Image: Esther Bunning
We caught Dr Heidi for a chat about how dogs can benefit from eating fresh foods – “feeding for joy” she calls it – and what we humans need to know. Adding even a little fresh or freeze-dried meat goes a long way, as it turns out.
Dr. Heidi Ward-McGrath is a clinical veterinarian with 27 years of experience in nutrition-based animal health. As a published research scientist specialising in microbiome diversification and antimicrobial resistance in dogs, she has tons of actionable tips for dog owners looking to improve their dog’s health through food. And luckily for us, she’s on the Hound team!
To start, tell us a little about ‘mixed feeding’ or ‘flexible feeding’.
When I started practising as a veterinarian 27 years ago, processed kibble was viewed as a complete and balanced diet – the gold standard for dog nutrition. And for many dogs, it still serves as a good foundation. However, over the years my understanding of canine nutrition deepened and I began exploring what happens when you build on that foundation by adding fresh, whole food ingredients; foods that dogs are actually designed to eat.
The results spoke for themselves. I watched chronic skin problems, digestive issues, anxiety, joint stiffness – ailments that have become almost normal in dogs – ease, and in many cases disappear.
Approaching your dog’s meal time in a way that supports their biological make-up really changes the game when it comes to their health and nutrition.
So take us back to basics. What are dogs supposed to eat?
Dogs are facultative carnivores. That means they're biologically designed to thrive on animal-based nutrition. They can use plant material, but for their diet to be balanced five core things are needed: high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and immune function, healthy fats for energy and brain health, essential vitamins and minerals for organ function, digestible carbohydrates for gut health, and water, ideally fresh without chlorine or fluoride.
When I look at a dog's nutrition from a clinical perspective, I'm not just feeding calories. I'm feeding cells. I'm feeding the systems that make the dog machine work. And that's why animal-based nutrition is so crucial for a carnivore.
Is there anything wrong with kibble?
It's worth understanding a little of the kibble story, because it shapes how we think about storage, freshness and nutrition in general. Kibble was originally developed as a byproduct of the wheat industry. It was convenient, shelf-stable food that when sprayed with chicken fat appealed to dogs. However, in terms of a nutritional profile it wasn’t designed with a dog’s natural diet in mind.
Technology has obviously come a long way since those days, as have ingredient options. A good quality kibble is a genuine starting point and a good foundation for many dogs.
However, it’s worth considering that many of the fats that make kibble palatable are vulnerable to oxidation once the bag is opened. Rancid fat is toxic, and it develops faster than most people realise, especially in a warm kitchen, or if any moisture gets into the bag. Feeding this to your dog can cause nutritional problems as well as skin issues.
If you are feeding a high-quality kibble, store it in an airtight container away from heat, and aim to use it within a few weeks of opening.
Why exactly is fresh food good for dogs?
It makes magic happen in the gut. Most dogs that have been fed the same thing their whole lives have low microbiome diversity—sometimes just 10% of what it should be. When you introduce fresh foods, even in small amounts, you're giving your dog's gut bacteria room to diversify. And diversification is where you will see real health benefits.
Similar to humans, a diverse microbiome in dogs means better immune regulation, healthier skin, and fewer allergies. More importantly, owners who feed fresh, report noticing almost immediately that their dog seems happier. This is because the bacteria in a healthy gut produce B vitamins, and B vitamins are an essential co-factor in helping the body manufacture serotonin and dopamine.
That's the gut-brain connection. That's when you see a bouncier, happier, more engaged dog. I call it "feeding for joy"—and once owners see that joy, it’s hard to deny the benefits of incorporating fresh foods into their dogs' diet.
What’s the easiest way to incorporate fresh food into my dog's diet?
If you've been feeding kibble for years, the idea of switching to fresh food can feel overwhelming. However, as with all good habits, starting simple and being consistent is the key to success.
When it comes to incorporating more whole, unprocessed foods into your dog's diet, the 20% approach is a great point.
Replace 20% of your dog's daily calories with fresh, high-quality meat. This 20% isn't just extra food on top, it's a replacement. A serving of Chicken Meatballs, for example, plus some grated veggies, makes up 20% of your dog's meal. Simple as that. The remaining 80% can be kibble if you're still using it. You can gradually move towards a 50-50 balance, or whatever amount of fresh food works for your lifestyle.
Will transitioning to fresh foods upset my dog’s gut?
When you start introducing fresh food, go slow. Begin with one meal a day, usually breakfast is easiest. And introduce one new ingredient at a time. There's an old saying: 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 50-50. Essentially, that means you gradually increase the percentage of fresh food you are feeding over multiple weeks, which allows your dog's gut bacteria time to adapt without causing gas, bloating, or loose stools.
Generally speaking dogs do really well on 50-50 mixed feeding: 50% complete and balanced kibble (if you're using it), 20% fresh protein, 20% vegetables, and the rest from bones or other scraps. In my experience, most owners move beyond that once they begin to see changes. When they see their dog's coat get shinier, when itching stops, when inflammation reduces—they get it and fresh, mixed feeding becomes a part of daily life.
Will feeding fresh work for dogs with health issues or gut sensitivities?
For dogs that are picky eaters, recovering from surgery, or dealing with a chronic illness, fresh protein becomes even more valuable.
A highly digestible protein like freeze-dried meatballs gives sick or recovering dogs quick, efficient fuel. Unlike complex carbohydrates, which are fermented further down the digestive system, quality protein is absorbed rapidly and doesn't create the gas and digestive discomfort that can trouble active or sensitive dogs.
Post-surgery? Warm freeze-dried meatballs with some broccoli and pumpkin are perfect. Fussy eater? They'll often eat fresh food when they won't touch the kibble. A senior dog that needs maximised nutrition? Fresh protein and fats deliver that in a form their body can actually use.
Incorporating freeze-dried meat as a meal mixer with a few fresh veggies can act as a powerful medicine and go a long way in supporting the health and nutrition of your dog.
Any tips for feeding fresh for those with a busy lifestyle?
The beauty of fresh feeding is that it's customisable. You're not locked into one ‘everything’ product. You can rotate proteins, add seasonal vegetables, include organ meats, grated broccoli, egg, omega oils. You can meal prep in ice cube trays and pull out one cube a day. It's flexible, it works around real life, and it means your dog gets variety instead of the same thing every single day for years.
Humans have evolved eating seasonally, with variety. Our dogs evolved the same way. Feeding them fresh food—even just 20% of their diet—is bringing them back to what they're built for.
And it makes a real difference to their wellbeing.