Big Dog vs. Proudi Raw: Which Raw Pet Food Brand is Best for Your Dog?

When it comes to raw feeding, both Big Dog Raw and Proudi Raw have established themselves as some of the most widely available commercial pre-made choices in Australia. These brands emphasise not only biologically appropriate nutrition but also focus on locally sourced ingredients and the many potential health benefits of raw diets. While they share common ground, their unique approaches cater to different preferences and pet needs. Let’s delve deeper into their pros, cons, and what makes them stand out within the Australian market.

Big Dog Raw

Big Dog Raw embraces the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) philosophy, creating balanced meals by combining Australian meat, offal, bone, and carefully selected plant-based ingredients. Unlike many pet food brands, Big Dog avoids the use of synthetic vitamins and minerals to achieve nutritional balance. This can present challenges when striving to meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.

To ensure their recipes meet these rigorous standards naturally, Big Dog Australia conducted thorough feeding trials. These trials validated the nutritional adequacy of their range, allowing the brand to confidently classify their products as complete and balanced. This meticulous approach results in a diverse and nutrient-rich profile that promotes optimal health and overall well-being in dogs.

Key Benefits

• Versatile Range: Big Dog offers an extensive selection of recipes, including:

• Mixed Protein Options: Great for variety and complete nutrition.

• Single Protein Diets: Ideal for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.

• Specialized Formulas: Targeted at specific needs, such as joint health, sensitive skin, or active lifestyles.

• Superfood Additions: Ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, and sprouted wheatgrass provide additional nutritional benefits, contributing to skin health, immune support, and digestion.

• Convenience: Available in bulk rolls or packs divided into individual portions, making it easy for pet owners to serve meals based on their preferences and dog’s needs.

• Australian-Made Quality: Locally sourced, human-grade ingredients ensure a safe and nutritious diet for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages.
  

Potential Drawbacks

• Vegetable Content: While the inclusion of fruits and vegetables adds fibre and nutrients, some raw feeding purists prefer diets without plant-based ingredients.

• Cost: Premium quality comes with a slightly higher price tag.

• Dental Health: Ground bone, while nutrient-dense, doesn’t provide the dental abrasion that some owners may seek in raw diets.

• Can not be cooked: Due to the inclusion of crushed bone in their recipes they cannot be cooked.

Proudi Raw

Proudi Raw takes a strict Prey Model Raw (PMR) approach, closely mimicking the natural diet of wild carnivores. This method focuses on high meat content with no plant-based ingredients, providing a simple and natural feeding solution.

Key Benefits

• Prey Model Focus: Proudi’s formulas consist of 95% meat, bone, and organs, with the remaining 5% being synthetic vitamins and minerals. This high meat content makes it a great choice for pet owners who value simplicity and adherence to a carnivore's natural diet.

• Single Protein Options: Cater to dogs with allergies or sensitivities, featuring proteins like beef, kangaroo, and chicken.

• Complete and Balanced Nutrition: Proudi’s recipes exceed international standards (AAFCO, FEDIAF, NRC), ensuring they meet the nutritional requirements for both adult dogs and puppies.

• Ease of Use: Proudi’s pre-portioned patties make feeding quick and hassle-free—just defrost and serve.

• Australian Sourced Ingredients: Using 100% human-grade, locally sourced ingredients guarantees quality and safety.

• Can be cooked: As Proudi use Ground Vacuum Dried Bone rather than crushed bone in their recipes, the Proudi range could be cooked if required. That being said, it is important to note that cooking Proudi can alter its carefully balanced composition, potentially degrading essential nutrients, particularly vitamins and amino acids.
  
  

Potential Drawbacks

• Limited Range: Proudi’s focus on the Prey Model means fewer specialised options compared to Big Dog, such as diets for specific health concerns such as sensitive skin or weight management.

• No Plant-Based Ingredients: While this aligns with PMR philosophy, some pet owners appreciate the added nutrients that fruits and vegetables can offer.

• Dental Health: Similar to Big Dog, Proudi’s ground bone doesn’t offer the abrasive qualities of whole bone for cleaning teeth.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One Should You Choose?

The decision between Big Dog and Proudi comes down to your pet’s specific needs and your personal preferences as a pet owner:

• Big Dog Raw is ideal if you value a diverse range of options, including specialised diets and the added nutrients from fruits, vegetables, and superfoods. It’s a great fit for dogs with specific health concerns or owners seeking flexibility in feeding formats.

• Proudi Raw is perfect for those who prefer a diet that strictly adheres to the prey model, offering a high meat content with minimal ingredients. It’s especially suited to dogs with allergies or sensitivities requiring single-protein options.

Selecting the right brand for your dog's raw food diet is important, but equally vital is rotating between brands and recipes. This practice not only provides nutritional variety but also supports gut health and reduces the risk of developing allergies or sensitivities over time. Rotating ensures meals stay exciting, prevents palate fatigue (boredom of a particular flavour), and offers a balanced intake of nutrients from diverse sources, addressing potential gaps in individual recipes. Moreover, dogs accustomed to dietary variety are better equipped to handle changes without digestive upset.

Rotating between high-quality raw diets like Big Dog and Proudi ensures your dog receives the best possible nutrition, while also fostering long-term health, adaptability, and enjoyment at mealtime.

Both Big Dog and Proudi are proudly Australian brands that excel in using top-quality ingredients and prioritizing the health and happiness of your pet. Whether you opt for Big Dog's BARF-inspired diversity or Proudi's strict prey model focus, you can trust that your dog is receiving a premium raw diet designed to help them thrive.