At some point, many dog owners reach the same crossroads: You’ve left kibble behind, you're fully committed to feeding real food, now the question is how that food should be prepared. Raw, or gently cooked?
It’s a decision that sounds simple on the surface but touches on everything from digestion and immunity to long-term health outcomes. And it’s not just a matter of personal philosophy, it’s about what actually works for your dog’s biology.
Raw feeding appeals to those drawn to ancestral-style nutrition with minimal interference, nothing “unnatural,” and a belief that raw is closer to what dogs were built to eat. But gently cooked diets offer something different: a science-backed approach that softens proteins and starches just enough to unlock nutrients, without stripping meals of their natural integrity.
Let’s explore the science, the risks, and the realities so you can make the best choice for your dog with confidence.