Ronnie’s Raw Dog Food Health Reset

Still, nothing sticks. And you can’t help but wonder: “Is this just something I have to manage forever… or is there a real solution?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

That was Hannah’s reality with Ronnie, her Great Dane, until one decision changed everything. What started as a desperate attempt to get to the root of his health issues turned into a total transformation, and it began with a switch to raw dog food.

Ronnie’s life didn’t begin in comfort. At just five weeks old, he was discovered huddled in a horse stable, one of several undernourished pups left behind after a lockdown breeding boom that went bust. His mother was unwell and absent, the litter hadn’t had access to her milk in over a week, and their only food was a shared bowl of basic dry kibble.

“At just 2.5kg, Ronnie was heartbreakingly underweight, far below the 6.8–13kg a Great Dane pup should be. When I took him to the vet, they didn’t believe he was either a Great Dane or five weeks old.”

But Hannah knew the odds didn’t matter. Ronnie needed help, and she was ready to give it to him.

Hannah’s mum and auntie were a huge help and it was her mum who suggested putting Ronnie on a raw diet. From day one, he was given the best chance at recovery with a bespoke raw feeding plan, spread across six small meals a day to nourish his fragile frame, and later they added a good quality puppy milk.

Despite facing early-life challenges: intestinal worms, a urinary tract infection, and joint issues like knuckling, Ronnie responded well to his tailored raw diet.

He also found companionship in Hannah’s two kittens and learned doggy life skills from the confident, stable dogs in the wider family. For the first time, Ronnie had a safe, structured, loving environment.

As Ronnie grew, things seemed mostly stable, until the itching started.

What began as the occasional ear scratch quickly escalated. His ears became inflamed and yeasty. Scabs broke out on his head. His coat lost its shine. When winter hit and the central heating came on, things only got worse. By the end of 2024, Ronnie was not himself, miserable, infected, and clearly uncomfortable.

The vet prescribed antibiotics, helped briefly. But the symptoms kept coming back.

That’s when Hannah’s mum suggested something deeper might be going on: diet-driven yeast imbalance. This is when it was decided to put Ronnie on an elimination diet. They removed potential dietary triggers: carbohydrates, chicken, and beef, all of which are known to exacerbate yeast issues in sensitive dogs.

If your dog’s constantly scratching, yeast could be one of the culprits, but it’s not the only possibility. Check out our blog, How to Help an Itchy Dog to explore the most common causes and what you can do to support them.

In January 2025, Hannah made the switch to ProDog Raw’s Exotic Range—a series of zero-starch, novel protein raw dog food meals including less common options like venison, wild boar, and goose.

The results were undeniable.

By removing common irritants and fuelling Ronnie with unique proteins, Hannah finally found the formula that worked.

His diet is now supplemented with pre- and probiotics, and his ears are cleaned regularly to prevent flare-ups, but since the switch, they haven’t had to look back.

Ronnie is now the picture of health. At a strong 65kg, he lives for woodland walks, riverside adventures (paddling only, he’s not one for swimming!), and joining Hannah for runs and training sessions.

Hannah and Ronnie train once a month with an ex-police dog handler who still dabbles in scent work, agility-style activities, and track and trail. His confidence has grown, his coat gleams, and his immune system is back in balance.

“He’s gone from being uncomfortable in his own skin to absolutely thriving. It’s like he’s finally living the life he was meant to have.”

Feeding a raw diet to a dog the size of a Great Dane can feel daunting at first. But for Hannah, the value became clear fast.

“I was spending so much on vet visits, antibiotics, ear treatments, shampoos… not to mention the stress of seeing Ronnie uncomfortable all the time. Since switching to raw, I’ve barely needed the vet, and Ronnie’s transformation speaks for itself.”

Feeding nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate food pays off, not just financially, but in health, energy, and peace of mind.

If your dog’s battling mucky ears, itchy skin, constant licking or mystery scabs; it could be time to rethink what’s in their bowl.

Raw dog food might be the missing piece.

Want to know what raw feeding could do for your dog?

Start with our guide: Top 12 Health Benefits of Raw Feeding Your Dog. Or if you’re just starting out, Raw Dog Food for Beginners is the perfect place to begin.

Prefer to talk it through?

Get FREE tailored feeding advice from our expert nutritionist team—we’re here to help.

Ronnie’s story is proof: with the right diet, even the most chronic conditions can improve. He didn’t just survive—he flourished.