Inside Darla’s Bowl
The New Raw Food I’m Introducing Into Her Rotation
Transparency note: I may receive products and/or compensation from the brands I feature. However, I only share products I personally use and trust.
If you’ve followed my pet wellness journey for a while, you know I strongly believe in rotational feeding, ingredient transparency, and meeting dogs where they’re at nutritionally and lifestyle-wise. No single food works for every dog forever, and variety (when done safely) can support gut health, nutrient balance, and long-term wellness.
Recently, I started re-exploring We Feed Raw, and after diving into their safety standards, sourcing, and convenience tools, it’s a brand I feel confident introducing into Darla’s nutritional rotation. I’m always thoughtful about what I introduce to my dogs, especially when it comes to balancing nutrition with lifestyle practicality. We Feed Raw checks a lot of boxes that matter to me as both an animal caregiver and a dog mom.
We Feed Raw was founded with the goal of making raw feeding safer, more approachable, and less overwhelming for everyday pet parents. Raw feeding can sometimes feel intimidating because of obvious concerns for bacteria, balancing nutrients, or proper handling. What stood out to me is their focus on combining nutrition with modern food safety protocols. Their meals are formulated to be complete and balanced while prioritizing high-quality animal proteins and minimal processing — something many fresh feeding advocates, myself included, value when building a dog’s diet.
One of the biggest factors I evaluate before adding any brand into my dogs’ rotation is manufacturing transparency and verified safety practices. We Feed Raw is currently (since 2024) included on Susan Thixton’s Annual List from Truth About Pet Food, which highlights companies that meet Susan’s strict verification standards. For many pet parents and professionals in the fresh feeding space, this list is considered a meaningful third-party checkpoint when evaluating brands. While no food choice is one-size-fits-all, seeing a company actively meet these standards adds a strong layer of confidence.
Okay, let’s talk about something practical that I didn’t realize would make such a difference in my routine. We Feed Raw sent over their silicone thaw containers, and I genuinely love them! They make daily feeding smoother in ways that matter for consistency.
They are:
• Easy to portion meals
• Leak-resistant and fridge-friendly
• Simple to clean and reuse
• Compact for storage and organization
• Helpful for safe thawing practices
If you’ve ever tried juggling thawing food in original packaging or random containers, you know it can get messy fast. Small tools like this remove friction, which is huge for helping pet parents stay consistent with fresh feeding.
One of the newest releases from We Feed Raw is their freeze-dried raw formula.
This is especially helpful for:
• Traveling with your dog
• Attending events
• Boarding situations
• Emergency food backup
• Pet parents without reliable freezer space
Freeze-dried raw allows you to continue feeding in rotation without needing refrigeration, which helps maintain dietary consistency. For dogs who thrive on fresh or raw diets, having a shelf-stable option can be incredibly valuable.
Rotational feeding helps expose dogs to a wider variety of nutrients, proteins, and amino acid profiles while also supporting gut microbiome diversity. It can also reduce the risk of developing sensitivities from feeding a single protein or formula long-term. Every dog is different, and transitions should always be intentional and monitored. But having brands that offer flexibility, safety, and convenience helps make rotational feeding sustainable for real life — not just ideal situations.
If you’ve been curious about fresh or raw feeding but aren’t sure where to begin, my biggest advice is to keep it simple and intentional.
Focus on brands that prioritize safety and transparency
Make diet changes gradually to support digestion and adjustment
Partner with a knowledgeable professional if you need guidance
Look for companies that provide education and safe handling resources
Create routines that make consistency realistic for your lifestyle
Fresh feeding doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when it’s approached thoughtfully and at a pace that works for both you and your dog. I always encourage pet parents to do their research, ask questions, and choose options that truly support their dog’s individual needs.
If you’re interested in seeing how I rotate proteins, prep meals, and use thawing tools in real life, I share that kind of behind-the-scenes content regularly on Instagram and TikTok. It’s where I document the day-to-day routines, transitions, and honest taste-test moments! And of course, you’re always welcome to cheer Darla on as she tries her newest rotation addition ◡̈
Reply and tell me what’s currently in your dog’s bowl — I love seeing what everyone is feeding!