Why Raw Diets Improve Dog Digestion Long-Term

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
6 min read

Improved Digestion: Firmer stools, fewer stomach problems, and better nutrient absorption.
Natural Ingredients: High-quality proteins, organ meats, and plant-based fibers promote gut health.
Gut Health: Encourages good bacteria and balances the microbiome.
Convenience: Freeze-dried raw food retains nutrients, simplifies storage, and meets AAFCO standards.

Switching to a raw diet should be gradual, and consulting a vet ensures a balanced transition. Freeze-dried options, like those from Loyal Saints, offer an easy way to provide nutrient-rich meals while supporting long-term digestive health.

How Dogs Digest Food

Basic Dog Digestive System

Dogs are built to process natural, whole ingredients with ease. Their digestive systems include short tracts and highly acidic stomachs (pH 1–2), which quickly break down raw proteins and eliminate harmful pathogens. The process starts in the mouth, though dogs do little chewing or enzymatic breakdown since they often gulp their food. Nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, while the large intestine handles fiber and maintains gut health. This system works perfectly with a nutrient-rich raw diet that matches a dog's biological needs. But what happens when processed foods enter the picture?

"We prioritize thoughtful formulations that not only nourish your pet but also enhance their vitality and happiness. By focusing on optimal nutrition, we help ensure that every pet thrives, enjoying an active and flourishing life." - Loyal Saints

Problems with Processed Dog Food

Processed foods disrupt this natural efficiency. Commercial kibble and other heavily processed options often contain artificial preservatives, fillers, and synthetic additives. These ingredients can cause a range of issues, such as:

Issue	Cause	Impact
Poor Nutrient Absorption	Synthetic additives and fillers	Digestion becomes less effective, leading to larger portion needs
Digestive Sensitivities	Artificial preservatives	Stomach upset and irregular bowel movements
Gut Flora Imbalance	Processed ingredients	Fewer beneficial bacteria, weakening immunity

Switching to a raw diet has shown clear benefits. For example, one pet owner shared:

"We have already noticed a huge improvement in some of the stomach issues we were noticing on his previous food. Excited to see how else this new food benefits Nefarian." - NefariansMom

Natural, unprocessed ingredients can help reduce allergens and sensitivities while improving digestion. Many dogs on raw diets need smaller portions because their bodies can absorb nutrients more efficiently. These insights highlight the importance of feeding dogs in a way that aligns with their natural biology.

Main Parts of Raw Dog Diets

Protein Sources and Key Nutrients

Raw dog diets rely heavily on high-quality proteins, which are crucial for building strong muscles and maintaining energy levels. These diets typically include muscle meat, organ meats, and bones - closely resembling what dogs would eat in the wild.

"Packed with high-quality proteins to help maintain strength, agility, and lasting energy."

The Role of Natural Ingredients

Natural ingredients play a big role in improving digestion. When dogs eat whole, unprocessed foods, their bodies can absorb nutrients more efficiently. As one pet owner shared:

"Finally a nutrition-packed food for Toby without all the added gunk! He loves it and it shows in his coat." - Wanda W.

Plant-Based Components

Carefully chosen fruits and vegetables provide fiber and other nutrients that aid digestion. These plant-based additions help maintain a healthy gut, promote smooth digestion, and encourage regular bowel movements - offering benefits that processed foods often lack.

"Includes nature-derived nutrients and wholesome fibers to support a healthy gut and smooth digestion."

This combination of proteins, natural ingredients, and plant-based components creates a balanced diet, supporting better nutrient absorption and overall gut health.

How Raw Diets Help Digestion

Better Nutrient Absorption

Raw diets keep vitamins, minerals, and proteins intact, making them easier for the body to absorb. Unlike processed kibble that loses nutrients during high-temperature cooking, raw food retains its natural nutritional value, helping dogs get the most out of their meals.

Supporting Gut Health

A raw diet naturally encourages the growth of good bacteria in the gut. This helps maintain a balanced microbiome, which plays a key role in smooth digestion and can even help with common digestive problems.

Smaller, Firmer Stools

Dogs on raw diets often have smaller, firmer, and more regular stools. Why? Raw food focuses on digestible ingredients and avoids fillers, allowing for better nutrient extraction and reducing stool volume and odor.

Together, these benefits show how raw diets can promote healthier digestion and overall gut health in dogs.

Starting a Raw Diet

Gradual Transition Plan

Switching your dog to a raw diet should be done step by step to avoid upsetting their stomach. Here's a simple plan to follow:

Week 1: Mix 25% raw food with 75% of their current food. Keep an eye on how they respond.
Week 2: Adjust to 50% raw food and 50% current food. Again, monitor their reaction.
Week 3: Move to 75% raw food and 25% current food. Continue observing for any changes.
Week 4: Transition to 100% raw food. Watch carefully for any signs of discomfort or improvement.

Throughout this process, pay close attention to how your dog is adjusting and make changes if needed.

What to Look For: Success or Problems

Once fully switched, keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and health. Signs that they’re thriving on the new diet include better digestion, a shinier coat, smaller and firmer stools, steady energy levels, and eagerness at mealtime. On the flip side, watch for issues like persistent stomach upset, loss of appetite, sluggishness, vomiting, or diarrhea. These could signal that adjustments are needed.

Involving Your Vet

Your veterinarian is an important partner in this process. They can evaluate your dog’s health, recommend nutritional adjustments based on age and activity, and create a tailored plan. Make sure to follow guidelines like those set by AAFCO to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet. Regular check-ups during the transition will help ensure your dog’s health stays on track.

The 411 on Freeze Dried Dog Food & Treats

Freeze-Dried Raw Food Options

When considering raw diets for pets, freeze-dried options offer a practical solution that combines convenience with the benefits of raw feeding. Freeze-dried raw dog food makes it easier for pet owners to provide a raw diet without the hassle of refrigeration or preparation.

Why Choose Freeze-Dried Food?

Freeze-drying locks in nutrients and flavor while simplifying storage and serving. Here are some standout benefits:

Long shelf life without needing refrigeration
Retains nutrient-rich profiles of raw ingredients
Easy to measure and store
Less processed compared to traditional kibble
Perfect for travel and on-the-go feeding

This method keeps the natural nutritional value intact, promoting better nutrient absorption and supporting digestive health.

Loyal Saints Freeze-Dried Raw Food

Loyal Saints has built a strong reputation for its freeze-dried raw dog food, boasting a flawless 5.0/5 rating from 42 verified reviews. Their products use human-grade ingredients to ensure balanced nutrition and support digestive well-being.

What sets Loyal Saints apart? Let's take a look:

Feature	Why It Matters
Human-grade ingredients	Delivers top-quality nutrition for pets
AAFCO-approved formula	Meets standards for complete nutrition
No additives or fillers	Keeps the food nutrient-dense
Wholesome fibers	Promotes healthy digestion
Veterinarian approved	Backed by expert recommendations

Pet owners frequently report noticeable improvements in their dogs' digestion. One customer shared their experience:

"In less than a week my dog made the full transition and won't even look at her old food so safe to say it's a hit. Thank you" – Brady.

Switching to freeze-dried food is often seamless, with many dogs adapting quickly and enjoying the new diet format.

Wrapping It Up

Raw diets can be a game-changer for your dog's digestion. Packed with natural ingredients, these diets align well with your dog's system. Brands like Loyal Saints stand out by offering AAFCO-approved, human-grade nutrition that prioritizes quality.

We've covered the digestive perks and practical tips for starting a raw diet. Whether you go for traditional raw meals or freeze-dried options, the focus should always be on quality and a smooth transition.

Here are some quick tips to help you get started:

Talk to your vet: Get advice tailored to your dog's unique needs.
Pick trusted brands: Look for AAFCO-approved options made with whole, natural ingredients.
Take it slow: Gradually introduce the raw diet to give your dog's system time to adjust.

Studies suggest raw diets can boost nutrient absorption and support gut health. With the right approach and high-quality food, your dog can enjoy better digestion and overall health for the long haul.