In-House Vet

Backed by science. Rooted in empathy. Built for your pet.

At Raw Essentials, we don’t just sell raw food - we walk alongside you with the support and knowledge to do it right, especially when it matters most.

Our in-house veterinary team offers specialist nutrition-based advice for pet owners navigating health concerns, prescription diets, or complex conditions - all while staying true to our mission:

To improve the lives of cats and dogs through wildly good empathy, advice, and nutrition.

Since 2008, we’ve helped thousands of Kiwi pet owners transition to real, species-appropriate food — safely, confidently, and with expert support.

What Makes Our Vet Support Different?

We have an in-house veterinary team
Unlike most raw food providers, our in-house vet is available to offer nutrition guidance around raw feeding for pets with specific health needs - with the experience and expertise to assess whether a raw diet is suitable.

We collaborate with your vet
We don’t replace your primary veterinarian - we work with them. We offer transparency and support, providing documentation, communicating respectfully, and helping bridge the gap between clinical care and natural feeding solutions.

We follow veterinary standards
We offer a specific and limited range of services in accordance with the VCNZ Code of Professional Conduct. We’re here to provide dietary advice - not medical diagnoses — with a clear, responsible scope of care.

We keep detailed records & follow-up
We support every pet’s raw journey with personalised notes, ongoing communication, and regular check-ins. This helps us adapt your pet’s plan as their needs evolve - particularly through life stages or recovery.

We’re a Silver Affiliate of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS)
This global network is dedicated to advancing species-appropriate nutrition. Through this partnership, we stay up to date on the latest research and reinforce our commitment to responsible, natural feeding practices.

When You Might Need Vet-Supported Raw Advice:

• Your pet has an existing medical condition

• Your pet is on prescription food or medication

• Your vet has concerns about raw feeding

• You're unsure how to balance raw feeding with your pet's health goals

• You simply want expert reassurance you're on the right track

We help determine whether raw feeding is appropriate for your pet, and if it is, we’ll build a safe, tailored plan — with your pet’s long-term wellbeing at the centre.

Why Trust Raw Essentials?

For over 18 years, we’ve been New Zealand’s raw feeding experts. We’re not here to sell you more food — we’re here to support you with the right food, and the right advice, for your pet’s health and happiness.

• 17 stores across NZ

• In-house vet & trained nutrition advisors

• 100% natural, NZ-grown, traceable raw food

• Transparent, science-based feeding philosophy

• Online and in-store support, nationwide

Ready to Start?

📍 Visit a store and chat with our team
💬 Reach out for nutrition support online
📄 Complete our Get Started questionnaire and contact form and our nutrition support team will be in touch

Together, we can create a path to better health for your pet - one meal at a time.

Raw Means Raw at Raw Essentials.