Seasonal Wellness: Raw Feeding Strategies to Boost Immunity Through Winter

As winter sets in, dogs face colder temperatures, shorter daylight, and increased exposure to indoor pathogens. For proactive pet owners, adjusting your dog’s diet to support immune health is essential. A raw feeding approach, rich in natural nutrients and high-quality protein, can significantly enhance resilience during the colder months.

The Winter Immune Challenge

Winter often brings more time indoors, closer contact with other pets, and exposure to viruses and bacteria. Shorter daylight hours can affect circadian rhythms, potentially influencing immune function. Maintaining a robust immune system is key to helping your dog navigate these seasonal challenges.

Raw Diet: A Natural Immunity Booster

A raw diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods that naturally support immune health:

• High-Quality Protein: Muscle meats like chicken, beef, lamb, rabbit, and fish provide essential amino acids that support the production of antibodies and immune cells. Protein also maintains lean muscle mass, crucial for overall resilience.

• Fatty Acids: Fatty proteins such as salmon or sardines provide omega-3s, which help regulate inflammation and enhance immune function.

• Vitamins & Minerals: Raw meats and organ meats are rich in vitamins (A, D, E, B-complex) and trace minerals like zinc and selenium, all critical for immune support.

• Digestive Enzymes & Bioactive Nutrients: Raw foods contain natural enzymes and compounds that aid digestion and optimize nutrient absorption, ensuring your dog can access the full spectrum of immune-supporting nutrients.

Microbiome & Immunity

Around 70–90% of a dog’s immune system resides in the gut. Feeding a raw diet rich in whole meats, organs, and natural components promotes a diverse and balanced gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome helps the body fight infections, regulate inflammation, and absorb nutrients efficiently - key to maintaining immune resilience through winter.

Real-Life Raw Success Stories

Astro & Bhavika
Astro, a 5-year-old German Shepherd, struggled with skin and eye allergies, ear infections, and a sensitive stomach. Frequent vet visits and steroid creams became the norm. After switching to a Raw Essentials diet, his skin cleared, eyes brightened, diarrhoea stopped, and his immune system greatly improved. Vet visits became limited to yearly check-ins, and medications were no longer required. His coat even filled in on his stomach!

Zelda & Natalie
Zelda had inflamed skin on her feet and belly due to grass allergies and sensitivities to common meats. Transitioning to a raw diet gradually helped identify triggers while improving her gut and immune health. Redness and itching disappeared, her skin became stronger, and she now enjoys a varied diet including goat, hare, rabbit, salmon, and venison. Supplements recommended by our Raw Essentials Vet further enhanced her skin, coat, and overall wellbeing.

These stories demonstrate how species-appropriate raw diets can support immunity, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health.

Winter Feeding Strategies

To help dogs thrive through winter:

• Increase Caloric Intake Slightly: Cold weather increases energy needs. Adjust portions as necessary to maintain weight and energy.

• Focus on Nutrient-Dense Proteins: Beef, lamb, rabbit, and fatty fish provide essential amino acids, fatty acids, and micronutrients.

• Maintain Hydration: Even in winter, fresh water is vital for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.

• Include Organ Meats: Liver, kidney, and other organs provide concentrated vitamins and minerals essential for immune support.

Final Thoughts

A raw diet rich in high-quality protein, organs, and natural nutrients helps support immune resilience, gut health, and overall vitality. Winter is an ideal time to prioritize preventive nutrition, ensuring your dog maintains strong immunity and energy throughout the season. Always consult your veterinarian when making dietary changes, particularly for dogs with pre-existing conditions.

References:

• Raubenheimer D, Machovsky-Capuska GE, et al. Australian Veterinary Journal, 2016.

• Hendriks WH, Tarttelin MF. Nutrient composition of moist cat and dog foods sold in New Zealand, Proc Nutr Soc NZ, 1997.

• Davies M, Alborough R, et al. Mineral analysis of complete dog and cat foods in the UK, Sci Rep, 2017.

• Clinical studies on raw feeding and immune function in dogs: emerging evidence suggests improved gut microbiome diversity and immune markers compared to high-carb processed diets.