The Evolution of Raw Feeding: Then vs. Now
Here at BJ’s Raw Pet Food, we celebrate 10 years of being in business and providing premium products to customers! We take a moment to reflect and look back at how much the raw pet food industry has progressed.
Ten years ago, feeding your pet a raw diet felt overwhelming to many pet owners. It meant spending hours researching nutrition, sourcing ingredients, portioning meals, and trying to make sure everything was properly balanced. While the benefits were clear, the process often felt complicated, messy, and time-consuming.
Back then, raw feeding required a level of commitment that not everyone could manage.
👉A decade later, everything has changed.🐶
Today, pet owners are more informed and intentional about what they feed their animals. There’s a growing understanding that real, whole foods can have a powerful impact—improving digestion, supporting healthier skin and coats, increasing energy, and contributing to long-term wellness. What was once considered “alternative” has become a trusted, proven approach.
Raw Diet vs. Kibble Comparison
Why Raw Feeding is Easier in 2026
But the biggest shift isn’t just awareness—it’s accessibility. Raw feeding is no longer difficult. That’s where we come in!
Over the past 10 years, we’ve taken everything we’ve learned—every question, every challenge, every success—and built a process that removes the stress from raw feeding. We’ve simplified it so you don’t have to overthink it.
+ We handle the sourcing.
+ We handle the preparation.
+ We handle the balance.
You simply open, serve, and feel confident knowing you’re giving your pet the best.
Think about how we live our own lives. There are days when we cook from scratch—and days when we rely on something quick, convenient, and still high quality. You might grab takeout after a long day, pick up a prepared dish for an event, or choose convenience without sacrificing standards.
+ Feeding your pet should work the same way.
+ You shouldn’t have to choose between what’s easy and what’s best.
+ With our approach, you get both.
Over the years, we’ve also seen something even more meaningful—the transformation in pets themselves. Customers come back and tell us about increased energy, shinier coats, improved digestion, and pets who are excited for mealtime again. These are the moments that remind us why we started.
And while we’ve grown, one thing hasn’t changed: we’re still a family-owned business that truly cares.
We care about your pets. We care about quality. And we care about making your life easier.
Raw feeding today is not what it was 10 years ago. It’s simpler, more accessible, and more achievable than ever before.
And we’re here to make sure of that—every step of the way.
Because when feeding your pet becomes easy, more pets get the nutrition they deserve.
1. Increased Focus on Safety and Handling:
Safety used to be one of the biggest concerns—and still is—but standards have improved significantly. Companies now invest more in pathogen testing, cold-chain logistics, and safer processing methods. Pet owners are also more educated about proper storage and handling, which has reduced risks.
2. Better Ingredient Transparency:
Consumers now expect to know exactly what’s in their pet’s food. In response, raw pet food companies have become more transparent about sourcing, ingredient quality, and nutritional content. Labels and marketing have shifted from vague claims to more detailed, traceable information.
3. Growth of Research and Veterinary Awareness:
A decade ago, raw feeding was often dismissed outright by many veterinarians. Today, while opinions still vary, there’s more discussion, research, and nuanced understanding. Some vets are more open to raw feeding when it’s done properly, and there’s more emphasis on evidence-based approaches.
As we celebrate 10 years at BJ’s, we sat down with 🥩 Dr. Ian Billinghurst, the 'Godfather of Raw Feeding,' to break down why evolutionary nutrition is the ultimate key to longevity.
From debunking the 'complete and balanced' myth to explaining why kibble is essentially a 'metabolic poison,' this interview is a must-watch for every pet parent. 📺✨
Watch the full breakdown here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAQPyGV5OJU"
4. Expansion of the Market and Accessibility:
Raw pet food is no longer just a specialty product. It’s more widely available through local retailers, online subscriptions, and direct-to-consumer brands. This has made it easier for more pet owners to try it without the barrier of sourcing ingredients themselves.
5. Improved Education for Pet Owners:
There’s been a big shift toward educating customers—not just selling food. Brands now invest in content, guides, and customer support to help pet owners understand portioning, transitions, and nutritional balance. This has helped reduce misinformation and improve outcomes.
6. Customization and Personalization:
More recently, raw pet nutrition has started to move toward personalized feeding plans. Factors like a pet’s age, breed, activity level, and health conditions are being used to tailor diets, rather than offering one-size-fits-all options.
Overall, the evolution has been about moving from passion-driven experimentation to a more science-backed, structured, and consumer-friendly approach. The core idea—feeding pets a diet closer to what they would naturally eat—has stayed the same, but the execution has become more refined and reliable.
Looking Ahead:
While the raw feeding space has changed significantly over the past ten years, the heart of it remains the same: a desire to feed pets in a way that supports their health, vitality, and longevity.
As we look to the future, one thing is clear—the journey of raw pet nutrition is far from over. With continued research, innovation, and education, it will only become more refined, more accessible, and more impactful in the years to come.
And we’re proud to be part of that journey.
👉Click Here for the Feeding Calculator
🚨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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