102_Commercial-Fresh-Food.pdf.
2. Buffington C. A. “Dry foods and risk of disease in cats.” The Canadian Veterinary Journal. 49(6). 561–563. 
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6. Stevens, C.E., and Hume. I (1995). Comparative physiology of the vertebrate digestive system. Cambridge University Press. Pp. 400.
7. Institute for Feed Education & Resources (2025). “Pet Food Production and Ingredient Analysis.”