Posted by K9 Active on 6th Aug 2026
It's RAWgust at K9 Active. If you haven't heard us mention it yet, RAWgust is the pet industry month that gives us a reason to talk honestly about raw. This month is all about straightforward advice, a few new things to try, and a Raw Taster Day where your dog can try a few different options for themselves, with you there to see how they get on before you commit to anything.
Whether you've been curious about raw for a while or you're feeding it already and fancy a change, this is your starting point.
Is raw feeding actually complicated?
Short answer: no, though it's easy to see why it looks that way from the outside.
There's a lot of noise online about ratios, supplements and getting it perfectly balanced, and it can make raw sound like a part-time job. In practice, most of our customers feed a complete raw mince or meal. These are formulated by raw feeding vets or animal nutritionists to already have the right balance of meat, bone and offal, so all the working out has been done before it ever reaches our shelves. There's no maths involved on your end, you scoop, you thaw, you serve. That's it.
If you want to go further into raw down the line, home-prepping and mixing your own ratios, that's a whole other project, and a fun one for some people, but it is entirely optional. Nobody needs to start there.
Is it expensive?
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. Prices vary by brand and cut, and there are complete raw options at a range of price points. We'll happily talk you through what fits your dog and your budget rather than pointing you at the priciest thing on the shelf. Worth remembering too that a raw diet often means smaller, more digestible portions than some kibbles, so it's not always the like-for-like jump in cost people expect.
Is it messy?
Less than you'd think, and less than it used to be. A complete raw mince served in a bowl is no messier than wet food. Frozen portions and resealable packs have also made storage and defrosting far simpler than the "chunk of meat in a bag" image some people still have of raw feeding.
What if my dog has a sensitive tummy, allergies, or another health condition?
This is exactly the kind of thing to chat to us about in person, or to a raw feeding vet if it's an ongoing issue. Many owners find that switching to raw can help ease recurring skin, ear or tummy troubles, and there's a good amount of evidence pointing that way, though of course every dog is different. We're always happy to talk you through a switch, and if something's beyond everyday advice, we'll point you to a vet who specialises in raw feeding rather than promise something we can't.
Three ways to make feeding time more fun
Raw feeding is more than a bowl of mince, and it's a nice chance to add a bit of enrichment to your dog's day.
A raw meaty bone, done safely. Always feed raw, never cooked, and always size the bone to your dog so there's no risk of it being swallowed whole or splintering a tooth. Non-weight-bearing bones like chicken wings, chicken necks, duck feet and lamb ribs are soft enough to be eaten fully and make a great everyday chew. Weight-bearing bones such as marrow bones are much denser, so these are best kept for enrichment and a good gnaw rather than something to eat all the way through. If you're not sure what's right for your dog, ask us in-store and we'll point you to a suitable size and type.
Frozen bone broth cubes. A simple way to add extra interest to a meal or use as a treat on a warm day. Freeze in an ice cube tray and pop one on top of dinner or into a lick mat.
A stuffed Kong with tripe. Tripe has a reputation for being, let's say, memorable to smell, but dogs tend to love it. Stuff a Kong, freeze it, and you've got a slow, satisfying way to keep your dog occupied for a good while, and on a hot day a frozen one can help keep them cool too.
Let your dog taste it for themselves
All of this is a lot easier to take in over a conversation than a screen, which is exactly why we're running a Raw Taster Day in-store on Saturday 22 August, 10am to 5pm at Elgin Industrial Estate. Your dog can try samples from the raw brands we stock, we've got a "new to raw" corner for one-to-one advice, no question too daft, and dog weighing and harness fitting slots running all day too.
What's on this RAWgust
Through the month we've got offers running for both new-to-raw and existing raw feeders, plus the Taster Day itself on 22 August. Keep an eye on our page, or better yet, drop into the shop in Dunfermline and ask us anything. That's honestly the fastest way to get a straight answer.
Visit us in-store in Dunfermline, we're always happy to help.