Snoop & Eileen

My experience with changing to a raw diet for my dogs has astonished me. Our 11-year-old, labrador, Snoop, has had chronic skin allergies for his entire life. Over the years we have spent thousands and thousands at vets and vet skin specialists. Six months ago, we were at our wits end and were considering having Snoop put down.

Then we changed to a raw diet under advice from Raw Essentials. Snoop has never been so healthy. He no longer has hot- spot- break- outs that turn to horrible skin infections, that require antibiotics. His fur is shiny, he no longer has a terrible odour, and his skin is free from all the horrible redness and black scale that formed on his belly and under his legs. There is no more need for Cytopoint.

I wanted to be sure the change in his skin was not just temporary, before I advocated for the new diet. It’s been six months. He really is like a new dog. We have three other border collies, who have all benefitted from the new raw diet. 12- year-old Cola has suffered on and off from itchy feet and has required Cytopoint on and off. That has gone. 7-year-old Blue has lacked the shine and gloss of a dog in top condition. He is now a shiny smooth haired black and white border collie. Inky is a young heading dog cross border collie. He was very hard to keep weight on; he lacked appetite and seemed unable to eat enough. Not anymore. He wolfs down his food, is fit and looks fantastic.

I am astonished at the improvement of all my dog’s condition since changing to a raw diet. The effort is well worth it. A big thank you to the team at Raw Essentials that helped me journey through the transition.

Willow & Leanne

Since adopting Willow, my Bull Mastiff x Rottie from the Pukekohe pound in December 2017, she’s struggled with skin issues. What started as minor flare-ups worsened over the years, and by July 2023 her neck, tummy, legs, and feet were covered in a painful yeast infection. The itchiness was heartbreaking, and nothing the vets had tried was working. I was at my wit’s end and questioning my capabilities as a dog mum.

A friend suggested trying a raw diet and recommended speaking to the team at Raw Essentials in Queenwood, Hamilton. After clearing the infection with a short course of steroids, our raw food journey began. The team guided me every step of the way, creating a tailored plan for Willow’s specific needs.

Within just four weeks of feeding her poached venison, Willow’s coat grew back soft and healthy, unheard of for her breed – and the itchiness vanished. Nearly ten months later, she’s in the best condition she’s ever been. Her vets are amazed at the transformation every time they see her.

Before switching to raw, Willow needed Cytopoint injections every four weeks, frequent medicated washes, ear drops, and constant attention to her paws. Now, her injections are only every six weeks, washes are occasional, ear drops are rarely needed, and her paws require minimal attention. The overall improvement in her comfort and wellbeing has been like night and day – and I credit the raw diet as the main factor.

The team at Raw Essentials, particularly Rebecca at the beginning and Kristen since, have been incredible. Their customised plans, attention to detail, and excellent communication provided the support I needed throughout Willow’s journey. Thank you, Raw Essentials, for saving Willow’s skin – and my sanity. I cannot sing your praises high enough.

Beaudy & Jill

We got Beaudy our German Shepherd at 8 weeks old, the breeders had him on supermarket puppy chow dry food so we continued this when we got him home. I started to notice pretty quickly he was scratching a lot! It just got worse and worse and I could see he was very uncomfortable which made me upset. The vet told me about elimination diet & how hard it was to work out the source of the allergies and I left feeling deflated and overwhelmed.

When he was 6 months old we changed vets to one that promotes raw feeding & he recommended I try Raw Essentials to help with his itchy skin. At that time the closest store to me was in Auckland a 2 & a half hours drive away. When I did go to Auckland for a trip, I made a purposeful stop at Raw Essentials & had a chat to the staff there. They were so helpful & knowledgeable, I finally had hope. I stocked up with what I needed & started the raw food journey. Eventually & much to my delight a store opened in Tauranga! We are set now. His coat is great, his itching improved dramatically very quickly once we switched & everyone comments on how good he looks. We have since converted others to raw & recommend Raw Essentials to those looking to start the raw feeding journey. We wouldn't change from raw now!

Misty & Liezel

Misty has always been covered in stains on her paws, around her mouth and under her eyes. For 2 years I played around with shampoos and lotions to try and make it go away but it never did. Misty also suffers quite badly from environmental allergies and gets really itchy and develops an irritated throat which causes other issues and always needed monthly Cytopoint injections from her vet. Since going onto a raw diet, the first thing I noticed was that Misty didn't itch as much, we weren't having to do 2 weekly baths and paw soaks as she was not as itchy as before. After learning more about how raw food works and gut health from the amazing team at Raw Essentials in Grey Lynn, we played around with different proteins and one year later and Misty is completely tear stain free and itch free. She no longer needs monthly Cytopoint injections and can happily roll around in the grass and do doggy things without her skin flaring up afterwards. Her raw diet really changed her life for the better, and also helps us to better control her weight which keeps her happy, healthy and excited for meal times.

Lilo & Megan

Our Sharpei Lilo is allergic to chicken and the expensive biscuits she was on were not making a difference for her allergies!

She had a constant dry skin, an itchy tail and patches of fur missing all over her back.

Switching her to raw at 5 months old was the best thing we ever did for her. Her coat has changed completely! Now it is super soft and healthy it even feels like velvet. Everyone who pats her can’t believe how beautiful her coat is.

Luna & Eden

For the first five months of Luna’s life, mealtimes were a real struggle. She was getting pickier by the week and would sometimes refuse her food for days. We tried different brands of kibble, but nothing worked long-term.

One day, we walked past Raw Essentials in Hobsonville and decided to give raw feeding a try. The staff were incredibly friendly and took the time to explain the raw diet and guide us through the transition. From that moment, mealtimes became stress-free, and we’ve been feeding Luna raw ever since. Luna now loves every meal and never skips her food. With raw, we can mix and change her proteins regularly, keeping mealtimes varied and interesting. We’ve also noticed other benefits: her coat is shinier, and her teeth stay clean thanks to the bones she enjoys. Her absolute favourite Raw Essentials products? Possum mince and cattle hooves!

Kowhai & Carol

We’re so happy that raw feeding has been made simple thanks to companies like Raw Essentials. We adopted a rescue girl named Kowhai who was struggling with severe skin issues, digestive problems, and frequent vomiting. We tried multiple types of food, but nothing seemed to help 0 until we switched her to a fully raw diet.

The results were incredible. Kowhai’s skin and gut improved quickly, and she became a much happier, more comfortable dog. She now eats well and no longer scratches or irritates her skin constantly. Her coat has become soft, shiny, and healthy—something people often comment on (and it’s definitely not just from washing!). We’re not entirely sure of what breeds she is, but the lady who rescued her said her mother looked like a Staffy, and we think Kowhai may have some English Red Setter in her too. Whatever her mix, we’re thrilled to see her thriving thanks to raw feeding and the support from Raw Essentials.

Chester & Antonita

When we first visited Raw Essentials in early July, Chester was suffering from severe itchiness and significant fur loss, from his neck down to his tummy and even along his legs. Since switching to a raw diet, the change has been incredible. His coat is growing back beautifully and the constant scratching has settled—now he only has the occasional itch, which we consider completely normal. Chester absolutely loves his venison raw meals, and we now source all of his treats from Raw Essentials instead of the supermarket, which has made a noticeable difference.

We add a pinch of ProN8ure probiotics and Omega 3 Pet to his meals twice daily, and together this has transformed our little Shih Tzu. His mood has completely changed—he’s happier, more playful, and full of energy again. Seeing Chester’s healthy coat and bright, joyful personality return has been amazing, and we truly believe it’s all down to the change in his diet. Thank you to the wonderful team at Raw Essentials for always being so helpful in store and for helping us make such a positive difference to our gorgeous Chester.

Kaiser, Rocco & Sophia

We’ve only been feeding raw for two weeks, but the changes we’ve already seen in our dogs have been incredible. Kaiser is our 10-month-old German Shepherd and Rocco is our 2-year-old Golden Retriever. Before switching to raw, both dogs struggled with digestive issues. Kaiser, in particular, had chronic diarrhoea, which was concerning given his age and stage of growth. Since moving to a raw diet, his digestion has settled almost immediately, and his stools have been consistently firm. We’ve also noticed his skin and coat already look healthier.

Kaiser has since been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and, prior to feeding raw, even short, gentle walks would leave him uncomfortable. Since starting raw, he’s moving more freely, is noticeably more agile, and happily manages longer walks without showing the same level of discomfort afterwards.

Rocco was a very picky eater on his previous diet, which resulted in an unhealthy body condition score. Since transitioning to raw, he’s enthusiastically finishing his meals, has gained a healthy amount of weight, and overall seems much happier and more content.

The team at Raw Essentials has been absolutely amazing in helping us get both of our big dogs started on raw, and Kaiser and Rocco clearly love their meals. We’re so excited to continue this journey and see how they thrive long term.

Michael, Tito & Debbie

My fur kid’s raw feeding story began around 10–11 years ago, when I brought home my Spaniel puppy, Michael. Like I had done with previous puppies, I cooked up mince or chicken for her meals, and she was thriving. At her first vet visit, however, I was strongly advised to switch her onto a commercial dried kibble. I was told it contained all the nutrients she needed, and that cooked meat alone was inadequate. Trusting the advice, I made the switch - and almost immediately, things went wrong.

After her very first meal, Michael began itching. By day three, she was chewing at herself constantly. When I rolled her over, I was horrified to see her skin was pink, inflamed, and raw. I returned to the vet, who suggested trying a different brand of kibble, along with tablets to stop the itching and a cream for the sore areas. Instead of improving, the problem worsened.

Around this time, I spoke to a friend who recommended raw feeding and advised me to avoid commercial food altogether. Acting on that advice, I visited my local Raw Essentials store and picked up an assortment of raw foods to get started. I’ve never looked back. Once Michael was switched to raw, her skin issues completely resolved. She never again developed irritations and has lived a happy, healthy life ever since.

The following year, we rescued her little brother Tito, a Maltese Shih Tzu cross, who has also been raised on raw. Neither of my dogs has ever had fleas, which has further convinced me that highly processed commercial foods and the chemicals they contain can affect the skin and attract unwanted pests. The only change we’ve made since then has been moving to Whangaparāoa around eight years ago and transferring our shopping to the Raw Essentials Silverdale store. The support and quality have remained just as exceptional. Raw feeding has truly been life-changing for my dogs, and I wouldn’t feed any other way.

Terra & Jonathan

This is my boy Terra - he’s 12 years old now. I started using Raw Essentials meat mixes when Terra began going off his usual food and cheap dog rolls. A friend recommended Raw Essentials, and I haven’t looked back since. He absolutely loves the Goat and Tahr products.

Terra used to be an avid hunter and hiker, exploring from Farewell Spit to Tuatapere. Now, like many older dogs, he’s started getting sore in his hind legs. One of the amazing staff members at the Christchurch store recommended adding dried green-lipped mussels to his meals, along with a little mussel oil, to support his joints. He’s been on this diet for a year now, and the difference is remarkable. Terra is a bit more active than he was a year ago, and he genuinely enjoys his meals again. Since discovering Raw Essentials, I’ve never looked back. Terra’s health, energy, and enthusiasm for life have improved so much, and I can’t thank the team enough for their guidance and support.

Ruby, Casara & Lance

Our beautiful Ruby came into our lives as a tiny wee puppy, but we were quick to discover we were facing a daunting health challenge: a stubborn infestation of parasites that left her weak and malnourished. Despite months of vet visits and treatments, Ruby continued to struggle with inflammation of her intestines, making it nearly impossible for her to eat.

Desperate for a solution that didn't involve resorting to steroids, we turned to Raw Essentials for help. From the moment we reached out, their team provided unwavering support and expertise. After a thorough consultation, they designed a tailored gut healing protocol for Ruby.

The results were nothing short of miraculous. Ruby's first meal on the new protocol was devoured eagerly, with no coaxing needed. It was a moment of pure joy and relief for us, seeing our Ruby finally enjoy her food.

What sets Raw Essentials apart is not just their high-quality products, but the genuine care and attention they extend to both pets and their owners. Their team has been with us every step of the way, offering weekly check-ins and invaluable guidance.

The bond between Ruby and us has only grown stronger through this journey, and we owe a debt of gratitude to Raw Essentials for helping us restore her health and happiness. We wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking support for their pet's diet and well-being. Thank you, Raw Essentials, for making such a difference in Ruby's life—and ours.

Tucker & Emma

Tucker got diagnosed with elbow dysplasia in the beginning of 2024 and because of that we decided to try and find some food that would give his joins what they needed. With a lot of research and amazing assistance from Raw Essentials Vet and nutritionist we decided that raw food would be a good way to help Tucker's body. Tucker is on top of everything a picky eater and have a sensitive stomach. But he has never said no to a meal from Raw Essentials! Before we changed his diet, he would often leave food or not touch a meal. We have the happiest boy that eats all of his meals and his joints have been so good we have been able to start being more active. Our experience with Raw Essential has been amazing! They help us is any way shape and form, from their vet checking Tucker's medical history to make sure that the plan that he was on had everything he needed, to make a transition plan, to always answering our 1 million questions, even checking in throughout his transition to make sure he was doing good. Everybody on the Raw Essentials Team has been amazing, we could not have asked for more. Thank you!

Pongo & Talia

In my first week of having Pongo, we had to go to the vet 3 times because of a gastrointestinal infection he had developed due to the kibble the breeder suggested for us. Since then we have tried absolutely every kibble on the shelves. Ones our vet recommended, ones pet stores recommended, ones people online recommended but every single one caused stomach, skin and ear problems for Pongo. We tried Poultry free, grain free, everything you could think of - but Pongo still pulled up crying after his meals, itchy skin and itchy ears and the WORST farts. I had always been suggested to try raw but Ialso had a lot of people talk me out of it, including my vet; but meeting with Tayla in RE Tower Junction was the best thing I have ever done for Pongo. Tayla talked us through the whole diet, spoke to us about his potential sensitivities, taught us about balance and feeding bones and how easy it is to switch it up if something doesn’t work. Tayla answered every single question I had and more. Pongo now loves meal time, he no longer cries after his food and he’s not itching his skin or ears. Pongo never used to be excited to eat, sometimes he wouldn’t eat at all - that is not the case now. We love a raw diet and completely have Tayla and Raw Essentials to thank for that.

Susie, Josie & Jan

Susie, my 14-month-old Maltese, started showing some concerning behaviour around her sister, Daisy. She began growling and snapping never biting, but it became increasingly difficult to manage. We tried everything: biscuits, tinned food, even meat rolls—nothing helped.

After a visit to the vet, Susie was prescribed Prozac, but within two days she stopped eating completely. My daughter suggested trying a raw diet, as her own dog thrived on it. We removed the Prozac and started Susie on raw food and it’s been a life-saver.

Susie has calmed down considerably. She used to get car-sick, but that doesn’t happen anymore. She still growls occasionally in her sleep, but it’s nothing like it was. The team at Raw Essentials have been wonderful, checking in to ensure she’s putting on weight and offering different foods to try if she isn’t keen on something.

We are so grateful my daughter suggested Raw Essentials. Susie is happier, healthier, and calmer thanks to her raw diet.

Harper & Charlotte

Harper has been on her raw food journey for 10 months now. At first, I was a little nervous about transitioning her because she has a sensitive stomach—unlike her brother, Titan. The team at our Kaiwharawhara store guided us through a slow, careful transition, which worked perfectly. Harper was a bit overweight and, well… had the world’s smelliest gas (honestly, it could clear a room!). Now, she’s at her perfect weight, her teeth are clean and white, her coat is smooth and shiny, and she has regained her speed. Best of all, no more room-clearing gas! Both Titan and Harper look forward to breakfast and dinner every day, and I love preparing their meals. Harper’s transformation shows just how much a tailored raw diet can improve a dog’s health, energy, and happiness.

Stanley & Asha

When I got Stanley, he was on Black Hawk puppy biscuits recommended by his breeders. Unfortunately, he had loose bowels from day one. I took him to the vet and he was put on gastrointestinal biscuits, but nothing seemed to help - he still had runny stools and was having accidents inside. I honestly didn’t know what to do.

A friend suggested switching him to a raw diet, and it turned out to be the best decision ever! Almost immediately, Stanley became more relaxed and was able to hold his bowels properly. His coat became shinier, and he finally stopped having diarrhoea.

The change has made such a difference in his life, and he absolutely loves going into the store as well!

Aria & Janee

Aria is a bull breed rescue who we adopted when she was 1.5 years old. Having Staffy in her, the farts were real! Everyone evacuated the room... since being on raw, her digestion has improved so much and therefore no more run for your life farts! Her behavior has got so much better, not as anxious around people anymore, can relax well, but also she has become more playful and she is just overall more happy. Her weight doesn't fluctuate as much anymore and she is at a very healthy weight now. When she was on kibble, even though we would feed her the exact same amount everyday, it would fluctuate remarkably. Her fur is so soft and shiny after switching to a raw diet as well. She used to get excited for food but now it's an extremely excited tappy feet (what we call happy feet) for breakfast and dinner, she didn't used to want to get up for kibble breakfast and now she is straight up and super excited for her breakfast and dinner. She is just overall so much healthier and happier. Changing to a raw diet was the best thing we ever did for our Aria!

Paris & Yoshiko

Paris who is my toy poodle cross started raw food when Raw Essentials opened its first store in Grey Lynn. Then Ellerslie store opened where I have been shopping since. The staff there are so knowledgeable and helpful. They are so sincere. Paris and I both love shopping there. Paris is now 18 years and 7 months old and is still a happy healthy dog. She has been on raw food diet for most of her life!

When I first got Paris, she was only 6 months old and she didn’t want to eat any dry food. I tried every brand of dry food but it was unsuccessful. She was skinny and I was worried about her health. Then a friend of mine told me about a new shop which sells raw food for dogs so I decided to try. Since then I have never changed Paris’s diet. She loves the food and their treats.

18 years later Paris now has a few teeth left so I mix raw meat with chicken broth and make it like a runny porridge then sprinkle with a pinch of probiotics powder and some tripe powder. This way she still eats well twice a day. I do believe the secret of health and longevity depends on the diet. Well, Paris has proved it! She is the proud longest client at Raw Essentials!

Charlie & Rosie

My pup, Hedwig Charles Dumbledore (Charlie!), came to me as an 11-week-old Cavoodle. He wasn’t keen on the Black Hawk kibble he arrived with, but I planned to switch him to raw eventually.

As a first-time puppy owner in years, I worried Charlie wasn’t eating enough and sought veterinary advice. I was told to mix raw food with kibble to meet his nutritional needs, but this led to a struggle: he barely ate, vomited frequently, and often seemed lethargic, anxious, and low in confidence. His weight dropped alarmingly, and I could feel each rib and hip bone. Vet tests - blood work, allergies, reflux, pancreatic issues - came back normal. I tried everything: cooked chicken, rice, eggs, probiotics, specialized diets. Nothing worked.

By seven months, Charlie was nearly emaciated. Desperate, I contacted Raw Essentials. Their team responded immediately, connecting me with their associate raw nutritionist/homeopathic vet. They listened, guided, and reassured me, giving me hope for Charlie’s recovery.

A tailored feeding plan was put in place: turkey and bone broth, gradually introducing probiotics and supporting supplements. Over time, more protein variety was added, and herbal remedies supported his digestion. Feeding was slow and careful sometimes spoon-feeding him to rebuild trust in food—but I had consistent advice and encouragement from Kristen at Raw Essentials every step of the way.

Seven months later, Charlie is thriving. At 14 months, he’s a joyful, energetic puppy, joining my adult dog in agility training, eating enthusiastically on his own, and putting on healthy weight. He’s smart, playful, full of personality, and completely confident at mealtimes.

I can’t speak highly enough of the expert advice and support from Vets, Kristen and Jacqui at Raw Essentials. Without them, I don’t know where we’d be. Charlie’s turnaround has been incredible—a true testament to the power of a carefully managed raw diet and expert guidance.

Freya is my 4 year old Labrador x Golden Retriever, as a young pup she would sometimes walk funny then gradually didn’t like playing with other dogs so much. At 1 year old she was diagnosed by X-ray with bilateral hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. The Raw Essentials Kumeu team worked alongside my Vet to help manage Freya's arthritis. Through their support we saw massive improvements in her mobility & joint health.

Our pound puppy, Sadie, was bow legged and had diarrhea all the time. We tried her on a couple of "superior" brands of dog food but had no luck with settling her stomach and her legs were getting worse. We decided to try Sadie on raw within 2 weeks her diarrhea had cleared, and after a few months we had noticed a big improvement with her legs. The bowing in her right leg was almost unnoticeable! She just kept improving from then on, and now there's no more bowing in her legs at all! We are so happy we switched her to raw.

Benson is a 2.5 year old Staffy, he’s been on the raw food diet for about a year and he absolutely loves it. We made the switch to raw after he started to become picky at mealtimes and was often itching. After doing some research we stumbled across raw and decided it was worth a try! Since the switch he is loving mealtimes and cleaning is bowl and his skin has been so much better. We always get compliments when we are out and about how good he looks, particularly how strong and muscly he is!

Marlow & Raisa

Marlow has suffered with skin issues since he was a puppy. We were told it could be pimples or ringworm! He was given cream to try and treat his red, dry and itchy skin but never actually fixed the problem. He was also a on and off with eating his food.

Then I started to do some research and found Raw Essential, so I reached out. we decided to go with the novel protein option due to his history of skin issues. After we move to raw, all his skin issues were just gone! We have never seen any redness since he is no longer itchy and we can even see some new fur growth on his previously bald spots! We are so grateful that we swapped Marlow to raw! A big thank you to Raw Essentials!

Gretch & Amelia

We adopted Gretch in mid-2018 and she weighed over 9kg - pretty hefty for a wee sausage dog! After trying multiple food brands and making no dent in her weight loss we decided to give raw feeding a go... fast forward to now and Gretch is down 2kg and counting! Her renewed energy levels and thirst for life has made her a completely different dog to the one we adopted back in June.

We can't thank your team in Wellington enough for their advice and help along her journey.

Frankie & Molly

Frankie is 2 1/2 and, like other Brachycephalic breeds, has a very sensitive tummy. We have been on such a journey with her diet and it wasn't until we found Raw Essentials and worked closely with the staff that we were able to find what works best for her.

She is in the best condition she has ever been in with her skin, allergies and weight. With slow transitions and carefully selected proteins we have been able to get Frankie to a place where she has plenty of variety in her diet and we can even include bones, which we really wanted to incorporate into her diet for the dental benefits. The team at Raw Essentials have all of Frankie's information and notes on hand so they are across her journey and can assist no matter the situation.

Frankie loves all of their treats, especially the rabbits tails and lamb ears. She is a very happy and healthy dog thanks to the Raw Essentials team!

Chewie & Julie

Our wee boy, Chewie, was repeatedly getting tonsillitis. After multiple vet visits (including the specialist vet), loads of antibiotics and anti-flammatories, he was diagnosed with aerodigestive disease. The prescribed medication had horrendous side effects for him so I sought the help of Veterinary Holistic Healthcare and was introduced to Raw Essentials via Dr Jacqui Snell.

We were put in touch with the Raw Essentials team vet, Rebecca, who put together an elimination diet plan to introduce him very gradually to a raw diet and find out what works for him. Chewie has been on raw rabbit along with a few holistic tinctures for a few months now. The changes in him over a short period of time have been quite remarkable. We've been able to maintain his weight, he's very happy, his energy levels have increased and he hasn't had tonsillitis or reflux since a few weeks after changing to raw food.

Our journey is only just beginning, and we'll be slowly introducing other raw proteins while building up his natural stomach flora. The support from Raw Essentials has been amazing in helping make the transition to a raw diet. If you want the best for your furbaby, I highly recommend Raw Essentials!

Kobe & Reia

Kobe was introduced to a raw diet by his breeder as a young puppy, on the day he started eating solid foods. It was them who recommended that we continue to feed him a raw diet as a pup. Before we brought Kobe home, we popped into our local Raw Essentials to learn more about raw feeding and see the products. We took so much knowledge home with us from the helpful staff, there is so much to learn!

Kobe is now 7 months old, and as he grows we continue to monitor (and adapt) his weight, growth, daily physical exercise, what he likes, what he doesn’t like, what works for us and our budget. We love to mix it up for him by changing and adding variety to his meals, learning which bones we can feed him, and getting him to try new things (and delicious treats)!

We are still learning so much with the help of the staff. Kobe has been enjoying the full benefits of a balanced raw diet, he is such a healthy and great looking pup! We have even inspired others to transition their dogs to raw by sharing our journey of raw feeding. Raw feeding really is the best, you can't go wrong with food that is 100% natural and all the nutrition their bodies need.

Benji & Rajinder

Benji is our 5 year old mastiff with skin allergies and a sensitive stomach. Our vets put him on a diet of hypoallergenic kibble to help with these issues, but he was never a big fan of the food. He also put on a lot of weight - but cutting down the amount we were feeding just left him hungry. Eventually, he started hydrotherapy sessions to try to help with his weight loss. He lost some weight through these, but still not enough. There, they recommended for us to give a Raw Essentials diet a try.

We visited the team at the Drury store who were amazing and gave us a lot of advice to help with Benji's weight and health issues. Benji loved his new diet, and - best of all - he finally started to lose weight! He's now down 5.5 kilos and still going strong. He is more active, feeding him is a breeze, and his coat is so shiny.

I gave him a turkey wing for his birthday and he loved it - thank you Raw Essentials!

Kage & Baylee

Kages raw food journey started when he was 8 years old. From the day we got him we was always fed kibble until one day he turned his nose up at it. We then struck a point where we had to do something. This is when we looked into raw feeding. Since then he looks absolutely amazing for 11yrs old and you’d think he was 5 years younger then he actually is (we thank raw food for this).

His coat is always soft and shiny, his dental hygiene is great for his age, we no loner have issues with maintaining a healthy weight, it also gives him the energy to run round like a dog well before his years and of course smaller, less smelly poop!!

Since switching to raw feeding, we have never once looked back!

Zelda & Natalie

Zelda had really inflamed skin on her feet and belly. We soon realised it was due to both grass allergies and an intolerance to a lot of common meats - lamb, beef and poultry. We wanted to see if we could address all of this without medication, so we made the switch to raw.

We were able to start with one product and gradually add more to see what made her red and itchy and what didn’t, and the Raw Essentials team helped us through this.

Very quickly the redness on her belly disappeared, and after some time so did the red itchy feet. Her skin got stronger and healthier, as did her gut and immune system, so she is now far less reactive to grass and has stopped all licking and chewing.

Despite all her allergies she is able to eat a varied, healthy and exciting diet. Her favourites are goat, hare, rabbit, salmon and venison. We also use a supplement recommended by the Raw Essentials Vet and it improved her skin even more! Her teeth, coat, and skin are in great shape and she loves her food every meal.

Kadan + Parker & Kim

Kadan was found in a park at around 4 weeks old she was fed goats colostrum and wet food then eventually puppy kibble. She had on and off runny stools and we just couldn’t get her stable.

At our wits end we visited Raw Essentials Grey Lynn in the hope to change to raw as we were worried she wasn’t getting everything she needed. The team started Kadan on the lamb mix and her tummy and stools settled down almost overnight and she began to shine.

However the story doesn’t end there as then Kadan had about 3 months of ear infections, treatments, flushes and medications until we told the Raw Essentials team about it - they suggested we change to a novel protein - we did this and it turns out she’s a deer girl. Now on venison mix with turkey bones, veal brisket, tripe, salmon, pilchards she is happy, her poop is perfect and we always get compliments on her shiny coat and white teeth.

Her sister Parker came to us at 8 weeks old on a kibble and chicken neck diet. At 11 weeks she too was changed to raw and she is thriving too!

Rafa & Carmen

My Boxer puppy Rafa was a very sick puppy. He was in VET 3 times with pneumonia due to gastrointestinal problems which made him throw up and have diarrhoea frequently. He was very lethargic and very skinny. He often wouldn’t eat his dog kibble so he was very underweight.

One day I decided just to give raw food a try even if the vets didn’t recommended it. I visited the Raw Essentials store in Glenfield and I explained all his problems to Jess and she was amazing at drawing up a plan for him. Rafa is now looking forward to his meal times and eats it all. It is such a pleasure seeing him enjoy the food!

Since then the transformation is incredible. He is putting on 1kg per week and he is full of energy. He doesn’t throw up anymore and his stools are solid as they should be. I couldn’t be happier having made the decision to change to raw food although it can be a bit pricey but I prefer to pay the extra money to have a healthy dog than spend it later on vet bills!

Chip & Phil

Chip came to me as a rescue from a puppy mill, he was in a bad state. His teeth were a mess, he had severe arthritis and numerous bumps and lumps. He didn’t know how to be a dog, wouldn’t interact with other dog’s, chase a ball or anything. There was one thing he really liked and that was food. My previous 2 boxers were on raw food and had never been to vet for any reason, so it was a no brainer to put Chip on raw.
Raw feeding made a huge difference for him. His walking and muscle condition improved a lot and his coat became softer and shinier. He loves food, and his favourites are pilchards, salmon cubes, chicken frames, tripe and broth.
The team at Hobsonville look after us so well. He always gets treats and they even clean up his slobber afterwards. He has had another recent medical setback, but we know the team will help adjust his diet to help him out. We can't thank them enough for their support of my boy - raw feeding has definitely improved his overall health.

Dobby & Lorraine

Our rescue boy, Dobby, is a parvo survivor, on top of having leaky gut syndrome, grass allergies, and associated yeast problems. His feet and lower legs were always pink and often raw where he had been licking and chewing, and his breath and coat were quite smelly. I decided to give raw a go out of desperation to get him healthier and happier.

As he had Parvo as a pup, his gut is extremely sensitive, so with the help of the Raw Essentials team we have taken the transition very slowly. He has been on a raw diet for around six weeks now and the transformation is starting to happen, we are seeing results!

A huge thank you to the team at the Howick store who have been amazingly patient in providing great advice and guidance, long chats, regular emails and phone calls!!

Nissi & Ana

My girl Nissi started to have unhealthy stools. They were runny and weren't improving for a long time with the vet. Eventually, we were given some medications and told she would have to be on them her whole life, along with eating a specific dog roll which gave her an unpleasant musky smell. I wasn't at peace with this.

I reached out to Raw Essentials and was put in touch with their in house vet. She sent me fantastic information and we started her new diet with the help of the Kumeu and Hobsonville stores. I couldn't believe this service was free! All of Nissi's information was also stored on their system, so no matter which store I went to, they knew all about Nissi's needs.

Raw Essentials put me on the right path towards getting my girl back to being healthy and thriving once again

Altai & Alex

Before we swapped to raw food, Altai was on biscuits and would leave his bowl untouched all day every day until he was so hungry he'd eventually nibble at it. No matter what we tried, he just wasn't interested and he began to lose weight. No matter the brand, the biscuits would upset his stomach and he had dreadful acne all along his back. We swapped to raw food and everything changed almost overnight - he now wakes us up at 6:30am sharp every morning to give him his breakfast and always tries to convince us that's it's dinner time earlier than it is. The digestive problems are gone, and so are the skin issues. We're so happy to see him enjoying his food and looking so much healthier!

Thanks so much for helping our boy out, we're very grateful. Your staff are also always friendly and helpful, no matter which NZ store we visit!

Willie & Adrianne

Willie has suffered Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) all his life, which was well controlled with a specific dry food diet.

In November last year, Willie suddenly went off his food and began vomiting regularly and losing weight rapidly. I was at my wits end with what to feed him. I tried cooked chicken and different wet foods - which he would eat once then wouldn't touch it again. My Vet recommended trying a raw diet, so I visited Raw Essentials in Hamilton and they put him on a gut healing protocol. From then on he's been amazing - loving his food and never missing a meal.

I'm a vet nurse and had been skeptical of raw feeding but my mind has changed completely. I now make bone broth for our sick inpatients and we stock veal meat onsite for our sick raw fed dogs.

I'm so grateful for Raw Essentials - their help and care has been a life saver

Polly & Charlotte

Polly or Princess Polly is a 1.5 year old French Bulldog x Pug. We adopted her at 10 months old from a less than ideal situation where she had spent most of her life alone in a garden. When we rescued her we noticed her skin was covered in all sorts of lumps and bumps! We had no idea what could be causing them. After seeing the vet, doing some research, we thought that her food could be causing the skin allergies and problems! So, we made the switch to a raw diet.

Polly’s skin has cleared up and we haven't had any problems since. We are so happy! Polly absolutely loves her food, we now call her Miss Piggy Polly when it comes to food.

Going into Raw Essentials is her favourite time of the week. She gets lots of pats and treats from the friendly staff who always recognise her. We are so glad that we switched to a raw diet and haven't looked back since.

Harper & Holly

Harper started going off her bikkies around 10 months old and meal times were such a battle with her. Around the same time was diagnosed with early onset hip-dysplasia which broke our hearts. We put her on a joint & mobility supplement and explored raw feeding and honestly it was the best decision we’ve made for her!

The team at Raw Essentials have been incredibly supportive & informative making what seemed like a scary change, not scary at all.

Harper is honestly is totally different dog now, for the better. She lost about 3-4kg which she was carrying unnecessarily, her energy levels did a 180 turn and meals times become fun & exciting for her! She absolutely loves her new diet. We’ve not seen her limping since the change.

We are also booking her in for pennhip exam as we’ve been told her diagnosis via x-ray could have been incorrect. If she does have hip dysplasia, we’re managing it extremely well with her diet & the supplement. She is such a fun, loving goofball and it makes me so happy we’ve been able to find a diet she loves.

Wilson + Betty & Tara

Our little dude Wilson has suffered from tummy and skin issues for a few years now. We transitioned from high quality Royal Canin biscuits to Raw Essentials a few months ago and I can’t believe how healthy he now is.

His stools are firm (sadly I do check!) and his eyes are bright. He’s stopped itching and has renewed, puppy like energy. It’s remarkable.

The raw chicken feet and necks seem to be doing a great job of cleaning their teeth as well. The vet told me last week that they had absolutely no tartar and asked if I was brushing their teeth! Our mini schnauzer Betty (9 months) is also benefiting from this raw diet. I won’t be going back to processed dog food ever again 👍🏼 I feel this change in diet has extended their precious lives.

Comet & Peter

Comet is a different dog in so many ways! We rescued Comet almost 2 years ago and he came with some trust issues - skittish, nervous generally, very touch sensitive, and a natural ‘runner’. When we adopted him, he didn’t have any medical problems, but he just wasn’t emotionally stable. I saw the RE sign during lockdown in 2020. Once I spoke to the staff, I realised that his nervous behaviour might be diet related to some extent. I was sceptical, but decided to give a fully raw diet a try.

We cannot believe the difference! Comet is now calmer, more settled, and doesn’t try to run away! We can safely walk him on a loose lead. He’s no longer trying to jump the fence and go scrounging for food. He is a totally different dog behaviourally & emotionally. His coat is gorgeous and his eyes are bright! He smiles and wags his tail all the time!

My friends and family who didn’t know we’d switched foods commented on how much of a difference there was in both his physical looks and his personality – transformation!!! We started noticing these significantly in the first week we switched to raw. Comet has gone from strength to strength, all thanks to the knowledge and help from the team at Raw Essentials in Mount Maunganui.

Prin & Madison

I transitioned Prin to a fully raw diet a few months ago as processed food (especially dry kibble) made him bloat like crazy after eating. Since transitioning, the bloating has stopped completely and I find that he has so much more energy now!

You can’t beat a natural raw food diet, the thought of feeding dry kibble which is filled with so many preservatives and nasty ingredients (some that I can’t even pronounce) has really put me off. I could never ever go back to it now.

I contemplated raw feeding a couple of years ago but it all seemed quite confusing and difficult to make sure it was properly balanced. But with the help from the Raw Essentials team it was actually so easy! They even helped me to tailor a meal plan suited specifically to Prin and his needs.

Lara & Natasha

Our 4 year old spoodle, Lara, has been on a fully raw diet from Raw Essentials since she was about 1 year old. We initially bought her from a pet store along with a bag of dog biscuits. After having an accident and ending up under vet care she then developed skin allergies. She had a rash and hot spots which drove her crazy and also got regular ear and eye infections.

That’s when we came to Raw Essentials where we got great advice and started her on a balanced novel protein diet, with plenty of bone broth included. It probably took around 18 months to see a big change, but she is now completely clear of skin ear and eye issues which is a big relief for both her and us. She also has a lovely shiny coat which people comment on.

Thanks to the friendly and passionate Raw Essentials staff who are always there to help and advise us along the way. Lara especially loves the Turkey drumsticks, they're her favourite!

Bandit & Rebecca

We adopted Bandit last year and were feeding him kibble. He was shedding a lot of hair and had hot spots. A friend recommended Raw Essentials so we went to the Wellington store and their recommendations were amazing. He LOVES mealtimes and especially loves possum and rabbit. His coat is shiny and soft - he hardly sheds now and there are no more painful hot spots on his skin.

Also, he is way less thirsty and his poos are less messy and smaller, indicating to us that much of what he was eating with dry kibble was not used by his body and was coming straight out again.

We get sooooo many comments about how healthy and beautiful he is. Thank you Raw Essentials, we love feeding natural food to our fur baby!

Turbo, Brydie & Levi

Turbo is our 11 month old American Staffy. We absolutely love raw feeding our boy as he's become a happy, healthier pup since changing his diet.

Turbo had big hot spots on the back of his neck and tail, which he constantly scratched, making them bleed until they became raw and infected. This meant multiple trips to the vet and while the treatment did relieve the itch they never went away completely and he still had red patches.

Since making the switch to a raw fed diet we have noticed a significant difference in him - and we no longer have the need for regular vet trips! He is looking leaner and his hot spots have healed incredibly well. His coat has a healthy shine and his skin condition has really stabilised. Raw feeding has also positively impacted his digestion and he finally has regular poos.

The staff have been really helpful at our local store. They are really informative and have given us great recommendations.

Mili & Aileen

Mili was an overweight little dog for a good few years before we decided to change her diet. I had tried every brand of weight loss dog food on the market and nothing seemed to work for her. When Raw Essentials opened in Christchurch, I popped in just for a nosey. I had always been skeptical of raw feeding (mostly because I didn't have a great understanding of it), but after talking to the lovely staff there I was convinced to give it a try.

I started off just giving my dogs some boneless options along with their biscuits to see if they liked it. They loved it! After seeing them enjoy the raw food so much, I decided to transition them onto a fully raw diet, and I will never look back. I now have the shiniest, happiest, most energetic dogs who get so excited for meal time! Their poops are much smaller, they scratch way less and their teeth are much cleaner than before. And, after 6 months on the raw diet, Mili had finally lost the weight she needed to (1.5kg), and is looking happy and healthy again. I cannot believe not only the difference in her appearance, but also in her behaviour. I have my old Mili back again.

I would recommend raw feeding to anyone who has been considering it. The staff at Raw Essentials are super helpful and will support and guide you through the whole process, thank you Raw Essentials!

Muay & Renee

Muay really struggled with her food when we first got her. We kept her on the same diet as her breeder as we heard it was good quality. However, she would only occasionally graze at it. She became very skinny and it was tough to get her to eat. I spoke to someone else who had a similar experience with their puppy and they recommended we try Raw Essentials. When they switched their dog to raw food, it made such a huge difference and their dog loved food for the first time.

It’s only been a week since we switched, but the change is incredible. She is SO excited about food and never leaves anything in her bowl. Her nose is moist and her skin already looks incredible. We are looking forward to continuing her raw journey, especially after seeing what a difference just a week makes. The support we received from our local store has been amazing. They gave us great recommendations, come up with a feeding plan, and have checked in with us. I’m so glad we found Raw Essentials!

Astro & Bhavika

Astro, our 5-year-old German Shepherd, has been on a Raw Essentials diet for over 3 years now.

When we first got him, he was suffering from many health issues, such as skin allergies, eye allergies, ear allergies, and a super sensitive tummy. We were taking him to the vet every second week or so for rashes, red eyes, and ear infections. The vet had also given us a steroid based cream for his rash, which we were applying regularly. Then we found Raw Essentials and everything changed! His skin cleared up, his eyes were brighter with no more infections and he stopped getting diarrhoea. His immune system greatly improved, and we were able to stop using the steroid cream and other medications that he had been on, and were only going to the vets for his yearly check in. His hair even grew in on his stomach...we didn't even know he had hair there!

Starting him on a raw diet really saved him, so thank you to the team at Raw Essentials Ellerslie!