How Raw Feeding Transformed the Health of Three Goldendoodles

• Barney – 6 years old
• Walter – 3 years old
• Arthur – 18 months old

Like many dog owners, Penny started feeding them kibble. Her previous dog had been kibble-fed, and it never occurred to her to do anything different. But soon the problems began.

• Barney developed severe tummy issues. He regurgitated undigested kibble, suffered regular diarrhoea and dog colitis, and endured repeated vet visits. Barney also developed a compulsive fly-snapping habit, constantly trying to catch flies. It was distressing to watch and left both him and Penny on edge. Desperate for a solution, Penny turned to a prescription diet. It helped a little, but it wasn’t the whole solution.
• Walter, the fussy eater, would pick at his food one day and gorge the next. He, too, developed colitis, ended up hospitalised, and refused the prescription food that Barney was eating.
• Arthur, the youngest, was also on kibble, but by now Penny had started to ask “what’s the best diet for Goldendoodles?” She needed a solution that would work for all three of her dogs.

Penny was finding herself at the vets once a month as the dogs struggled with various issues.

For Penny, the idea of switching to raw dog food was daunting at first. She had always relied on her vet’s advice and wasn’t sure if making such a change was the right step. But a conversation with Holistic Vet Dr Nick Thompson opened her eyes to a new approach. Nick encouraged her to explore raw feeding gradually, to take the journey one step at a time rather than all at once.

That reassurance gave Penny the confidence to act. She picked up the phone and called ProDog where she spoke with Canine Nutritionist Alison Frost. From that very first chat, Penny says she “never looked back.”

Arthur was the first of her dogs to try raw, starting with ProDog’s novel protein raw dog food range and other select proteins to ensure there were no reactions to anything. The results were immediate, Arthur thrived. Before long, it was clear that Arthur wouldn’t be the only one benefiting. Penny’s other dogs wanted in too.

The biggest surprise was Walter. Known for being the pickiest eater in the house, he had never shown much enthusiasm at mealtimes. But once he switched to raw, his attitude completely changed. For the first time, Penny watched him lick his bowl clean.

“Walter looked at me as if to say, you finally get it!” she laughs.

“Thank God for ProDog — it’s sorted us out and made us think. The dogs have taken us on the same journey.”
 

Since making the switch in August of last year, Penny has watched her Goldendoodles transform before her eyes. What once felt like a cycle of vet visits, upset stomachs, and worry has turned into calm, happy dogs who thrive on every level.

Digestive Health: The endless tummy troubles are gone. No more colitis flare-ups, regurgitation, or stressful hospital trips. Even anal gland issues, once a constant nuisance, have completely cleared up.

Coat & Skin: Their coats now shine, with golden fur between their pads instead of sore pink skin. The constant licking has stopped, and neighbours often stop Penny to comment on how healthy they look. In fact, one neighbour was so impressed she switched her own dog to ProDog.

Energy & Behaviour: The difference in temperament has been just as striking. Instead of restlessness, all three dogs are calmer, more content, and brimming with life in a balanced way.

Vet Visits: Gone are the days of monthly appointments. Now it’s only the occasional check-up — like when Barney ran into a tree! Even then the vet remarked on how healthy his coat was. Penny has even felt confident enough to cancel her Vats Healthcare Plan and has discovered a new independent vet who supports her holistic choices.

Overall Health: Their eyes sparkle, digestion is strong, and Penny can’t help but laugh as she describes their “amazing poos.”

Penny has also taken steps to support their health naturally: worm counts instead of routine treatments, stopping unnecessary boosters, instead using titre tests to check their immunity levels, and using ProDog Digest dog gut health supplement for additional support. Digest includes calming ingredients such as chamomile and slippery elm, digestive enzymes for dogs, and natural prebiotics which all help to maintain healthy digestion and a balanced gut microbiome.

The transformation didn’t stop with Barney, Walter, and Arthur. Penny says that learning about raw feeding also changed how she thought about her family’s diet.

“We cut out seed oils and processed foods. We all feel healthier and have more energy too.”

For Penny, the hardest part of her journey wasn’t the switch itself, but realising how much conventional advice had left her feeling uncertain.

“Vets always warned about salmonella, but they never looked at the real results in front of them. The difference in my dogs is obvious”, Penny explains.

Seeing the transformation first-hand has given her a new sense of confidence. Today, she feeds her dogs naturally without hesitation, and she’s proud to share her story in the hope that it encourages other owners to explore the benefits of raw feeding too.

When asked how she would sum up her experience with ProDog, Penny says:

If you’re facing constant vet visits, tummy troubles, fussy eating, or a coat that’s lost its shine, nutrition could be the missing piece.

Penny’s story is living proof: with the right food and the right support, even the toughest health challenges can turn into thriving, happy dogs. Switching to raw made all the difference for Barney, Walter, and Arthur. It could for your dog too.

Start your journey with our Beginners Guide to Raw Feeding. Or, if you’d prefer tailored advice, get FREE personalised feeding support from our expert nutritionist, Alison Frost.