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From Lockdown Puppy to Crufts Champ: Belle’s Journey to Success

Have you ever looked at your dog and wondered if there’s a better way to fuel their health and vitality? Maybe you’ve tried kibble after kibble, only to find that your dog isn’t as excited about mealtime as they should be, or perhaps you’ve noticed digestive issues that just won’t quit. You know your dog deserves better, but where do you turn?

 

Anna Bain

Author: Anna Bain

From Lockdown Puppy to Crufts Champ: Belle’s Journey to Success

For Emma Howarth, she turned to ProDog Raw, took the leap to switch to raw dog food and the results blew her away.

Belle, a four-year-old English show cocker spaniel, has always been a determined dog, but her transformation after switching to a raw diet had an immediate impact. Belle’s energy levels skyrocketed, and she became a force to be reckoned with in her competitive rally shows.

In 2025 she took first place at Crufts!

Only a year into competing Belle was chosen to represent Level 1 for the South & South West Inter-Regional Rally Team taking 1st place across all 7 UK regions with an exceptional score.

Never heard of rally? It’s a fast-growing dog sport that combines obedience and teamwork—dogs and handlers follow a course of signs to perform various exercises like sits, turns, and position changes, all while staying connected and focused.

Emma was thrilled by Belle’s newfound energy and strength, and it was clear that raw feeding was fuelling her every step of the way.

“I used to feed kibble, but it never felt right. The dogs weren’t interested in it, and we’d deal with the occasional upset stomach. Since switching to raw dog food, with ProDog it’s been like night and day. Belle sings for her dinner now. She literally dances around like it’s the best part of her day! And the other dogs, Alfie and Mable, look amazing too. They’re full of energy, their coats are glossy, and their health has never been better.” 

Finding the right food for Belle

When Emma first brought Belle into her home, she knew she had a bright spark on her hands. Belle was a lockdown puppy, but she wasn’t ever a shy or underconfident —in fact, she’s always been a sassy pup who knows her mind. Bringing her home during lockdown just meant she didn’t get the normal early social interactions Emma would usually prioritise.

Despite that, Belle quickly showed promise. Emma didn’t have high hopes for her as a show dog at first, but Belle proved her wrong time and again. And when it came to fuelling her performance, Emma knew she had to find something that worked. After trying kibble for years and facing the same issues, Emma was ready for a change.

“I was always searching for the right food, but nothing seemed to work,”

Emma recalls.

“They would eat the kibble, but it didn’t excite them, and I’d constantly have to deal with things like upset stomachs or bad breath. It wasn’t until I tried raw dog food that everything clicked. Belle went from a dog who didn’t even seem all that interested in her food to one who eagerly waits for every meal. And my older dogs, Alfie and Mable, have never looked or felt better.”

A new diet, a new dog

Switching to raw dog food had an immediate impact on Belle, as Emma noticed a dramatic boost in her energy and overall health.

“The first thing I noticed was their energy,”

Emma says.

“Belle went from being a lockdown puppy who I thought might not have what it takes to compete to a dog who could take on anything, including Crufts and national competitions.”

Belle built up her skills by regularly taking part in local rally shows as well as inter-regional competitions, taking home multiple red rosettes and 1st place finishes in her level. The transformation in her performance was undeniable.

But the impact wasn’t just limited to Belle’s competitive success. Emma’s older dogs, Alfie and Mable, also experienced a significant boost in their health and vitality after the switch to raw dog food.

“The difference in my older dogs is amazing. They look so young, their coats are glossy, and they’ve got more energy than they’ve had in years. I truly believe that once you switch your dogs to raw, you’ll never go back to processed food. You can see the benefits immediately—clearer eyes, shiny coats, and firm, non-smelly poops. It’s not just me saying it—I’ve seen it firsthand.”

Curious why a raw dog food diet makes such a difference?

Check out our Raw Dog Food for Beginners Guide to learn the how and why behind switching to a natural diet. Then, discover the ‘raw food effect’ with our Top 12 Benefits of Raw Feeding blog.

Emma, being a professional dog walker, spends a lot of time on the beach and in the field with her dogs, and she’s become highly attuned to the differences between dogs fed raw and those on processed kibble.

“You can really tell who feeds raw and who feeds processed food just by looking at their poo. Raw-fed dogs have firm, clean stools with no horrible smells. And the breath—gone are the days of smelly dog breath!” 

She laughs.

“And it’s not just the poo; it’s the whole health picture. I’ve even noticed that Alfie’s teeth, which used to be in terrible shape, are now gleaming white. He had seven teeth removed when he was younger, and now he’s got a full set of healthy teeth.”

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Why Emma swears by raw dog food

Emma’s journey with raw dog food isn’t just a story of success in the ring—it’s a reflection of the everyday health benefits that come from feeding your dog real, natural food.

“When I look at them now, they’re like a completely different set of dogs. They’ve got more energy, they’re happier, and they look so much younger. And I think the biggest change is their digestion. No more upset stomachs or food sensitivities, when you feed your dog raw dog food, you’re giving them real food, and they thrive on it.”

The switch to raw dog food also made a noticeable difference in their overall health.

“Alfie and Mable, being older dogs, have never looked better. Their coats are glossy, their teeth are better, and they’ve got more energy than they’ve had in years,” Emma explains. “I honestly can’t imagine going back to kibble. The benefits are just too great. I’m feeding less because raw food is so nutrient-dense, and they’re thriving.”

Alison Frost, Canine Nutritionist for ProDog Raw, explains why raw feeding can make such a big difference for dogs like Belle.

“Our raw food recipes are expertly formulated to support natural energy, healthy digestion, and overall vitality. When you feed a dog real, fresh ingredients—like meat, offal, ground bone, and vegetables—you’re giving them the kind of diet their bodies are naturally designed to thrive on. It has a powerful knock-on effect across their whole system. You’ll often see improvements in coat condition, energy levels, and digestion. What Emma has seen with Belle and her dogs is a perfect example of how raw feeding helps dogs perform at their best—both in sport and in everyday life.”

Making the switch to raw

Emma’s story is proof of what can happen when you make the switch to raw dog food. From improved energy levels and digestive health to enhanced performance in competitive sports, the transformation Belle experienced is inspiring and we’re so pleased she shared her story with us. A final word from Emma—

“If you’re thinking about switching to raw, just do it. Your dog will thank you for it. I’ve never seen them this healthy or this happy.”

Not sure what’s best for your dog’s diet?

Chat to our expert team—get FREE, personalised advice to help your dog thrive.

Raw dog food isn’t just about mealtimes—it’s about laying the nutritional foundation for long-term health and vitality. If you’re ready to see a real difference in your dog, just like Emma did with Belle, maybe now’s the time to make the switch?

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