Why I feed my dogs and puppies raw and baked kibble?

This is something people ask me about often, and it’s a big part of how I raise my dogs and puppies here at True North Sheepadoodles.

Over the years, I’ve learned that what you feed your dogs really does matter. I didn’t come to this decision overnight. I’ve tried different things, watched how my dogs responded, and paid attention to what truly helped them look and feel their best. I kept coming back to feeding a combination of raw, freeze-dried raw, and baked kibble, because I’ve seen firsthand how well my dogs do on it.

Raw food is the foundation. I love feeding raw because it’s real, whole food, and my dogs absolutely thrive on it. Their coats are soft and shiny, their bodies are strong and athletic, and their digestion is consistent. They have steady energy and just look healthy. One added benefit I’ve noticed with this approach is smaller, firmer stools. When dogs are truly absorbing and utilizing their food well, there’s simply less waste. That’s something families definitely appreciate, too. It’s especially important to me when raising puppies, because those early weeks matter so much. I want to give them the strongest, healthiest start possible.

I use freeze-dried raw, which is just raw food with the moisture removed. It’s incredibly convenient and still keeps the nutrition I’m looking for. I use it for training, travel, and busy days when I need something quick but still want to feed well. The puppies love it, and it makes wonderful training treats too.

I include baked kibble from Carna4 as part of their diet as well. Choosing Carna4 was a very intentional decision. It’s gently baked and made from real food ingredients, which was important to me. I wanted a kibble option that still fit with my philosophy of feeding as naturally as possible. It helps puppies transition smoothly to their new homes, since every family will have their own feeding routine.

One thing I really believe in is feeding variety. I don’t want my dogs’ systems to only recognize one single food. By exposing them to different proteins and forms of high-quality nutrition, it helps support a stronger digestive system and immune system. I’ve found that dogs raised this way tend to handle new foods better and are less likely to develop sensitivities. It makes life easier for their future families, because the puppies are already used to different foods.

At the end of the day, I feed this way because I love my dogs and want the very best for them. I see them every day. I see their health, their coats, their energy, and how they grow. That’s what guides my decisions.

Everything I do here at True North Sheepadoodles is centered around raising healthy, happy, well-adjusted dogs. From how they are raised, to how they are loved, to how they are fed, it all matters. Giving them the best possible start in life is something I care deeply about, and feeding them well is one of the most important parts of that.