Raw and Fresh Feeding

Why We Feed Raw and Fresh – And Why You Might Want To, Too

After a deep dive into the scientific and behavioural benefits of raw feeding, we made the switch back in 2012 — and haven’t looked back since.

Oslo, our first Elkhound, transitioned to a raw and fresh diet at 10 years old and thrived on it for the rest of his life. Our girls have been raised on raw and fresh food since they joined us at 8 weeks old — it’s all they’ve ever known, and they’re thriving because of it.

Nusa and Cuba - patiently waiting for dinner time!

Why We Love Raw Feeding

We’ve seen the benefits first-hand:

✔ Shiny, healthy coats

✔ Clean teeth and fresh breath

✔ Steady energy levels and overall vitality

✔ Firmer, smaller, less smelly poos (we’re not sorry for saying it!)

✔ Happy, eager eaters with better digestion, who love every mealtime

It’s not just about what goes in — it’s about how your dog feels and functions every day.

What This Means for Your Puppy

Your puppy will be weaned onto a balanced raw and fresh diet and will be confidently eating raw meals by the time they go home with you.

We’ll provide:

• A detailed list of what your puppy has been eating

• Guidance on how to continue or transition (if you plan to feed something different)

• Trusted brand and supplier recommendations (Australia-based and beyond)

• Practical tips on feeding raw safely, affordably, and stress-free

And no pressure — while we love raw feeding and would always prefer it for the dogs we breed, we understand it’s not for every household.

What Is Raw and Fresh Feeding (aka BARF)?

BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food — a feeding philosophy based on what dogs and cats are naturally designed to eat. It focuses on real, unprocessed, nutrient-dense ingredients.

BARF Diet Basics

A typical BARF diet includes:

• Muscle Meat – the foundation of every meal

• Raw Meaty Bones – for calcium, phosphorus, and dental health

• Organs (Offal) – like liver, kidney, and heart, packed with essential nutrients

• Fruits and Vegetables – small amounts to provide fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins

It steers clear of preservatives and additives whenever feasible, emphasizing wholesome nutrition. The diet is designed to resemble what a dog would naturally consume in the wild, but with a more refined and freezer-friendly approach. Variety is crucial! We personally switch between meals we completely make ourselves—this involves measuring the mince and offal, blending fruits and vegetables for easy digestion, and adding supplements and vitamins—to pre-made BARF meals like Canine Country or combining raw meat with Lenny's Kitchen dog muesli.

But Is It Safe?

Yes — when done correctly. It’s important to follow hygiene practices, handle raw meat safely, and ensure the diet is balanced. We’re happy to walk you through it. It might feel daunting at first, but we promise — once you get into a rhythm, it’s very easy and the health benefits are definitely worth it!

Want to Learn More?

If you're curious about raw feeding and want to learn more, we’re always happy to chat or point you toward great resources. At Sanucu Norwegian Elkhounds, we’re passionate about supporting our puppy families with practical, flexible guidance. Our main goal is: happy, healthy, thriving dogs.

Blog by Sanucu Elkhounds