Dr. Ian Billinghurst & Leading Experts at Pet Summit 2.0: What Pet Parents Need to Know About Raw Feeding
Pet nutrition continues to be one of the most talked-about subjects in the animal-wellness world. This week, the Raw Dog Food Summit 2.0 brought together top veterinary speakers and educators focused specifically on raw feeding, canine nutrition, gut health, and species-appropriate diets.
Featuring over 10 hours of educational content, the summit covered critical topics ranging from puppy and senior dog nutrition to gut microbiome health, working dogs, and safety protocols for raw feeding.
As interest in alternatives to conventional processed kibble grows, many pet owners are left asking: What exactly is raw feeding, and what do leading experts say about its benefits?
What is Raw Pet Food Feeding?
Raw feeding involves providing pets with uncooked, species-appropriate animal ingredients—including high-quality muscle meat, vital organs, and raw edible bones. Commercial raw diets are available frozen, refrigerated, or freeze-dried.
The core philosophy behind raw feeding rests on evolutionary biology: dogs and cats thrive on nutrient-dense diets that mirror what their ancestral biological systems were designed to process.
At the Raw Dog Food Summit 2.0, experts explored:
+ The nutritional roles of fresh protein, healthy fats, and minimal carbohydrates
+ The direct connection between real food and a healthy gut microbiome
+ Safe methods for transitioning pets from kibble to raw
+ Tailoring raw diets for distinct life stages (puppies, adults, and seniors)
Insights from Dr. Ian Billinghurst and Dr. Nick Thompson
Two of the most prominent veterinary authorities featured at the summit were Dr. Ian Billinghurst and Dr. Nick Thompson. While their talks approached pet health from different angles, both centered on one vital question: What does a dog actually need to achieve optimal health?
Dr. Ian Billinghurst: Evolutionary Nutrition & The BARF Diet Dr. Ian Billinghurst is a renowned veterinary surgeon, nutritionist, and author who pioneered biologically appropriate raw feeding (the BARF diet).
In his summit presentation, "What is a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet," Dr. Billinghurst emphasized that formulation should begin with whole, evolutionary foods rather than isolated, synthetic nutrient targets. Instead of treating food merely as a chemical checklist, he highlights the biological harmony between an animal's ancestral digestive system and whole, raw ingredients.
For pet owners, this perspective simplifies everything: the goal isn't just feeding raw meat, but delivering complete, species-appropriate nutrition tailored to your pet's life stage.
Dr. Nick Thompson: Challenging Conventional Pet Food Dr. Nick Thompson, MRCVS, presented on "Is a Vegan Diet Good for Pets?"—prompting pet owners to evaluate whether modern human food trends align with true canine and feline physiology.
Dr. Thompson highlighted the importance of safe food handling, proper formulation, and evaluating the unique needs of the individual animal, reinforcing that a balanced raw diet requires quality sourcing and smart preparation.
How BJ’s Raw Pet Food Makes Raw Feeding Simple
For over 10 years, BJ’s Raw Pet Food has helped pets thrive on fresh, species-appropriate diets. We eliminate the guesswork of raw feeding by delivering carefully processed, farm-fresh, veterinarian-formulated meals straight to your door.
Whether you are completely new to raw or looking for raw ingredients to customize your pet’s bowl, we offer convenient options for every stage of your journey:
+ Complete Raw Meals: Balanced protein, organ, and bone ratios designed for optimal digestion.
+ Custom Organ & Meat Blends: Flexible options to add variety or build custom meals.
+ 100% Pure Ingredients: Zero dyes, fillers, or synthetic preservatives—just raw, frozen, local ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Feeding
Where should I start if I’m new to raw feeding?
Our Premium Mix is our most popular choice for beginners. It provides a balanced, ready-to-serve foundation so you don't have to worry about calculating individual ingredient ratios yourself.
How does delivery and handling work?
We ship our raw pet food frozen in convenient 2 lb, 10 lb, and 38 lb options. Once your package arrives:
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Transfer the containers to your freezer.
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Move your pet’s upcoming meals to the refrigerator to thaw safely.
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Serve! (All BJ’s products can be safely refrozen one time if needed).
What should I feed a puppy or a senior dog?
We offer specifically formulated blends to support different life stages, including our Puppy Mix for growing dogs and our Legacy Mix for aging companions.
Do I have to start with the Premium Mix?
Not at all! We encourage you to check out our complete meals to find the perfect protein sources and meal styles for your pet’s preferences.
Give Your Pet the Power of Real Food
After a decade of serving raw-fed pets, we know every animal is unique. Whether you choose our complete Premium Mix, specialty life-stage blends, or raw organ selections, BJ’s Raw Pet Food is here to make raw feeding safe, affordable, and accessible.
Explore BJ's Raw Pet Food Products Today & Fuel Your Pet with Real Nutrition!
🚨Transitioning to raw doesn't have to be stressful. By avoiding these common mistakes and choosing a trusted partner like BJ’s Raw Pet Food, you are giving your pet the gift of a longer, healthier life.
Ready to start? 👉 [Shop our Beginner-Friendly Introductory Packages] 👉 [Talk to our Lancaster Team: (717) 745-8899]
Real Food, Real People - Raw, Unprocessed Food for your Pet and Live Customer Support 🚘 Live close by? Visit us Mon - Fri 8am-5:30pm EST, Saturday 9am - 3:00 pm EST. 📍1518 Millport Road, Lancaster, PA. 📲(717) 745-8899
OUR MISSION is to feed pets the way nature intended—keeping them healthy with fresh, raw foods made only from whole ingredients, free from preservatives, synthetic vitamins and minerals, and unnecessary processing.
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