Products in Focus - Dog & Cat Food
8th February 2025
I used to make our dog's and cats' food from scratch, every week. I would buy the bones, meat and offal from our free range butcher, source spirulina and other superfoods from UHP, the veggies from the organic farm, and other bits and pieces from other stores, and spend a few hours each week chopping, mixing and portioning out the food. It was raw (which is biologically appropriate for dogs and cats), and it was labour intensive.
While it was great to know I was doing something to help them maintain good health, it was time consuming, messy, and required a level of commitment I struggled to maintain in some weeks. I started looking for alternatives, and tried several brands of frozen raw dog and cat food. We now buy Dr B’s Frozen Raw Food for the Hub because we feel that it is a good product, and better than most on the market.
We’ve been using Dr B’s Frozen Raw Food for both our dogs and cats for several years now, and it has made a real difference to their overall health and well-being. Developed by Dr Ian Billinghurst, a Tasmanian vet known for promoting raw feeding, this food follows the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet, focusing on fresh, natural ingredients that support optimal nutrition.
Why Choose Raw Food Over Processed Diets?
Many commercial pet foods, especially dry kibble, are highly processed and often contain preservatives, artificial colours, and flavours. These additives can disrupt normal metabolic functions and trigger inflammatory pathways in pets. Additionally, the high-heat processing methods used in making kibble can damage fats, leading to the formation of free radicals that cause oxidative stress. This oxidative stress can damage cells and is associated with chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Furthermore, many processed pet foods contain grains, which are not a natural part of dogs' and cats' diets. Grains can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to conditions like leaky gut syndrome. This condition allows bacteria, undigested foods, and toxins to leak into the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic inflammation and contributing to diseases such as diabetes and Cushing's disease.
In contrast, a raw food diet provides essential nutrients in their natural state, supporting better digestion, healthier skin and coats, and improved energy levels.
A Variety of Options for Different Needs
One of the things we appreciate is the range of frozen raw varieties available for both dogs and cats. Each option is formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet, so you don’t need to worry about adding supplements.
🐕 Dog Varieties:
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Beef – A rich source of protein with essential nutrients
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Lamb – Great for dogs with sensitivities to chicken or beef
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Kangaroo – A lean, novel protein ideal for weight management
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Chicken – A lighter option for dogs that do well on poultry
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Combo – A mix of different proteins for variety and balanced nutrition
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Lite – A lower-fat option, suitable for less active or overweight dogs
🐈 Cat Varieties:
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Turkey – A great protein source, well-suited to feline dietary needs
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Kangaroo – A lean and high-protein option, ideal for active or overweight cats
Who Can Eat It? Age Suitability
Dr B’s Frozen Raw Food is suitable for dogs and cats of all life stages, from puppies and kittens to adults and seniors. There are specific feeding guidelines for each stage:
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Puppies & Kittens – Can be fed from weaning, with portions adjusted for rapid growth.
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Adults – Maintains overall health with a balanced diet.
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Seniors – Provides easily digestible nutrition, especially beneficial for ageing pets.
If you’re transitioning a puppy or kitten to raw for the first time, it’s always best to introduce it gradually and monitor their digestion.
Do You Need to Feed Anything Else?
Dr B’s is formulated to be a complete and balanced diet, meaning it provides all the essential nutrients pets need. However, depending on individual preferences and dietary needs, you can:
✔ Add raw meaty bones (for dental health, especially in dogs)
✔ Include occasional fresh treats like sardines, eggs, or plain yoghurt for variety
✔ Provide fresh water at all times
What We’ve Noticed Since Switching
Since transitioning our dog and cats to a raw diet, we’ve seen some clear improvements:
✔ Better digestion – More consistent stools and fewer stomach upsets
✔ Healthier skin and shinier coats – Their fur looks and feels noticeably softer
✔ More energy and playfulness – Especially in our older pets
✔ Good dental health – The raw diet seems to help with cleaner teeth
Convenient and Easy to Use
The pre-portioned frozen patties make raw feeding much easier than expected. Just defrost and serve, with no complicated prep required. The food also has a good texture that our pets enjoy, and we’ve found it to be less messy than other raw options we’ve tried.
Final Thoughts
Raw feeding isn’t for everyone, but if you’re considering it, Dr B’s makes it approachable and well-balanced. With a variety of options for both dogs and cats, it’s been a great way for us to provide fresh, natural nutrition.