If you live with a large breed dog, then you know: feeding these gentle giants is no easy task.
And once you dive into the world of natural feeding, a question comes up almost immediately:
Should I feed raw or cooked food?
Yep, I’ve been there too. I have my Thor who is practically a horse (and the sweetest soul).
When I started researching natural food, that was the first thing that got me scratching my head.
Now, after trying both options, talking to vets and fellow dog parents, I want to share everything I’ve learned about the hot debate: raw or cooked — what’s best for your big dog?
🥩 Raw feeding: the BARF diet
If you’ve heard of BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), that’s the most well-known raw food philosophy.
The idea is to mimic what dogs would eat in the wild — raw meat, raw bones, organs, eggs, fruits, and veggies.
I tested this diet with Thor for a while.
At first, I was nervous — “What if he gets sick? What if there are bacteria?” But honestly? He loved it.
Pros of raw food:
- Shinier and healthier coat
- Smaller, less smelly poop (true story)
- Stable energy levels
- Helps with dental health, especially if bones are included
Cons to watch for:
- Requires extreme hygiene and care with storage and handling
- Not every dog adapts well right away
- Can be risky if not properly balanced
- You need high-quality, fresh meat
One tip I got from a vet: never mix kibble and raw food in the same meal — they digest at different speeds and may upset your dog’s stomach.
🍲 Cooked feeding: safer and simpler
After a few months of raw, I eventually switched to cooked natural food. Why? Because it fits better into my routine — and Thor kept doing great on it.
In this approach, foods are cooked or lightly steamed — no seasonings, no salt, no oils.
I usually cook lean meat, brown rice or sweet potatoes, vegetables like pumpkin and carrots, and a splash of coconut oil or olive oil.
Benefits of cooked food:
- Safer when it comes to bacteria and parasites
- Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Easier to store and handle
- Most dogs transition easily
Downsides:
- Some nutrients are lost during cooking
- You might need to supplement (like calcium or zinc)
- Takes more effort than just scooping out kibble
⚖️ So… which one is better?
Honestly? It depends on your dog and your lifestyle.
If you’re organized, have access to quality meats, and time to prep, raw feeding might be great — as long as it’s done with professional guidance.
But if you want something a bit simpler and safer, cooked food could be the sweet spot.
At my house, I’ve stuck with the cooked diet for Thor.
With vet-approved recipes, he’s getting everything he needs — and thriving!
🐾 Golden tip: talk to a professional first
Whichever option you choose, don’t DIY it blindly.
It might seem easy to throw together some rice, meat, and veggies, but dogs — especially large breeds — need the right ratios of protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.
I only felt confident changing Thor’s food after a consult with a canine nutrition vet.
She gave me a custom plan and even a few easy meal prep tips that fit into my weekly routine.
🐕 Choose health, not trends
At the end of the day, what really matters is seeing our dogs happy, energetic, and healthy.
Whether you go with raw or cooked, the most important thing is that the food is natural, well-balanced, and given with love and care.
So… have you tried either method with your big dog? Let me know in the comments what worked best for you!