Which Raw Meat Is Best for Your Dog? A Simple Guide

Come into or store in Kurri Kurri and you'll see it straight away: a lot of choice. Beef, kangaroo, chicken, turkey, salmon, pilchards, bones, necks and more. It's a great problem to have, but it does raise the question we hear every week: which one is actually best for my dog?

The honest answer is that it depends on your dog's age, size, activity level, body condition and any sensitivities. Below is a plain-English guide to the raw meats we stock, what each one does well, and the dogs it suits best.

1. Beef Mince: Lean, Semi Lean and Puppy

Beef is the backbone of most raw diets, and the main difference between our beef mixes is fat content . That one detail decides which dog each mix suits.

• Lean Beef Mince is our lowest-fat beef mince. It's a good fit for dogs that don't need extra fat, such as less active dogs, dogs that put on weight easily, and anyone who wants a straightforward protein base.
• Semi Lean Beef sits at around 15% fat. It's very suitable for working dogs that need the extra energy, and it's a natural next step for pups graduating down from puppy mince.
• Puppy Mince is built on our lean beef with around 25% fat. That extra fat helps a growing pup fill out and maintain weight, which also makes it a good choice for any dog that needs to gain condition.

If you're not sure which beef mince fits, think about how hard your dog works and what shape they're in. A couch-loving adult and a busy working kelpie shouldn't necessarily be on the same mix.

2. Kangaroo: Great for Skin Issues and Sensitive Dogs

Kangaroo is extremely lean, and it's one of the go-to options for dogs with skin problems or allergies. Because it's a different protein from the beef and chicken found in many commercial foods, it's often the one owners try when they suspect their dog is reacting to a common ingredient.

We stock Kangaroo Mince as well as Kangaroo Tails . The tails are a lean chew that helps scrape plaque and tartar from teeth. One word of caution: supervise your dog while they chew, as tails can be a choking hazard, particularly for small breeds.

3. Chicken: Affordable and Versatile

Chicken is one of the most budget-friendly ways to feed raw, and we have it in several forms:

• Chicken Mince and Chicken Carcass are a natural, affordable source of protein, calcium and cartilage.
• Chicken Necks are rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which support healthy joints.
• Chicken Feet are a great chew for cleaning teeth, or a handy treat.
• Chicken Wing Tips are available in 5kg bags, which suit multi-dog households.

Chicken works well for most healthy adult dogs and is a good everyday base. Because chicken necks and carcasses are bony, they're best as part of a balanced plan rather than the only thing on the menu.

4. Turkey Necks: Best for Bigger Dogs

Turkey necks are noticeably larger than chicken or duck necks, often 10 to 12 inches long, and contain the spine, windpipe, muscle and connective tissue. That size makes them better suited to medium, large and giant breeds . A small dog could struggle with one, so smaller dogs are usually better off with chicken necks.

5. Salmon and Pilchards: Omega-3 for Coat, Skin and Joints

Salmon Mince is a single-protein raw food packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support a shiny coat, healthy skin and joint mobility. Pilchards are small, oily fish that work well as a topper, a treat or part of a raw meal.

These are especially popular for dogs with dull coats or dry skin, and for older dogs who could use a little extra joint support. Think of them as a boost on top of a base meat rather than a full diet on their own.

6. Beef Heart: Muscle Fuel for Active Dogs

Beef heart is a muscle meat rich in protein, iron and B-vitamins. It's popular with active and working dogs, including greyhounds in training, because it helps support muscle strength and energy. As with all raw meat, handle and store it properly so it stays safe and fresh.

7. Bones and Chews: For Teeth and Mental Stimulation

Beef Brisket Bones satisfy a dog's natural urge to chew, help clean teeth, and provide glucosamine for joint support. Large Beef Shin Bones are a longer-lasting natural chew for dogs that love to gnaw. Always pick a bone that suits your dog's size, and keep an eye on them while they chew.

8. Complete Mix: The Easy Option

If you'd rather not build meals from scratch, our Complete Mix is made from 70% beef meat, 10% offal, 10% beef suet fat and 10% vegetables. It's a simple, ready-to-go choice for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Quick Guide: Which Meat for Which Dog?

• Puppies starting on mince: Puppy Mince
• Pups moving on, and working dogs: Semi Lean Beef
• Dogs that need less fat: Lean Beef Mince
• Dogs needing to gain weight: Puppy Mince
• Skin issues or allergies: Kangaroo Mince
• Dull coat or joint support: Salmon Mince or Pilchards
• Active dogs and muscle support: Beef Heart
• Medium to giant breeds: Turkey Necks
• Small dogs: Chicken Necks and Chicken Mince
• Dental health: Brisket Bones, Chicken Feet, Kangaroo Tails

A Few Important Reminders

No single meat is a complete diet by itself. Every dog is different, and puppies in particular have specific growth needs, so it's worth making sure the overall plan is balanced. If your dog has a medical condition, a confirmed allergy or complex nutritional needs, please speak with your vet first.

Come and Have a Chat

With around 30 years of experience, our family-run team is happy to talk through what suits your dog. Pop into our store at Unit 1/110 Mitchell Avenue, Kurri Kurri , open Tuesday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm and Saturday 8:30am to 2:00pm, or call us on 02 4991 4383 . Product availability changes, so it's worth a quick call if you're after something specific.

Which meat does your dog love most? Come and tell us next time you're in.