Raw Feeding in Summer: Your Dog’s Kiwi Holiday Care & Safety Guide

Summer in New Zealand is made for beach days, BBQs, road trips, and long warm evenings - and for most of us, our dogs are right there in the middle of the holiday magic. With hotter temperatures and festive routines shifting, it’s the perfect time to make a few simple tweaks to keep your raw-fed dog cool, hydrated, and nourished all season long.

Here are our essential summer safety and raw-feeding tips to help your dog enjoy every moment by your side.

Keep Your Dog Cool the Natural Way

Dogs don’t sweat like we do - they regulate heat through panting, their paws, and the thin skin on their belly, nose, and ears.

A surprising myth: Saturating your dog in water can actually trap heat, working like a wet jacket and making it harder for them to cool down.

Here are smarter cooling options:

• Apply cold water or ice to the belly, paw pads, nose, and back of the neck.
• Provide shade and good airflow (especially during peak UV hours).
• Avoid walking on hot concrete or sand.
• Make frozen pupsicles from your raw rolls: freeze small portions inside silicone moulds.
• Offer frozen broth cubes or ice chips on very hot days.

Think of their fur like a built-in jacket - the thicker the coat, the easier they can overheat.

Smart Raw Feeding in Hot Weather

Adjust Portions Naturally

Just like us, many dogs eat a little less in the heat. If your dog is less hungry during the hottest months, that’s normal - just keep the routine consistent and monitor energy levels.

Raw Food Safety Matters More in Summer

Warm temperatures can spoil raw food quickly. Here’s how to keep meals fresh and safe:

• Prep smaller portions more often to avoid waste.
• Store open rolls correctly - our Roll Mate container keeps raw neat, sealed, and fresher for longer in the fridge.
• Never leave raw food out in the sun or warm rooms.
• Don’t feed raw outside during hot weather unless the bowl stays shaded.
• When in doubt, refrigerate or freeze.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Raw-fed dogs naturally consume more moisture than kibble-fed dogs - but summer heat still increases their water needs.

Easy hydration boosters:

• Add a splash of water to raw meals.
• Offer cold broth.
• Try frozen broth cubes.
• Include moisture-rich items like raw meaty bones (always supervise).
• Keep water bowls in multiple shaded spots.

Watch for dehydration signs: sticky gums, thick saliva, lethargy, or excessive panting.

Holiday Travel Made Raw-Feeding Easy

Whether you’re camping, bach-hopping, or road-tripping, raw feeding can still be simple:

• Pack meals into pre-portioned frozen containers.
• Keep food in a chilly bin with ice packs - raw can safely stay chilled for several hours.
• Take a towel or cooling mat for the car.
• If your dog stays with family or a pet sitter, leave:
  • a clear feeding guide
  • labelled portions
  • treats and bones
  • notes on any allergies
• Avoid feeding raw during dusty, sandy, or high-traffic outdoor situations - serve meals inside or on a mat.

Plan Ahead With Bulk Boxes

Summer and Christmas are the busiest courier periods of the year. Stocking up ensures:

• you won’t run out of food during holiday closures
• you can portion meals for travel in advance
• you’ll save time (and often money)
• your freezer is holiday-ready

Choose from:

• Bulk boxes of 1.8kg rolls
• Mixed rolls
• Bones and treats perfect for summer enrichment

Great time to shop your bulk raw dog food boxes before the Christmas rush.

Making Summer Better for your Best Mate

With a few simple changes, raw feeding in summer can be safe, easy, and full of benefits. From keeping meals fresh, to cooling your dog naturally, to planning ahead for holidays - these tips will help your dog stay cool and nourished during the summer months.

Dogs are part of the holiday magic. Nourish them naturally this summer.