Big Dog
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Big Dog Raw Food
Big Dog is a leading Australian manufacturer of raw food diets for dogs, founded on the principle that natural, minimally processed nutrition is key to a long and healthy life. As pioneers of the Biologically-Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet in Australia, their recipes are scientifically formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition. Big Dog raw food is crafted in their Queensland facility using 100% Australian human-grade ingredients, including high-quality meat, crushed bone, offal, and a carefully selected mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other health-boosting ingredients.
The Big Dog raw food range caters for dogs of all ages and dietary needs. Their core range offers mixed-protein options, as well as single-protein options for dogs with food sensitivities, such as kangaroo and turkey. The Kangaroo variety is also suitable for adult dogs requiring a low-fat diet. Big Dog provides a convenient and nutritionally sound way for pet parents to embrace the benefits of a raw food diet.
Key Benefits of Big Dog
- Scientifically Formulated BARF Diet: Big Dog recipes are developed by a team of food scientists and nutritionists to be complete and balanced.
- 100% Australian Human-Grade Ingredients: All meat, offal, bone, fruits, and vegetables are sourced from Australian producers.
- Gut Health Support: Every Big Dog portion contains a unique blend of prebiotics and probiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Natural Source of Nutrients: By using crushed real bone and vitamin-rich offal, Big Dog provides a natural and highly bioavailable source of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth.
Big Dog FAQs
Is Big Dog a complete and balanced diet?
Yes, all Big Dog raw food recipes are formulated to be complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards. This means they can be fed as your dog’s sole diet without the need for additional supplementation, as they contain all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your dog needs for their specific life stage. Most varieties are suitable for both puppies as well as adult dogs, but some, like the Kanga variety are suitable only for adult dogs, so be sure to check the product description and packaging.
Why does Big Dog include fruit and vegetables in their food?
While a biologically-appropriate raw food diet is primarily meat-based, the inclusion of fresh fruit and vegetables provides a natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. These plant-based ingredients support immune health, aid in digestion, and provide antioxidants that help protect the body from cellular damage. This mimics the gut content of prey animals that a dog's wild ancestors would have consumed.
How do I safely handle and feed Big Dog raw food?
Proper food hygiene is essential when feeding a raw diet. Keep Big Dog food frozen until you are ready to prepare them. Thaw the required number of portions in a sealed container in the refrigerator, away from human food. Once thawed, the food should be consumed within 24 hours. Always wash your hands, utensils, surfaces, and your dog's food bowl thoroughly with hot, soapy water after coming into contact with raw meat.
How do I transition my pet to Big Dog raw food?
Switching your pet to a new food, especially a raw diet, should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. If you are introducing raw food for the first time, we recommend a slow transition over a period of at least 14 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the thawed Big Dog raw food (about 25%) with your pet’s current food (75%). Every few days, gradually increase the amount of Big Dog while decreasing the old food, until you are feeding 100% Big Dog. Monitor your pet’s stools during this time; if they become loose, simply slow down the transition period. For more detailed advice, you can read our guide on how to change your pet's food.