How Raw Feeding Transformed Our Dog — and Sparked H&N Homestead

If you had told me years ago that dog food would change the course of our lives and lead to a business rooted in raw nutrition, I probably would have laughed. At the time, we were just trying to help our dog feel better.

Like many pet owners, we trusted that high-quality commercial food was enough. We read so many labels and tried numerous premium brands. But our dog still struggled constantly with itchy skin and unmistakable discomfort. Vet visits became routine. Switching foods became normal. Nothing truly solved the problem.

That frustration was the starting point of our raw feeding journey — and eventually, the beginning of H&N Homestead.

What Is Raw Feeding?

Raw feeding, at its core, is about feeding dogs food in a form closer to what their bodies are designed to process. This typically includes raw muscle meat, organs, edible bone, and sometimes carefully selected fruits and vegetables, depending on the feeding model.

Raw feeding is not simply tossing a piece of meat from the store into a bowl. A nutritionally complete raw diet must provide the correct ratios of protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and trace minerals. Without balance, even the best ingredients can lead to deficiencies or long-term health issues.

Why We Decided to Try Raw

After exhausting nearly every commercial option available to us, we began researching raw feeding as an alternative. At first, it felt overwhelming. There was conflicting information everywhere, strong opinions on all sides, and plenty of fear-based messaging.

But we kept digging. We studied canine nutrition, ingredient sourcing, and feeding ratios. We consulted professionals. We asked questions, double-checked information, and took our time. We didn’t switch overnight.

When we finally made the transition, the changes were undeniable.

Our dog’s coat became softer and shinier. Digestive issues improved. Energy levels increased. The constant itching and discomfort eased. For the first time, it felt like we weren’t just managing symptoms, we were supporting real health. That moment changed how we looked at everything related to pet nutrition.

Ellie always gets to clean up the venison legs.

A Very Important Note About DIY Raw Feeding

Before we go any further, this needs to be crystal clear:

We do not recommend switching your dog to a raw diet without consulting a qualified veterinary nutritionist or canine nutrition professional.

DIY raw feeding requires an incredible amount of research and precision. Dogs need more than just meat. They need specific nutrients in specific amounts, and those needs vary based on age, size, activity level, and health status. What works for one dog may be completely inappropriate for another.

Our own DIY journey involved countless hours of learning, calculating, adjusting, and re-evaluating. It was not simple, fast, or casual, and it shouldn’t be.

Raw feeding can be incredibly beneficial when done correctly, but improperly balanced diets can cause serious harm. Responsible feeding always comes first.

How Raw Feeding Changed Our Perspective

Once we saw how dramatically raw feeding improved our dog’s quality of life, we couldn’t ignore it. Food was no longer just fuel, it was foundational.

We became more aware of sourcing, transparency, and ingredient integrity. We paid closer attention to where food came from and how it was processed. We started asking harder questions about what was being added and why. That mindset naturally extended beyond meals.

We noticed how much our dogs loved natural chews and treats, especially those that were minimally processed and species-appropriate. We also noticed how difficult it was to find products that aligned with the same values we were applying to raw feeding.

That gap is where H&N Homestead began.

The Beginning of H&N Homestead

H&N Homestead was born from the same philosophy that led us to raw feeding: dogs deserve simple, honest, thoughtfully sourced nutrition.

What started as a personal journey to help our own dog turned into a desire to help others do the same, without having to compromise on quality or transparency. As we dove deeper into raw feeding, we began raising rabbits specifically for our dog’s diet. Before long, we found ourselves with more rabbit hides than she could ever consume on her own.

Rather than letting those hides go to waste, we started turning them into natural treats and chews and offering them at our small-town farmers market. The response was immediate. Pet owners were looking for the same things we were, single-ingredient options, minimal processing, and products they could feel good about feeding.

Every chew and treat we offer reflects that commitment. Single-ingredient. Minimal processing. No fillers. No unnecessary additives. Just real, functional products that support a natural approach to feeding.

Raw feeding didn’t just improve our dog’s health, it shaped the values behind our business.

Raw Feeding Isn’t All or Nothing

One of the biggest misconceptions about raw feeding is that it has to be extreme or immediate. It doesn’t.

For some families, fully balanced DIY raw diets make sense. For others, professionally formulated raw meals or partial raw feeding fits better. Every dog is different.

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s intention. Learning. Making informed decisions that prioritize your dog’s long-term health.

Our Encouragement to You

If you’re curious about raw feeding, start with education. Ask questions. Consult professionals. Take your time.

Watch your dog. Listen to their body. Stay open, but stay responsible.

Raw feeding changed our dog’s life, and it changed ours. It sparked curiosity, research, and eventually a business built on respect for animals and honest nutrition.

That’s the heart of H&N Homestead.

Whether you’re fully raw feeding, considering a transition, or simply looking to add more natural options to your dog’s routine, we’re glad you’re here. And we’re honored to be part of your journey.

FAQs

Is raw feeding safe for dogs?

Raw feeding can be safe and beneficial for many dogs when it is properly balanced and thoughtfully planned. However, feeding raw without a complete nutritional plan can lead to deficiencies or long-term health issues. That’s why professional guidance is so important before making the switch!

Do I need a nutritionist to feed my dog a raw diet?

Not always. Many pet owners choose commercially prepared raw diets that are professionally formulated to be complete and balanced. However, for DIY raw feeding, working with a qualified veterinary nutritionist or canine nutrition professional is highly recommended.

Is DIY raw feeding difficult?

DIY raw feeding requires significant research, careful sourcing, and ongoing adjustments. It’s not as simple as feeding raw meat alone. Our own experience involved extensive learning, calculations, and professional input to make sure our dogs were receiving balanced nutrition. It is also time consuming depending on how you decide to prepare it.

Can I feed raw without fully switching my dog’s diet?

Absolutely. Raw feeding doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Some pet owners incorporate raw meals alongside other feeding methods or focus on adding natural, minimally processed treats and chews as part of a balanced routine. Every dog is different, and flexibility matters.

Did raw feeding really influence H&N Homestead’s products?

Yes. Raw feeding changed how we think about nutrition, sourcing, and transparency. That mindset is reflected in everything we make, from how ingredients are sourced to why we prioritize single-ingredient, minimally processed treats and chews.