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The Power of 20 Percent: How a Little Freeze-Dried Raw Can Make a Big Difference
Better Digestion
Dogs often show improvements like:
- Firmer, smaller stools
- Less gas
- Improved appetite
- Better nutrient absorption
Stronger Immunity
Even at 20 percent of their total diet, these nutrients can help reduce inflammation, improve skin and coat condition, and support long-term health.
More Energy and Vitality
Many pet parents notice their dogs seem brighter, more energetic, and more alert after incorporating freeze-dried raw. That is not a coincidence. Raw food delivers nutrients in their most natural and bioavailable form, giving dogs the fuel they need to thrive.
For older dogs, even a partial raw diet can support mobility and reduce joint stiffness. For younger dogs, it can help build a strong nutritional foundation early on.
Easy on the Tummy, Easy in the Bowl
One of the most common concerns when adding raw food is the fear of digestive upset. We know the economy is tough right now, which is why we formulated our gently baked recipes to be both cost-effective and high quality. They are nutritionally complete on their own but also designed to blend seamlessly with our freeze-dried raw for an easy upgrade without a full price jump. We formulate our freeze-dried raw and gently baked recipes with many of the same core ingredients. This shared foundation means you can blend the two without making a full diet switch and without stressing your dog’s digestive system.
You can mix a scoop of freeze-dried raw into their gently baked meals, alternate between the two, or rotate by day. Because the ingredients are familiar and the formulas are designed to complement each other, your dog’s body can adapt more comfortably.
Backed by Research
Studies have shown that even a small amount of fresh or raw food added to a processed diet can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. One notable study found that adding just 20 percent raw meat or vegetables to a dog's diet was associated with a lower risk of cancer compared to dogs fed only commercial kibble.
While every dog is different, the science and anecdotal evidence both support the idea that small improvements to food quality can lead to better health outcomes over time.
Start Small, See the Difference
At Matter Pet, we believe in progress over perfection. Our freeze-dried raw recipes are crafted with thoughtfully sourced, nutrient-dense ingredients that pair seamlessly with our gently baked line. Whether you are feeding baked food daily or rotating recipes throughout the week, you can confidently add 20 percent freeze-dried raw without fear of upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Why Better Food Means Smaller Poops (Yes, Really)
Let’s talk about something every dog parent deals with but probably does not love to talk about: poop.
If you have ever switched your dog to a higher-quality diet and noticed that their poop got smaller, firmer, and less frequent, you are not imagining it. It is actually one of the clearest signs that your dog’s food is working with their body, not against it. So why does better food lead to better poop? Here is what you need to know.
What Is Your Dog’s Poop Made Of?
Your dog’s stool is made up of several things:
- Water
- Indigestible materials like excess fiber or filler
- Bacteria
- Undigested food matter
If the food your dog is eating is full of low-quality ingredients or hard-to-digest fillers, their body cannot use most of it. That excess has to go somewhere, and it usually ends up in the backyard.
High-Quality Food Is More Digestible
When your dog eats food made from high-quality proteins, whole food ingredients, and minimal processing, their body can absorb more nutrients from each bite. That means:
- More nutrition is absorbed
- Less waste is produced
- Digestion becomes more efficient
As a result, there is simply less for your dog to eliminate.
Less Junk In Means Less Junk Out
Many conventional dog foods are packed with cheap carbohydrates like corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients offer little nutritional value and are often used just to bulk up the food. Your dog’s body has to work harder to process them, and most of that effort results in larger, smellier stools.
When you switch to a food that prioritizes high-quality animal proteins, digestible fibers, and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, you are giving your dog food that their body can actually use. The difference becomes clear very quickly.
What Your Dog’s Poop Tells You
Your dog’s stool is a helpful indicator of what is going on inside their body. When everything is working as it should, you will usually see stools that are smaller, firm, and easier to pick up. If their food is not working well for them, you might see frequent bowel movements, loose stools, or a lot of volume. These are all signs that the food may not be digesting properly.
The Bottom Line
Feeding better food means more nutrients are absorbed and less ends up in the yard. That is not just a nice side benefit, it is a sign that your dog is getting what they need to feel their best.
At Matter Pet, we craft every recipe with high-quality, bioavailable ingredients that your dog’s body can actually use. That means more nourishment in every bite, fewer stools, and a healthier digestive system overall.
If you are ready to make the switch, we are here to help you get started. Your dog will feel better, and you will notice the difference in their energy, in their coat, and yes, even in their poop.
Starting Your Large Breed Puppy Off Right: Why Recipe Matters More Than You Think
Bringing home a large breed puppy is exciting and a little overwhelming. These big babies grow fast, and the food you choose now plays a critical role in their lifelong health. One of the most important decisions you can make early on is to follow a diet that supports large breed growth.
At Matter, our beef freeze-dried raw and gently baked recipes are a smart starting point for large breed puppies. Here is why...
Large Breed Puppies Have Unique Needs
Large breed puppies grow rapidly during their first year, but their bones and joints take time to fully develop. That means their food needs to strike a delicate balance, enough nutrition to support healthy growth but not so much that it speeds up development too quickly.
Overfeeding or using foods too high in certain nutrients, especially calories or calcium, can increase the risk of joint issues like hip dysplasia later in life.
Not All Dog Foods Are Safe for Large Breed Puppies
Many foods on the market are labeled for "all life stages," but that does not mean they are suitable for large breed puppy growth. To meet the needs of large breed puppies, a food must have the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, controlled calorie density, and nutrient balance to support steady development.
Feeding a recipe that does not meet these specific standards can contribute to skeletal issues or uneven growth.
Why Matter’s Beef Freeze-Dried and Gently Baked Work
Our freeze-dried raw and gently baked beef recipes are formulated to support healthy growth in large breed puppies when fed appropriately. Here’s what makes them a strong option:
-
Balanced Calcium and Phosphorus
Our recipes are formulated to meet the guidelines for large breed puppy growth, helping support proper bone development. -
Controlled Calories
We focus on nutrient density without overloading on calories, which helps promote a steady, controlled growth rate instead of rapid weight gain. -
High-Quality Protein
Our recipes are rich in real beef, organs, and functional ingredients like flaxseed, spinach, and pumpkin to support muscle development, gut health, and immune function. -
Versatile Feeding Options
Whether you choose to feed freeze-dried raw, gently baked, or a blend of both, you are giving your puppy real, whole-food nutrition with none of the filler.
A Flexible Feeding Plan
Many large breed puppy parents find success blending our freeze-dried raw and gently baked recipes. This approach adds variety, supports digestibility, and allows you to control calorie intake while providing complete nutrition.
Start with a consistent portion size based on weight and age, and monitor your puppy’s growth and body condition closely. Start them on Nutrition for Life.
The Bottom Line
Feeding a large breed puppy is not just about finding a food that says "puppy" on the label. It is about choosing a formula that truly supports their unique growth curve, joint development, and long-term health.
At Matter, we built our recipes with intention—so that you can feed with confidence. If you are starting your large breed puppy on our beef freeze-dried raw or gently baked food, you are giving them a foundation built for strength, balance, and a healthier future.